Supramolecular Dimer Complex for Aqueous Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supramolecular sensors face challenges in accurately detecting analytes in complex aqueous biological media and are inefficient in their synthesis, often requiring individual synthesis of singular sensors.
Innovation Solution
Development of compounds and dimer complexes that self-assemble into sensors capable of detecting analytes in aqueous solutions, including biological media, with a method for rapid and efficient synthesis using parallel synthesis techniques, allowing for the creation of sensor arrays that can identify multiple analytes simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional supramolecular sensors are used, then detection in organic solvents is achieved, but detection in complex aqueous biological media is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the sensor molecules by incorporating hydrophilic groups (sulfonate, carboxylate) and adjusting molecular structure to enable effective operation in aqueous biological media while maintaining detection capability, thus resolving the contradiction between media adaptability and detection reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If individual sensors are synthesized separately, then sensor specificity is maintained, but synthesis efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor synthesis pathways into a single parallel synthesis platform where different sensor variants are synthesized simultaneously using common reagents and conditions, significantly improving both manufacturing ease and productivity while maintaining the ability to produce sensor arrays for detecting multiple analytes
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor arrays are created for multiple analyte detection, then analyte identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensor molecules with universal structural features (calix[4]arene core with variable upper rim substituents) that allow a single platform to detect multiple analyte classes (nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids) through systematic variation of recognition groups, achieving multi-analyte capability without proportionally increasing device 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
The sensors effectively detect analytes at low micromolar concentrations in water and saliva, distinguishing between different drug classes with high accuracy, even in the presence of high salt concentrations and biological components, and can operate in various biological fluids.
Implementation Method 1
the compound can self-assemble in water, aqueous-based solutions and/or organic solutions, to provide a dimer complex
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a compound that can be used as a supramolecular sensor for determining the presence of analytes (e.g., illicit drugs), and for identifying and/or quantifying the analytes. Also disclosed herein is a parallel synthesis method for making compound embodiments, as well as method embodiments for using the compound embodiments. Array embodiments comprising one or more compound embodiments disclosed herein also are described.