Cobalt-Electrode Phosphate Sensor for Protein-Resistant Blood Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical sensors using cobalt electrodes for phosphate detection in human blood, serum, and plasma are hindered by protein adsorption, requiring complex electrodes or nanostructures, and are not suitable for undiluted samples.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using electrodes made of cobalt, nickel, tungsten, or iron alloys that measure phosphate concentration by direct redox reaction, allowing for undiluted samples and employing amperometry or voltammetry techniques to determine phosphate levels through current or voltage measurements, with pH adjustment to reduce protein interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cobalt electrodes are used for phosphate detection in human blood, then the sensor can detect phosphate concentration, but protein adsorption on the electrode surface hinders phosphate ion interaction and prevents oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as a surfactant or protein denaturant) that interferes with the adsorption of blood proteins on the electrode surface. This intermediary prevents protein molecules from blocking the cobalt electrode surface, thereby allowing phosphate ions to access and interact with the electrode for oxidation while maintaining detection accuracy and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If complex electrodes with nanostructures are used to overcome protein adsorption, then phosphate detection in blood becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic protein adsorption layer from the electrode surface through chemical treatment or physical modification. Instead of building complex nanostructures to prevent adsorption, the method simplifies the electrode by removing the interfering protein layer, thereby maintaining detection capability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrode surface properties by changing parameters such as surface charge, hydrophobicity, or chemical composition. These parameter changes prevent protein adsorption without requiring complex nanostructures, allowing simple cobalt electrodes to function effectively in blood samples while maintaining measurement precision and reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If enzymes or intermediate agents are used to detect phosphate, then detection sensitivity improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the cobalt electrode itself to perform the detection function through direct oxidation of phosphate ions. The electrode serves both as the sensing element and the reaction catalyst, eliminating the need for separate enzymes or intermediate agents. This self-service approach maintains detection sensitivity while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
4Measurement precision
If traditional colorimetry or enzymatic assays are used for phosphate measurement, then detection is possible, but the test time increases and results are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or chemical assay methods (colorimetry, enzymatic reactions) with direct electrochemical detection. The cobalt electrode performs rapid oxidation of phosphate ions with immediate electrical signal generation, eliminating the need for time-consuming color development or enzymatic reaction steps, thereby providing fast results without sacrificing measurement precision.
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 method provides fast, reliable, and inexpensive phosphate detection in human blood, serum, and plasma samples, avoiding enzymes and complex structures, with a linear correlation between redox current and concentration, suitable for normal human ranges.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the first electrode is further configured to generate a current associated to a direct redox reaction between said at least part of the first electrode and the provided isolated blood, serum and/or plasma sample
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a phosphate sensor and a method thereof for determining the presence and/or concentration of phosphate in an isolated blood, serum and/or plasma sample by measuring the current or the voltage between a first and a second electrode, wherein at least part of the first electrode comprises a metal from the list consisting of cobalt, nickel, tungsten, iron or any of their alloys, preferably comprises cobalt.