Electrochemical Sensor for Haemoglobin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting haemoglobin, glycated haemoglobin, methaemoglobin, and myoglobin in blood samples are either complex, costly, or unsuitable for low-cost point-of-care devices, particularly due to the difficulty in directly communicating these bioanalytes with electrode surfaces, and often require stringent storage conditions and electron mediators.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemically active device with a receptor and lysing agent is used to convert non-electrochemically active haemoglobin bioanalytes into electrochemically active forms, allowing for accurate detection and quantitative measurement through redox current analysis in reduced blood samples volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used for detecting haemoglobin and its complexes, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex conventional systems by using a simple electrochemical sensor that directly measures haemoglobin without requiring complex separation or multiple detection techniques. The invention isolates the key measurement principle (electrochemical activity of haemoglobin) and implements it in a standalone device, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical detection systems with an electrochemical sensing mechanism. Instead of using complex instrumentation for separation and detection, the invention uses electrochemical reactions at a sensor electrode to directly measure haemoglobin concentration, simplifying the overall system while preserving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used, then reliable measurement can be achieved, but storage conditions become stringent and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sensor design where the electrochemical sensor is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for stringent storage conditions and complex maintenance, as each new sensor unit is pre-prepared and ready for use. The disposable nature ensures reliability while removing the burden of strict storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is pre-prepared with all necessary reagents and functional components during manufacturing. The electrochemical active layer is pre-formed and the sensor is calibrated before use, eliminating the need for complex on-site preparation or stringent storage conditions. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable measurement while simplifying logistics and storage.
3Device complexity
If direct electrochemical detection is attempted, then device simplicity increases, but haemoglobin must be converted to electrochemically active form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conversion function and detection function into a single integrated sensor unit. The electrochemical active layer on the sensor electrode performs both the conversion of haemoglobin to its electrochemically active form and the subsequent detection in one step. This merging eliminates separate conversion steps and simplifies the overall process while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electrochemical mediator or catalytic layer on the sensor electrode that facilitates the conversion of haemoglobin to its electrochemically active form. This intermediary layer enables the direct electrochemical detection by mediating the electron transfer reaction, simplifying the device while ensuring efficient conversion and detection.
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 accurate and quantitative measurement of haemoglobin, glycated haemoglobin, methaemoglobin, and myoglobin in reduced blood sample volumes, providing a cost-effective, portable, and user-friendly point-of-care solution without the need for complex instrumentation or stringent storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemically active device with a receptor and lysing agent is used to convert non-electrochemically active haemoglobin bioanalytes into electrochemically active forms, allowing for accurate detection and quantitative measurement through redox current analysis
Implementation Method 2
through a measurement of redox current flowing through the electrochemically active device, on the application of an redox potential
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrochemically active device is provided for collecting and retaining a blood sample with at least a two-electrode member connected to conductive tracks. A receptor with an integral receptor-membrane arranged on the two-electrode member, to receive non-electrochemically active heamoglobin bioanalyte and its complexes from red blood cells (RBC) of said blood sample, through a lysing agent and convert the non-electrochemically active heamoglobin bioanalyte and its complexes, into an electrochemically active bioanalyte and its electrochemically active complexes. The present invention also provides a point-of-care biosensor incorporated with the device of the present invention and method of measuring for the detection and quantitative measurement of concentrations of haemoglobin (Hb), glycated haemoglobin (GHb), methaemoglobin (MetHb) and myoglobin, in reduced volumes of blood samples, by determining redox current values in the reduced volumes of blood samples.