Aptamer Electrochemical Assay With Metal-Particle Quantification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lateral flow tests using antigen-antibody reactions are not suitable for quantitative analysis and face stability issues with antibodies, limiting their effectiveness in precise measurement.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical analysis kit utilizing aptamers, which are immobilized and labeled with metal particles, allows for quantitative analysis by measuring current generated through oxidation and reduction of metal particles using a pair of electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antigen-antibody reaction is used in lateral flow test, then qualitative analysis can be performed, but quantitative analysis capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual/optical detection system of traditional lateral flow tests with an electrochemical detection system. Metal particles (gold or silver) are used as labels instead of traditional colored particles, and their oxidation-reduction reactions are detected electrochemically at the electrode, enabling quantitative measurement while maintaining the simplicity of the lateral flow format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical color intensity to electrochemical current signal. By measuring the current generated during the oxidation-reduction cycles of metal particles, the system achieves quantitative analysis capability. The current magnitude is proportional to the amount of analyte bound, providing precise quantification.
2Reliability
If antibodies are used as binding agents, then specific binding to antigens is achieved, but stability problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the binding agent from protein-based antibodies to nucleic acid-based aptamers. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can be synthesized with high purity and consistency, providing superior batch-to-batch stability and long-term storage stability compared to antibodies, while maintaining high binding specificity through their three-dimensional structures.
3Measurement precision
If metal particles are used for labeling, then electrochemical detection is enabled, but additional instrumentation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single electrode structure. The electrode serves as both the capture surface for the immobolized conjugate and the detection element for electrochemical measurement. The metal particle labels provide both visual colorimetric detection (for qualitative assessment) and electrochemical signal (for quantitative measurement), making the system multi-functional without requiring separate detection devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and quantitative analysis of analytes with improved stability and sensitivity, avoiding complications of chemical treatments and requiring minimal instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
the metal particle can be oxidized by control of potential of the working electrode
Implementation Method 2
after the oxidation of the metal particle, the metal particle is reduced by control of potential of the working electrode, current generated by the reduction can be measured
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The electrochemical analysis kit includes an electrode section, an immobilized conjugate (2), and a labeled conjugate (4). The electrode section includes a pair of electrodes: a working electrode (11) and a counter electrode (12), the immobilized conjugate (2) specifically binding to an analyte (3), and is immobilized at a specific site in a state of being bound to the analyte (3), the labeled conjugate (4) also binding to the analyte (3), and is labeled with a metal particle (4a), when the sample contains the analyte (3), both conjugates (2, 4) bind to the analyte (3), causing the labeled conjugate (4) to be immobilized at a specific site, the specific site enables the metal particle (4a) to undergo oxidation, followed by reduction via potential control of the working electrode (11), resulting current is measured through the electrodes pair, and at least one of the conjugates (2, 4) is an aptamer.