Electrochemical Aptamer Sensing for Rapid Pathogen Detection

The patent extracts and utilizes specific functional groups (catechol, carboxyl, amino, hydroxyl) that are naturally present on pathogenic organism surfaces, eliminating the need for complex DNA extraction or antibody preparation steps. This extraction of key identifying features enables simple electrochemical detection while maintaining high detection sensitivity.

The patent replaces complex biological detection systems (DNA amplification, antibody-antigen reactions) with a straightforward electrochemical sensing system. The functional groups on the electrode surface directly interact with pathogenic organisms through electrochemical reactions, substituting mechanical and biological complexity with electrical measurement simplicity.

The patent replaces subjective visual observation with objective electrochemical measurement. The electrode generates electrical signals that directly indicate pathogen presence, eliminating human interpretation variability while maintaining simple field operation. The measurement is automatically quantified through electrochemical current or potential readings.

The patent utilizes electrochemical signal changes (analogous to color changes in other detection methods) to indicate pathogen presence. The electrochemical response provides a clear, objective signal that is easy to detect and interpret in the field, combining operational simplicity with measurement precision.

The patent extracts only the essential electrochemical interaction between functional groups and pathogenic organisms, eliminating time-consuming intermediate steps such as DNA amplification, purification, or antibody incubation. This direct interaction enables rapid detection while maintaining sensitivity through the specificity of functional group binding.

The pathogenic organisms themselves provide the detection signal through their inherent functional groups on the surface. No external labeling, tagging, or complex preparation is needed—the organisms naturally exhibit electrochemical activity that can be directly measured, enabling rapid detection without sacrificing sensitivity.

The patent employs a simple electrochemical electrode that can be manufactured at low cost using common materials. The electrode surface is modified with functional groups that provide selective binding, replacing expensive antibodies or enzymes. The system achieves high sensitivity through the specificity of electrochemical interactions rather than through costly biomaterials.

The patent substitutes expensive biological recognition elements (antibodies, enzymes, DNA probes) with electrochemical sensing mechanisms. The functional groups on the electrode surface provide specific recognition of pathogenic organisms through electrochemical reactions, achieving the same detection precision at a fraction of the material cost.