Electrochemical Sensor for Phenolic Analytes Using Pre-Associated Capture Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical sensors face challenges in detecting minute amounts of analytes in complex biological samples like bodily fluids, particularly due to interference from electroactive agents, and require pre-treatment or prolonged incubation, which is not compatible with analytes that oxidize easily or require rapid testing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a sensing electrode with associated sensor analytes that oxidize and associate with analytes having an oxidizable phenolic group, allowing for detection without capturing agents or long incubation times, using a voltammetric technique like square wave voltammetry for THC detection in saliva.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-treatment or prolonged incubation is used to enrich target analyte, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detection time increases and analyte oxidation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor analytes are pre-associated with the sensing electrode surface before sample application. This preliminary preparation allows the electrode to be ready for immediate detection upon sample contact, eliminating the need for prolonged incubation periods while maintaining high detection sensitivity through pre-positioned capture agents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrode surface properties by associating sensor analytes with the sensing electrode, changing the surface chemistry to enhance analyte binding affinity and electron transfer efficiency. This parameter change enables rapid detection without requiring extended incubation times
2Measurement precision
If capturing agents are used to enrich target analyte, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and analyte oxidation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capturing agent function and the electrochemical detection function into a single integrated sensor electrode structure. The sensor analytes serve dual purposes: they capture the target analyte and simultaneously facilitate electron transfer for detection, eliminating the need for separate capturing agents and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor analytes associated with the sensing electrode perform multiple functions: they act as capturing agents for the target analyte, serve as electron transfer mediators, and provide the electrochemical signal for detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall sensor design
3Reliability
If buffer is used during detection step, then electroactive agent interference is reduced, but detection time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the buffer from the detection procedure entirely. By designing a sensor that operates effectively in buffer-free conditions, the method eliminates the time and complexity associated with buffer preparation and handling while maintaining measurement accuracy through the selective electrochemical response of the sensor analytes
4Measurement precision
If prolonged contact between sample and sensor is used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but analyte oxidation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor analytes are pre-associated with the sensing electrode surface before sample application. This preliminary preparation allows the electrode to be ready for immediate detection upon sample contact, eliminating the need for prolonged incubation periods while maintaining high detection sensitivity through pre-positioned capture agents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a rapid detection protocol that minimizes the contact time between the sample and sensor to just 1-5 minutes. This rushed-through approach detects the analyte before significant oxidation can occur, preserving analyte integrity while achieving sufficient detection sensitivity
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 rapid and accurate detection of THC in saliva with a limit of detection below 100 ng/mL, overcoming interference from electroactive agents and eliminating the need for pre-treatment or prolonged incubation, suitable for portable and field-based applications.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensor analytes facilitates, in the presence of an electric potential, oxidation of the oxidizable phenolic group of the sample analyte to obtain an oxidized sample analyte
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of sensor analytes facilitates, in the presence of an electric potential, association of a portion of the oxidized sample analyte with the sensing electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a sensor for detecting a sample analyte having an oxidizable phenolic group suspected to be present in a sample. The sensor comprises a sensing electrode, a plurality of sensor analytes associated with the sensing electrode, optionally a baseline electrode, and a sample receiving region in fluid communication with the sensing electrode. The sensor analyte, before its association with the sensing electrode, is the same chemical species as the sample analyte.