Electrochemical Sensor for Single Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs) in blood are limited by high detection thresholds, requiring invasive procedures and costly imaging techniques, and are not suitable for frequent monitoring due to radiation concerns and allergic reactions, while existing technologies struggle to detect ultra-low concentrations of these particles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising an electrode and a recognition element that selectively binds with tdEVs, using electrophoretic attraction to enhance detection speed and reduce false positives, allowing for label-free, real-time analysis of single particles in a fluid, including blood, with a portable and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tissue staining and biopsy methods are used for tumor detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical biopsy and tissue staining procedures with an electrochemical sensing system that detects tumor-derived extracellular vesicles in liquid samples. The sensor uses electrochemical reactions to identify and quantify tdEVs, eliminating the need for invasive tissue sampling while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If MRI and PET-CT imaging techniques are used for tumor detection, then detection capability is improved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to radiation exposure and allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radiation-based imaging techniques (MRI and PET-CT) with an electrochemical sensor that detects tumor markers in liquid samples. This electrochemical approach uses redox reactions and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to identify tdEVs without exposing patients to ionizing radiation or contrast agents that may cause allergic reactions.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional detection methods are used for tdEVs, then detection threshold is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates due to inability to detect ultra-low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to measure changes in electrical impedance caused by the binding of tdEVs to recognition elements on the sensor surface. This parameter change approach enables detection of single particles and ultra-low concentrations by measuring subtle electrical signal variations rather than relying on conventional detection thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional detection methods with an electrochemical sensing system that uses electron transfer reactions and impedance measurements to detect tdEVs. This substitution enables single-particle detection sensitivity by measuring electrical properties rather than relying on bulk detection methods.
4Productivity
If frequent monitoring is performed using conventional methods, then treatment response assessment is improved, but cost and safety deteriorate due to repeated radiation exposure and invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging and invasive biopsies with a non-invasive electrochemical sensor that can be used for frequent monitoring. The sensor detects tdEVs in liquid samples through electrochemical reactions, allowing repeated measurements without cumulative radiation exposure or significant patient discomfort.
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 ultra-low concentrations of tdEVs with high sensitivity and selectivity, providing real-time information on particle presence and quantity, facilitating frequent monitoring and reducing the need for invasive procedures, while being more cost-effective and safer than existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the recognition element is configured to (at least temporarily) (selectively) bind with the predetermined particle, thereby limiting access of the redox mediator to the electrode face
Implementation Method 2
the electrode face is configured accessible to a redox mediator in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
using electrophoretic attraction to enhance detection speed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a sensor (100) for sensing a predetermined particle (10) in a fluid (11), wherein the sensor (100) comprises (i) an electrode (110) and (ii) an recognition element (112), wherein the electrode (110) comprises an electrode face (111) configured accessible to the fluid (11), to the predetermined particle (10) in the fluid (11), and to a redox mediator (12) in the fluid (11); and wherein the recognition element (112) is configured to at least temporarily selectively bind with the predetermined particle (10), thereby limiting access of the redox mediator (12) to the electrode face (111) during the binding of the predetermined particle with the recognition element (112).