Aptamer Graphene FET Biosensor for Point-of-Care Pathogen Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods lack reliable, fast, inexpensive, and portable solutions for real-time detection of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 at the point of care, especially in global health and security contexts, where rapid and accurate identification of viral antigens and mutations is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A portable wireless electronic biosensor device using graphene field-effect transistors (FETs) with aptamers that specifically bind to viral antigens, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of viral RNA, DNA, or proteins in biological samples, allowing for early detection and monitoring of pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional diagnostic methods are used for pathogen detection, then detection capability is achieved, but the methods are not portable, fast, or inexpensive enough for point-of-care use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory diagnostic equipment with an electronic biosensor system based on field-effect transistors. The FET device detects pathogen binding events through electrical signal changes, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical equipment while maintaining detection capability and enabling portable point-of-care use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical or mechanical measurements to electrical field measurements. By monitoring changes in electrical field effects when pathogens bind to aptamers on the FET surface, the system achieves sensitive detection with simplified, portable equipment suitable for point-of-care applications.
2Measurement precision
If complex diagnostic equipment is used to achieve accurate pathogen detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical and optical diagnostic systems with a compact electronic biosensor based on field-effect transistors. The FET device provides accurate pathogen detection through electrical measurements, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates the detection function in a localized active area on the FET surface where aptamers are positioned. This localized functional region enables precise pathogen detection at a specific site, reducing the need for complex system-wide equipment while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
3Speed
If rapid pathogen detection is implemented, then response time is reduced, but detection sensitivity and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical or optical detection methods with rapid electrical field measurements using FETs. Electrical signals provide immediate response to pathogen binding events, enabling fast detection without sacrificing accuracy, as the electrical field responds instantly to molecular binding at the sensor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-positioned aptamers on the FET surface that are ready to immediately bind target pathogens upon sample introduction. This preliminary preparation of the sensing surface eliminates time-consuming sample processing steps while maintaining detection accuracy through specific aptamer-pathogen recognition.
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
The device provides rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity, enabling early detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, facilitating global health monitoring and security applications by providing immediate results and wireless data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
using field-effect transistors and aptamers to accurately detect a virus and its molecular components
Implementation Method 2
a detection chip, for example, a graphene field-effect transistor (FET) chip
Implementation Method 3
an aptamer, that specifically binds to a target the viral antigen, particle, RNA, DNA, or protein
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and devices for detecting the presence of a pathogen, for example, a virus (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), or its molecular components, in health care-related samples and/or environmental samples are disclosed. An example system for improving detection of a pathogen includes biosensor device comprising a detection chip and at least one probe that specifically recognizes a pathogen, where the detection chip comprises a graphene field-effect transistor (FET) chip and the probe, which comprises an aptamer, specifically binds to a DNA, RNA, or protein associated with the pathogen.