Biosensor Electrode pH Modulation via Redox Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors face challenges in accurately and reliably controlling pH levels near electrode surfaces, which affects the sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular interactions, leading to increased complexity and cost in diagnostic assays due to issues like cross-reactivity and background signals.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to modulate pH or ionic concentration near electrode surfaces using electrochemically active agents, enzymes, and buffer inhibitors in a multisite array biosensor, allowing for precise control of biomolecular interactions by varying conditions at each test site independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional biosensors are used without pH modulation, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of biomolecular interactions are reduced due to cross-reactivity and background signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating pH levels near electrode surfaces to control biomolecular interactions. By changing the pH parameter dynamically, the system enhances detection precision while managing complexity through controlled environmental modification rather than structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrochemically active agents as intermediaries that facilitate pH modulation near electrode surfaces. These agents act as mediators between the electrode and the biomolecular system, enabling precise control of interactions without directly complicating the core detection mechanism
2Reliability
If pH modulation is implemented to control biomolecular interactions, then the reliability of detection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or chemical pH adjustment mechanisms with electrochemical modulation. By using electrical signals to control pH near electrode surfaces, the system achieves reliable and reproducible biomolecular interaction control without the complexity of mechanical pumps, valves, or chemical reservoirs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electrode serve multiple functions: it acts as both the detection element for biomolecular signals and the actuator for pH modulation. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating separate components while maintaining reliable control over biomolecular interactions
3Measurement precision
If multiple test sites with varying conditions are used, then the sensitivity and specificity of detection are improved, but the manufacturing precision and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating distinct pH microenvironments at different electrode sites within the same device. Each electrode can independently modulate pH to optimize specific biomolecular interactions, enabling high specificity without requiring separate standardized assays for each condition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple independent electrode sites, each capable of independent pH control. This segmentation allows parallel testing under different conditions, improving specificity while simplifying manufacturing by using identical modular electrode units
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 enhances the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of biomolecular interaction control, reducing diagnostic errors and assay development time by minimizing cross-reactivity and background signals, thereby improving the sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular detection.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to electrochemical reactions, in particular redox reactions, in a solution to modulate the pH of the solution using electric current
Implementation Method 2
A method is introduced to modulate pH or ionic concentration near electrode surfaces using electrochemically active agents
Implementation Method 3
METHODS FOR GENERATING pH/IONIC CONCENTRATION GRADIENT NEAR ELECTRODE SURFACES FOR MODULATING BIOMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS
Data Source
AI summary
Device and methods for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device and methods being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest by modulating the p H or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the p H of the biological buffers. Method for changing the pH of biological buffers using the electrochemically active agents. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provided in a biosensor, analytic methods for more accurately controlling and measuring the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor, and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample.