Biomodified Sensor for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic technologies for COVID-19, such as RT-PCR, are costly, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment and personnel, making them unsuitable for rapid and efficient detection at the point-of-care or in unstructured environments, highlighting the need for more efficient methods for detecting SARS-COV-2 at ultra-low concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A biomodified sensor integrated in an electrochemical cell with a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and interdigitated planar working electrodes on a flexible substrate, where the surface of carbon electrodes is modified with a ligation solution and antibodies that selectively bind to SARS-COV-2 structural proteins, enabling sensitive and selective detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RT-PCR is used for pathogen detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential detection function from complex RT-PCR systems by developing a dedicated electrochemical biosensor that directly detects SARS-CoV-2 antigens or antibodies, eliminating the need for RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and amplification steps while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical and chemical amplification system of RT-PCR with an electrochemical detection system that measures electrical signals (current, impedance, or potential) generated by antigen-antibody interactions on the sensor surface, enabling rapid detection without time-consuming amplification cycles
2Measurement precision
If RT-PCR is used for pathogen detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the core detection capability from complex RT-PCR equipment by creating a standalone electrochemical biosensor that integrates the recognition element (antibodies/antigens) and transducer (electrode) into a single device, eliminating the need for thermal cyclers, centrifuges, and other specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical biosensor platform is designed to be universally applicable for detecting various pathogens by simply changing the recognition elements (antibodies or antigens) on the sensor surface, while using the same electrochemical detection hardware, thereby reducing the need for pathogen-specific specialized equipment
3Ease of operation
If conventional biosensors are used for pathogen detection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision at ultra-low concentrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a highly specialized recognition layer on the electrochemical sensor surface with locally optimized properties (specific antibody orientation, high local concentration, appropriate spacing) that maximizes binding efficiency and signal generation, enabling ultra-sensitive detection while maintaining simple operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves ultra-low detection limits by optimizing key parameters including the electrochemical signal amplification mechanism, the density and orientation of antibodies on the electrode surface, and the electrical measurement parameters (frequency, amplitude, potential), thereby enhancing sensitivity without complicating the overall device operation
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 biomodified sensor allows for rapid and efficient detection of SARS-COV-2 at ultra-low concentrations, reducing processing costs and enabling point-of-care diagnostics, with a limit of detection below 1 fg/ml, facilitating early identification and prevention of infections.
Implementation Method 1
depositing on the modified surface a ligation solution and incubating thereon one or more types of antibodies which selectively bind to one or more types of structural proteins of a pathogen
Implementation Method 2
antibodies which selectively bind to one or more types of structural proteins of a pathogen
Implementation Method 3
integrated in an electrochemical cell comprising a reference electrode, a counter electrode and one or more planar working electrodes interdigitated on a flexible substrate for selective detection of pathogens at ultra-low concentrations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a method for producing a biomodified sensor for pathogen diagnosis, integrated in an electrochemical cell of three planar interdigitated electrodes (working, reference, and counter) on a flexible substrate for pathogen diagnosis; by modification of the surface of one or more working electrodes with a ligation solution and one or more types of antibodies that selectively bind to one or more types of structural proteins of a pathogen. The invention also refers to electrodes prepared by this method and their applications for pathogen detection. The method of the present invention allows for optimization of the times and conditions known in the art to modify electrodes for detecting biological molecules.