Electrochemical Sensor Platform for Rapid Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting infectious viruses and bacterial pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 and MRSA, are slow and limited to laboratory settings, necessitating a rapid and broader application of detection technologies outside labs for timely treatment and infection rate analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrochemical sensing platform that includes a single or multiple devices configured for home, clinical, and mass use, utilizing impedimetric detection with functionalized printed sensor electrodes and a smartphone app for data interpretation, enabling rapid testing and reporting of results through internal or external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional laboratory-based detection processes are used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but detection speed is slow and application venues are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into modular components: functionalized printed electrodes for pathogen detection, smartphone-based data processing, and cloud connectivity. This segmentation enables rapid detection by distributing functions across simple, interchangeable modules rather than requiring complex centralized laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory detection equipment with electrochemical sensing at printed electrodes combined with smartphone-based analysis. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky laboratory instruments while maintaining detection capability, thereby increasing speed and enabling broader application venues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detection is confined to laboratories, then specialized equipment can be used, but application venue availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection platform that functions across multiple venues (homes, clinics, laboratories, mass testing sites) using the same core technology of functionalized printed electrodes and smartphone processing. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different application venues without sacrificing detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone acts as an intermediary device that bridges simple electrochemical sensing at printed electrodes with sophisticated data processing and analysis previously requiring laboratory equipment. This intermediary enables high-precision detection in non-laboratory settings by performing complex computations on mobile devices.
3Loss of time
If rapid detection is implemented, then treatment timing is improved, but data collection capability for infection rate analysis may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where detection results are immediately processed by the smartphone, analyzed against epidemiological data, and used to provide real-time guidance for treatment decisions. Simultaneously, data is continuously fed back to public health authorities for infection rate analysis, enabling both rapid treatment and comprehensive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by continuously collecting detection data, processing it through the smartphone platform, and transmitting it to public health databases. This continuous data flow enables both immediate treatment decisions and ongoing infection rate analysis without interruption or data loss.
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
This solution allows for rapid, accurate detection of various pathogens in different settings, including home use, clinics, and mass testing, facilitating timely treatment and data collection on infection rates, while ensuring secure data transmission and disposal protocols.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing impedimetric detection with functionalized printed sensor electrodes
Implementation Method 2
applying thermal energy to the sample over a predetermined time period
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclose a method including making electrodes using an electrically conductive material for impedimetric detection of analytical targets in an electrochemical sensing platform device, collecting patient samples in a solution compartment of the electrochemical sensing platform device, binding primers and aptamers to electrodes for functionalizing electrodes for detecting and binding targeted viruses and bacterial pathogens, incubating oral fluid samples in the solution compartment using a heater, measuring electrode impedance changes, recording measured electrode impedance changes in a memory device, and integrating wireless technologies into the electrochemical sensing platform device configured for transmitting recorded measured data.