Dual Biosensor Strip Method for Analyte Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyte detection methods in physiological samples face challenges such as large and complex devices, limited detection ranges, and interference from heterogeneous samples like urine or blood, which hinder accurate determination, especially at low analyte concentrations and in real-world applications.

Innovation Solution

An enzymatic electrochemical method using dual biosensor strips with differential current intensity measurements, where one strip contains an enzyme and mediator, and the other includes a cofactor, allowing for calibration and interference subtraction, enabling accurate quantification of analytes in biological fluids without pre-treatment, using a synthetic biological fluid for calibration and amperometric electrochemical techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrochemical sensors are used to detect analytes in physiological samples, then analyte detection capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity and size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate biosensor strips (complete strip and blank strip) instead of using a single complex sensor. Each strip is simple in structure but together they enable interference-free detection. The segmentation allows the system to separate the measurement function into distinct components that can be processed independently and then combined through subtraction to eliminate matrix effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If conventional electrochemical sensors are used, then detection capability is improved, but measurement time increases due to sample pre-treatment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsample pre-treatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-strip system performs self-correction by using the blank strip to automatically measure and quantify the matrix interference, which is then subtracted from the complete strip signal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pre-treatment steps such as filtration, centrifugation, or dilution, allowing direct measurement of crude biological samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If single biosensor strip is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to sample matrix interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blank strip acts as an intermediary measurement tool that specifically quantifies the matrix interference without detecting the analyte. By introducing this intermediary component, the system can separate and eliminate the harmful interference effect, allowing the complete strip to provide accurate analyte measurements even in complex biological matrices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If conventional sensors are used for low analyte concentrations, then detection sensitivity is improved, but interference from heterogeneous samples increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidinterference from heterogeneous samples
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful matrix interference into a useful measurement by using the blank strip to quantify it. What was previously a source of error (matrix effects) becomes a measurable parameter that can be subtracted, transforming the interference from a harmful factor into a beneficial component of the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method provides accurate and reliable analyte quantification across a wide range of concentrations, minimizing sample matrix interference and simplifying device handling, with improved accuracy compared to single-strip systems, especially at low analyte levels.

Implementation Method 1

based on the differential measurement of current intensities provided by two biosensor strips containing enzymes and mediators involved in a redox reaction of the analyte to be determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

biosensor strip A (usually referred to as blank) modified with an enzyme and a mediator, and a biosensor strip B (referred to as complete) which contains a cofactor in addition to the enzyme and the mediator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

The measurement method is based on the amperometric electrochemical technique, where a constant potential is applied during a specific time and the current produced by the electrochemical reaction in the cell at that time is recorded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmperometric electrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP3588073B1Enzymatic electrochemical method for the quantification of analytes in biological fluid samples
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 BIOLAN HEALTH SL
  • EP3588073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3588073B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3588073B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to an enzymatic electrochemical method for the quantification of analytes in isolated samples of biological fluids, based on a dual biosensor strip electrochemical system. The sample is analysed in parallel using two different biosensor test strips (blank and complete) and the results obtained with both strips are subtracted, thus eliminating the effect of interferences and isolating the signal corresponding only to the analyte determination.