Biosensor Electrode pH Modulation via Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biosensors face challenges in accurately and reliably controlling pH near electrode surfaces, which affects the sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular interactions, particularly due to complex biological solutions and interference from buffer components and nucleophiles, leading to variations in assay results and increased development time and cost.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a biosensor with a multisite array and electrochemically active agents, enzymes, or buffer inhibitors is used to modulate pH or ionic concentration near electrode surfaces, allowing for precise control of biomolecular interactions by varying conditions independently at each test site, using electrochemical reactions to produce ions or inhibit their interaction with buffering salts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrochemical reactions are used to modulate pH near electrode surfaces, then sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular interactions are improved, but reliability and reproducibility deteriorate due to variations in pH control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensitivity and specificityVSAvoidreproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where pH is continuously monitored near the electrode surface using a pH-sensitive electrode or optical sensor. The monitoring system provides real-time pH data to a controller that adjusts the electrochemical reaction parameters (voltage, current, or potential) to maintain the desired pH level. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for variations and ensures reproducible pH conditions across multiple assays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of electrochemical parameters (applied potential, current density, or reaction time) to modulate pH in real-time. By changing these parameters based on monitoring data, the system can precisely control pH levels to optimize biomolecular interactions while maintaining consistency across different test sites and experimental runs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple test sites with different conditions are used in a biosensor array, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidbiosensor array complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the biosensor into multiple independent test sites or micro-reactors, each capable of performing electrochemical pH modulation independently. Each test site contains miniaturized electrodes and can be controlled separately, allowing parallel testing under different pH conditions. This segmentation enables comprehensive diagnostic analysis while keeping each individual test site relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal control system that can manage multiple test sites through standardized interfaces and protocols. The same electrochemical principles and control mechanisms are applied across all test sites, allowing the system to handle diverse biomolecular interactions using a unified platform. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by reusing components and control logic across different test conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 development time, and improving the sensitivity and specificity of biomolecular assays.

Implementation Method 1

reacting the electrochemically active agent, the enzyme, the enzyme substrate, or a combination thereof in the aqueous solution to produce H+ ion or OH- ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

The invention also relates to the use of electrochemical reactions, in particular redox reactions, in a solution to modulate the pH of the solution using electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

oxidizing or reducing the electrochemically active agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

oxidizing or reducing the electrochemically active agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic reduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 5

inhibiting the interaction between H+ ions or OH' ions and buffering salts with the buffer inhibitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuffer inhibition:

Data Source

PatentEP3320339A1METHODS FOR GENERATING pH/IONIC CONCENTRATION GRADIENT NEAR ELECTRODE SURFACES FOR MODULATING BIOMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

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.