Miniaturized Carbon Electrode with Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biosensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical biosensors for detecting analytes in biological samples face challenges such as high costs, limited miniaturization, and insufficient sensitivity, particularly for detecting normo- and hypo-vitaminosis states.

Innovation Solution

A miniaturized, carbon-based electrode is developed, featuring gold- or silver-coated magnetic nanoparticles with free amine or carboxyl groups on their surface, which are adsorbed onto the electrode. These nanoparticles are conjugated with ligands capable of specifically binding to the analyte, enhancing sensitivity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If gold or glassy carbon electrodes are used to increase electrochemical signal and sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device cost increases and miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddevice cost and miniaturization

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses carbon-based composite materials (carbon ink containing conductive particles, binders, and solvents) to create screen-printed electrodes that combine the benefits of conductive materials with manufacturing ease. This composite approach enables miniaturization while maintaining detection sensitivity without requiring expensive gold or glassy carbon electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes that are inexpensive to manufacture and use. These single-use electrodes eliminate the need for expensive, reusable gold or glassy carbon electrodes, reducing overall device cost while maintaining adequate detection sensitivity for point-of-care applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If traditional electrodes are used to achieve good detection results, then measurement precision is improved, but device miniaturization and portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidelectrode size and portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode system into a miniaturized screen-printed format with separate working, reference, and counter electrodes printed on a small substrate. This segmentation enables the electrode assembly to be miniaturized for portable applications while maintaining functional detection accuracy through proper electrode geometry and spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes electrode parameters including ink composition, drying conditions, and electrode geometry to achieve reliable detection performance in a miniaturized format. By adjusting these parameters, the screen-printed electrodes maintain measurement precision comparable to traditional electrodes while enabling portable device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 electrode achieves improved sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, enabling reliable detection of analytes at lower concentrations, including those relevant for vitamin D monitoring, while allowing for miniaturization and portability.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic nanoparticles coated with gold or silver, comprising on the respective surface at least one free amine or carboxyl group, the nanoparticles being adsorbed on the surface of the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

at least one ligand capable of specifically binding to the analyte, the at least one ligand being conjugated to the nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLigand binding:

Implementation Method 3

The analyte that must be measured, which is not electroactive, reacts with the biological agent immobilized on the electrode, with the consequent production of an electroactive species which is discharged to the electrode with consequent detection of the current intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250044251A1Electrode for detecting analytes, relative biosensor and production method

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 BIOSENSING SRL

AI summary

An electrode for electrochemical detection of an analyte in a biological sample, wherein the electrode is a printed, miniaturized, carbon-based electrode and comprises (i) magnetic nanoparticles coated with gold or silver, comprising on the respective surface at least one free amine group or at least one free carboxyl group, the nanoparticles being adsorbed on the surface of the electrode, and (ii) at least one ligand capable of specifically binding to the analyte, the at least one ligand being conjugated to the nanoparticles.