Electrochemical Interface for Molecular Circuit Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic biology approaches rely on cell-based systems that are complex and limited in their ability to detect multiple signals simultaneously, particularly outside laboratory settings, due to the need for optical reporter proteins which provide only one to three signals per reaction, and there is a need for a molecular circuit-to-electrode interface to convert biological signals into electrochemical outputs for more versatile diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A molecular circuit-based detection system that utilizes upstream molecular circuits activated by target molecules to produce reporter molecules, which bind to capture molecules on an electrode, generating detectable electrochemical signals, and includes RNA toehold switch-based sensors and redox active reporter molecules for multiplexed signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical reporter proteins are used for detection, then the system can provide reporter signals, but the signal multiplexing capacity is limited to one to three signals per reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical reporter proteins with an electrochemical detection system using redox-active molecules (such as methylene blue) that generate electrical signals instead of optical signals. This substitution enables multiplexed detection through electrochemical readouts, overcoming the limitation of optical systems that can only provide 1-3 signals per reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal electrochemical interface that can detect multiple target molecules simultaneously by using different redox-active reporter molecules or different capture probes on the electrode surface. This multi-functional approach allows a single detection platform to handle multiple analytes, significantly increasing signal multiplexing capacity beyond what optical systems can achieve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cell-based synthetic biology systems are used, then biological functions can be engineered, but the systems are complex and limited for use outside laboratory settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential biological sensing and reporting functions from living cells, creating a cell-free synthetic biology system. By removing the cellular machinery and keeping only the necessary molecular circuits, enzymes, and reporters, the system becomes simpler, more stable, and suitable for field applications while retaining the ability to perform engineered biological functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrochemical interface as an intermediary between the biological molecular circuits and the detection system. This interface translates biological molecular events into electrochemical signals that can be easily measured and processed, bridging the gap between complex biological systems and practical application requirements.
3Productivity
If a molecular circuit-to-electrode interface is created, then electrochemical output signals can be generated, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the molecular circuit output with the electrochemical detection interface by directly coupling redox-active reporter molecules to the electrode surface through capture probes. This integration eliminates intermediate steps and creates a streamlined interface that converts biological signals to electrochemical outputs efficiently, improving detection productivity while managing interface complexity through direct coupling.
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
Enables the detection of multiple target molecules with increased signal multiplexing capacity and portability, allowing for electrochemical signaling that can be used in various applications beyond laboratory settings, such as diagnostics and biomanufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the reporter molecule specifically binds to the capture molecule bound to the electrode to produce or reduce a detectable electrochemical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present description pertains to a detection system and methods of using same comprising an upstream molecular circuitry system that is activated in the presence of a target molecule to produce a reporter molecule and a capture molecule bound to an electrode wherein the reporter molecule specifically binds to the capture molecule bound to the electrode to produce or reduce a detectable electrochemical signal.