Electric Field Sensor for Molecular Interaction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular interaction detection methods face challenges in differentiating between specific and non-specific interactions, multiplexing, and measuring forces across multiple orders of magnitude, particularly in complex mixtures like biological fluids, due to limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sensor system using electrodes to apply electric fields, allowing for the disruption of non-covalent interactions between analytes and capture probes, enabling the differentiation of target and non-target analytes based on the force required to disrupt their bonds, and utilizing field confinement features to enhance electric field strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used to detect molecular interactions, then detection capability is provided, but the ability to differentiate between specific and non-specific interactions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic force spectroscopy by progressively increasing electric field strength to dynamically disrupt molecular bonds. This allows differentiation between specific and non-specific interactions based on their distinct binding energies, where specific interactions require higher forces to disrupt compared to non-specific interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of electric field strength systematically to disrupt molecular bonds at different levels. By varying the field strength parameter, the system can selectively disrupt non-specific interactions at lower field strengths while preserving specific interactions, enabling precise differentiation.
2Productivity
If conventional sensors are used for detecting analytes in complex mixtures, then detection is possible, but multiplexing capability and analysis of multiple analytes simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct force levels, where each level targets specific analytes based on their unique binding energies. This segmentation allows multiple analytes to be detected simultaneously by analyzing which interactions persist at each force threshold, enabling multiplexing without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If high sensitivity detection is implemented, then detection of weak interactions is possible, but false positive signals from non-specific interactions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using threshold-based force application. Instead of applying maximum force continuously, the system applies incremental force thresholds that are sufficient to disrupt non-specific interactions but insufficient to disrupt specific interactions, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining sensitivity for detecting true specific interactions.
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 approach allows for precise detection and measurement of molecular interactions across a wide range of forces, effectively distinguishing between specific and non-specific signals, and enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes in complex samples.
Implementation Method 1
providing a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes capable of applying an electric field to at least one surface that comprises a capture probe coupled thereto
Implementation Method 2
using a first set of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes to apply a first electric field that is sufficient to disrupt the second non-covalent interaction
Implementation Method 3
detecting a signal indicative of (1) a presence or absence of the target analyte, or (2) a disruption of the first non-covalent interaction
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for analyzing the presence of a target analyte. The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can be operated in a multiplexed format to perform various assays of clinical significance.