Biosensor pH Control via Electrochemical Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors face challenges in accurately and reliably controlling pH levels in biological solutions due to the presence of buffer components, strong nucleophiles, and interfering electrochemically active components, which affects the sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular interactions, leading to increased complexity and cost in diagnostic assays.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for modulating 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
1Reliability
If conventional pH control methods are used in biological solutions, then pH levels can be maintained, but buffer components, strong nucleophiles, and interfering electrochemically active components reduce sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the biosensor into multiple independent test sites, each capable of independent pH modulation through electrochemical reactions. This segmentation allows different pH conditions to be applied at different sites, enabling precise control of biomolecular interactions while isolating interfering effects to specific locations rather than affecting the entire solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local pH control at electrode surfaces through electrochemically active agents that generate H+ or OH- ions specifically at the electrode interface. This creates localized pH gradients that modulate biomolecular interactions only in the immediate vicinity of the electrode, leaving the bulk solution pH unchanged and avoiding interference from buffer components throughout the entire solution.
2Measurement precision
If multiple test sites with independent pH control are implemented, then sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular detection are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal electrochemical components that can function across multiple test sites. The same electrochemically active agents, enzymes, and buffer inhibitors are used throughout the array, allowing a single set of components to provide pH control functionality at multiple locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for site-specific customization and simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls pH at multiple test sites by varying parameters such as the type of electrochemically active agent, enzyme, or buffer inhibitor present at each site, rather than creating physically distinct control mechanisms. This parameter-based differentiation allows complex multi-site functionality to be achieved through chemical composition variations rather than structural complexity.
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 manufacturing costs by minimizing cross-reactivity and background signals, thereby improving the sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular detection assays.
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 and device for modulating pH or ionic concentration near electrode surfaces using electrochemically active agents, enzymes, and buffer inhibitors
Implementation Method 3
The invention relates to the use of electrochemical reactions, in particular redox reactions, in a solution to modulate the pH of the solution using electric current
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 pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the pH 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.