Electrochemical Sensor With Molecular Imprinted Polymer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical monitoring technologies are slow, expensive, and require laboratory equipment and trained personnel, limiting their accessibility and usefulness for routine and real-time monitoring. Additionally, these systems often require samples to be transferred to a testing facility, leading to inconveniences and delays in obtaining results.
Innovation Solution
The development of a new system and method for point-of-need sensing using an enhanced electrochemical sensor. This system includes a 2D printed sensing stack with a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) layer, a guard membrane structure, and a conductive layer. The MIP layer is imprinted to target specific molecules, and the system utilizes multiple redox mediators and a multilayered membrane structure to enhance sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional monitoring approaches are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but speed and accessibility deteriorate due to slow analytical procedures and requirement for laboratory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with an electrochemical sensor system that uses electrical signals for detection. The sensor converts chemical information directly into electrical signals through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical analytical instruments while achieving rapid point-of-need monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional mechanical/optical measurements to electrochemical parameters (current, voltage, impedance). By measuring electrical properties that change in response to analyte concentration, the system achieves both speed and simplicity simultaneously, as electrical measurements are inherently fast and require minimal equipment
2Loss of time
If samples are transferred to testing facilities, then measurement precision is maintained, but time loss increases due to delays in obtaining results
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-diagnosis and self-calibration through integrated reference electrodes and internal standards. The device automatically compensates for drift and environmental variations, maintaining measurement precision without requiring external laboratory validation, thus enabling rapid point-of-need testing without time loss to facility transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform both field deployment and laboratory-grade measurement tasks. It can operate autonomously in the field while maintaining accuracy comparable to laboratory instruments, eliminating the need to transfer samples and enabling immediate results without compromising precision
3Ease of operation
If traditional monitoring systems are used, then reliability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for highly trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including internal references, quality control checks, and automated data validation. The sensor continuously monitors its own performance and provides feedback signals that indicate when calibration is needed or when measurements are valid, enabling non-experts to operate the system reliably without specialized training while maintaining consistent quality
4Device complexity
If sample transfer to testing facilities is required, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to need for collection and processing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sampling, detection, and data processing functions into a single integrated sensor device. The electrochemical sensor combines the analytical chamber, detection elements, signal processing electronics, and data output in one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate collection containers, transport infrastructure, and laboratory processing equipment while maintaining measurement precision through integrated design
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 system provides a highly sensitive and selective means for detecting and measuring target molecules, enabling near real-time and accurate monitoring. It improves analyte management, enhances signal strength, and offers a more portable and user-friendly testing solution, facilitating point-of-need monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) layer, the MIP layer is imprinted to target specific molecules
Implementation Method 2
The system utilizes multiple redox mediators and a multilayered membrane structure to enhance sensing capabilities
Implementation Method 3
systems and methods for point-of-need sensing using an electrochemical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring an analyte comprising: a working electrode comprising: a sensing structure with a conductive layer deposited on a substrate and a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) layer deposited on the conductive layer, and a membrane structure on the sensing structure. Wherein the working electrode may include a membrane structure that is multilayered membrane structure, a redox mediator integrated into the membrane structure, and/or a plurality of redox mediator materials.