Biosensor Using sp2 Carbon Atoms for Ecotoxicity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assessing ecotoxicological risks in environments are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and do not account for the cocktail effect of multiple substances, leading to underestimated toxicities and lack of real-time, automated monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor utilizing sets of carbon atoms in sp2 hybridization state, functionalized with specific compounds and antibodies, allowing for in-situ, real-time detection of ecotoxic effects by immobilizing bacteria and assessing their viability in aqueous media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional laboratory tests are used to assess ecotoxicological risks, then the assessment can be carried out on known substances in isolation, but the cocktail effect of multiple substances cannot be detected and the results are time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of ecotoxic effectsVSAvoidtime required for assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/biological laboratory test systems with an optical detection system based on luminescent bacteria and photodetectors. The biosensor converts biological responses (bacterial luminescence) directly into electrical signals for automated analysis, eliminating time-consuming manual laboratory procedures while maintaining detection accuracy for ecotoxic effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The biosensor enables automated self-assessment of ecotoxicity by integrating luminescent bacteria, optical guides, and photodetectors into a single device that automatically detects and quantifies toxic effects without requiring external laboratory analysis. The system performs measurement, data processing, and result generation autonomously, dramatically reducing both time and labor requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If biomonitoring tools using gammarid populations are used for in-situ detection, then ecotoxic effects can be detected in natural environments, but the process requires excessive time for rearing, selection, installation, recovery and analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capability in natural environmentsVSAvoidspeed of result acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from complex multi-step biomonitoring procedures involving gammarid rearing and laboratory analysis. By isolating the essential detection mechanism (luminescence response to toxicity) and implementing it in a simplified biosensor format, the system achieves reliable in-situ detection while eliminating time-consuming intermediate steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The biosensor performs preliminary detection directly in the natural environment without requiring subsequent laboratory recovery and analysis steps. The integrated system captures, processes, and reports results on-site, eliminating the need for later laboratory work and dramatically accelerating the overall assessment timeline

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If laboratory tests on isolated substances are conducted, then individual toxicities can be measured, but the interactions between multiple substances in mixtures cannot be assessed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoxicity measurement accuracyVSAvoidability to detect cocktail effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The biosensor is designed with universal applicability to detect ecotoxic effects from any mixture of substances in natural environments. The luminescent bacteria respond to combined toxic effects regardless of the specific substances present, enabling the system to assess cocktail effects across diverse chemical mixtures while maintaining measurement precision through optical detection

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

Enables rapid, automated, and miniaturized assessment of ecotoxicological risks in natural and industrial environments, providing immediate results on substance toxicity and pollution levels, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

the aromatic hydrocarbons (R) of the compounds of the formulae (I) and (II) form Pi-stacking bonds with the set of carbon atoms in the sp2 hybridisation state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPi-stacking bonds:

Data Source

PatentUS20240011069A1Biosensor comprising a plurality of functionalized sets of carbon atoms in the sp2 hybridisation state, preparation method thereof and use thereof, in particular for the detection of ecotoxicological risks

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

The present invention relates to a biosensor comprising a plurality of functionalized sets of carbon atoms in the sp2 hybridisation state, its method of preparation and its use, in particular for the detection of ecotoxicological risks, in particular the determination of the toxicity of substances present in an aqueous medium, as well as to the corresponding determination method.