Reversible Biochip Surface via Non-Covalent Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biochip technologies are inefficient for high-throughput applications due to the laborious process of preparing new biochips for each target and the need for extreme conditions to detach immobilized ligands, which can lead to denaturation and reduced binding strength.
Innovation Solution
A method involving reversible immobilization of molecules using specific non-covalent bonds, allowing for the detachment and re-use of bioactive surfaces by breaking these bonds with buffer solutions, enabling repeated use and high-throughput capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If covalent bonding is used to immobilize targets on the biochip surface, then the binding strength and stability are improved, but the ability to detach and reuse the biochip is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the immobilization system into two distinct bonding stages: covalent bonding for initial target attachment to the chip surface, and non-covalent bonding for subsequent ligand attachment to targets. This segmentation allows selective detachment of ligands via buffer treatment while preserving the covalently bonded targets, enabling chip reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits parameter changes in buffer conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature) to modulate non-covalent bond strength. By adjusting these parameters, ligands can be selectively detached from targets without affecting the covalent bonds anchoring targets to the chip, thus enabling controlled release and reuse.
2Productivity
If extreme conditions are applied to detach immobilized ligands, then the detachment efficiency is improved, but the bioactive surface integrity is worsened due to denaturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffer solutions as intermediaries to mediate the detachment process. These buffers create favorable conditions for breaking non-covalent bonds through pH adjustment or ionic strength modification, enabling gentle detachment that preserves target molecule integrity unlike extreme physical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes in buffer solutions (pH, ionic strength, temperature) to selectively break non-covalent bonds holding ligands to targets. This approach achieves efficient detachment while maintaining target molecule structure and function, avoiding denaturation caused by extreme conditions.
3Measurement precision
If new biochips are prepared for each target examination, then the measurement accuracy is maintained, but the time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recover and reuse strategy where the biochip surface with covalently bonded targets is recovered after ligand detachment. The same chip can undergo multiple cycles of ligand immobilization and detachment, eliminating the need to prepare new chips for each target while maintaining detection accuracy through consistent target presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the biochip universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions across different experiments. A single chip with immobilized targets can be reused for examining multiple different ligands through repeated cycles of non-covalent bonding and buffer-based detachment, significantly reducing preparation time and labor.
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 method allows for efficient and gentle detachment of molecular layers, maintaining the bioactive surface's binding properties and enabling multiple cycles of loading and unloading without substantial interruptions, suitable for high-throughput applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one second molecule is bonded to the at least one first molecule by a specific non-covalent bond
Implementation Method 2
the at least one specific non-covalent bond is broken again by supplying a buffer solution
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and arrangement for detecting binding events of molecules, at least one second molecule covalently bound to a ligand, and optionally bonded to a third molecule bound to a ligand, forms a specific non-covalent fond with a first molecule immobilised on a bioactive surface by a covalent bond, and binding events between an analyte molecule and the second-molecule bound ligand are detected by an analytical measuring method, wherein the specific non-covalent bond between the first and second molecules is breakable by supplying a buffer solution, and, hence, a specific ligand, or two, different specific ligands are made available on the bioactive surface in an easily reversible manner.