Aptamer Sensor Reference Voltage Control With Redox Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical aptamer sensors face challenges in maintaining stable and repeatable reference potential measurements due to drift, which affects the accuracy of analyte concentration determination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensing device with a detection circuit that applies a first scan to determine the position of a redox peak, adjusts the scan range to match the peak, and measures the electron transfer rate at a peak voltage, using a plurality of electrodes including a working, counter, and optionally a reference electrode, to stabilize the measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed scan range is used in electrochemical aptamer sensors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to voltage drift causing the redox peak to shift from the expected position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary first scan to determine the actual position of the redox peak before the main measurement. This preliminary action identifies the shifted peak position caused by voltage drift, allowing subsequent scans to be accurately centered on the peak regardless of drift conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The scan range is made dynamic rather than fixed. The detection circuit automatically adjusts the scan range based on the redox peak position identified in the first scan, allowing the measurement system to adapt to voltage drift conditions and maintain measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the scan range is automatically adjusted based on redox peak position, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection circuit functions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it conducts the initial scan to identify peak position, determines the actual redox peak location, calculates the appropriate scan range, and executes subsequent measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first scan results to automatically adjust the scan range for subsequent measurements. The detection circuit continuously monitors the redox peak position and modifies the scan parameters accordingly, creating a self-correcting measurement system that compensates for voltage drift.
3Reliability
If multiple scans are performed to correct for voltage drift, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a limited number of scans (at least one initial scan plus subsequent adjusted scans) rather than continuous scanning. This partial action approach provides sufficient correction for voltage drift while avoiding excessive measurement time, striking a balance between reliability and efficiency.
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
This approach allows for accurate and stable measurement of analyte concentration by correcting for voltage drift, enhancing the reliability and precision of electrochemical aptamer sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The aptamer has an attached redox active molecule (redox couple) which can transfer electrical charge to or from the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for measuring an analyte. A sensing device includes a sensor and a detection circuit operatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor includes a working electrode having an aptamer and an attached redox couple to electrochemically measure the analyte. The detection circuit is configured to apply a first scan having a first scan range to the sensor, and determine a position of a redox peak in the first scan. In response to the first scan range not matching the position of the redox peak, the detector circuit defines a second scan range that matches the position of the redox peak, and applies a second scan having the second scan range to the sensor.