Electrochemical Polyelectrolyte Coating for Biomolecule Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatography methods for purifying biological pharmaceuticals are costly, time-consuming, and require harsh chemicals that can damage the product, while lacking efficiency in eluting biomolecules without structural disruption, especially for large assemblies like viral vectors.
Innovation Solution
A device with a polyelectrolytic coating on a working electrode that switches between states using a potential difference to capture and release analytes, such as proteins and viral vectors, without the need for chemical elution, allowing for scalable and repeatable separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chromatography methods are used to purify biological pharmaceuticals, then separation and purification can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical-based chromatography system with an electrochemical system. Instead of using chemical gradients and solid supports for separation, the invention uses electrochemical reactions at a working electrode to selectively bind and elute target molecules, substituting chemical mechanisms with electrochemical ones to reduce cost and time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from chemical composition (pH, salt concentration, buffer composition) to electrical parameters (potential, current). By controlling the electrochemical potential applied to the working electrode, the system achieves selective binding and release of analytes, replacing complex chemical parameter optimization with simpler electrical parameter control
2Manufacturing precision
If affinity chromatography is used to achieve high purity separation, then the target molecule can be effectively separated, but the cost of chromatography resin increases production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a working electrode with a polyelectrolytic coating that can be regenerated through electrochemical means. Instead of discarding expensive affinity resin after single use, the electrode coating is restored to its binding state by applying electrochemical potential, enabling repeated use of the same separation medium and significantly reducing material costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers the binding capacity of the working electrode through electrochemical regeneration. After the polyelectrolytic coating binds the target molecule, electrochemical potential changes release the analyte and restore the coating's binding sites, allowing the same electrode to be reused multiple times without losing separation performance
3Ease of operation
If chemical additives are used for elution in chromatography, then the bound material can be released, but the product may be damaged or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical elution with electrochemical elution. Instead of using harsh chemicals like high salt concentrations, pH extremes, or organic solvents to disrupt binding, the system uses controlled electrochemical potential changes at the working electrode to release the bound analyte, eliminating chemical contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The polyelectrolytic coating on the working electrode acts as an intermediary that mediates both binding and release through electrochemical potential changes. The coating responds to applied potential by changing its charge state, enabling reversible binding and release of analytes without direct contact with harsh elution chemicals
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple chromatography steps are performed to achieve satisfactory purity, then the end-product purity requirement can be met, but the production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chromatography functions into a single electrochemical separation step. The working electrode with polyelectrolytic coating performs both capture and selective release of target molecules in one operational cycle, eliminating the need for sequential chromatography steps and significantly reducing overall process time
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 device achieves high purity and yield with reduced environmental impact, eliminating the need for chemical additives and enabling fast, scalable, and repeatable separation of biomolecules, including large assemblies, while preserving their structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the polyelectrolytic coating being arranged to upon application of a potential difference between the working electrode and the counter electrode switch between a first and second state, wherein in the first state an analyte is captured in the polyelectrolytic coating and in the second state a captured analyte is released from the polyelectrolytic coating
Implementation Method 2
application of a potential difference between the working electrode and the counter electrode switch between a first and second state
Data Source
AI summary
A device (100, 100′, 100″) for separating an analyte (200) from other components in an electrolytic solution. The device comprises a housing (114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119) provided with a solution inlet (104) and a solution outlet (105); a working electrode (101) arranged in the housing such that an electrolytic solution arranged to flow (F) from the inlet to the outlet contacts at least a portion of the working electrode; a counter electrode (102) arranged in the housing (114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119). At least a portion of a surface of the working electrode (101) is provided with a polyelectrolytic coating (111), the polyelectrolytic coating (111) being arranged to upon application of a potential difference between the working electrode (101) and the counter electrode (102) switch between a first and second state, wherein in the first state an analyte (200) is captured in the polyelectrolytic coating (111) and in the second state a captured analyte (200) is released from the polyelectrolytic coating (111).