Electrode Metal Nanoparticle Label Oxidation Precipitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for simple, cost-efficient, and highly sensitive analyte detection methods suitable for point-of-care devices, particularly for detecting biomarkers in ultra-low concentration ranges.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for detecting analytes by electrochemical detection using an electrode with a binding agent and a detection agent containing a further binding agent and a metal nanoparticle label with a standard redox potential between 0 V and 1.2 V, where the label is dissolved by oxidation prior to precipitation onto the electrode surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metal nanoparticle labels are used for electrochemical detection, then sensitivity of analyte detection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional oxidation and precipitation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxidation and precipitation steps into a single integrated electrochemical process occurring at the electrode surface. The electrode simultaneously serves as the platform for binding agent attachment, oxidation catalyst for dissolving metal nanoparticles, and precipitation surface for label deposition, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining high sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical system performs self-service by using the electrode itself to facilitate both oxidation and precipitation without requiring separate chemical reagents or additional equipment. The applied voltage directly drives the dissolution of metal nanoparticles and their subsequent precipitation onto the electrode surface, eliminating the need for external oxidizing agents or precipitation chemicals
2Measurement precision
If multiple processing steps (oxidation and precipitation) are required, then detection sensitivity is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by performing oxidation and precipitation in an uninterrupted sequential manner within a single electrochemical cycle. As soon as metal nanoparticles are oxidized and dissolved, the resulting metal ions immediately precipitate onto the electrode surface without requiring intermediate handling or waiting periods, thereby minimizing total analysis time while achieving high sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The binding agents are pre-attached to the electrode surface before sample analysis, creating ready-to-capture binding sites. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the sample is introduced, analyte binding occurs immediately, and subsequent oxidation-precipitation steps can proceed without delay, reducing overall analysis time
3Measurement precision
If metal nanoparticles with standard redox potential between 0 V and 1.2 V are used, then electrochemical detection sensitivity is improved, but storage stability of detection agent deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the storage conditions and electrode potential parameters to balance sensitivity and stability. By selecting metal nanoparticles with standard redox potentials between 0 V and 1.2 V and controlling the oxidation potential during detection, the system achieves high electrochemical sensitivity while maintaining storage stability through proper potential management and detection agent formulation
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 method provides a highly sensitive and simple analyte detection process, adaptable to point-of-care settings, with excellent long-term storage stability of the detection agent, and no need for additional solutions during biological sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving at least a part of the label by oxidation prior to precipitating at least a part of the label, and wherein the step of dissolving at least a part of the label by oxidation comprises applying a voltage at the electrode suitable to oxidize the metal nanoparticle
Implementation Method 2
the applied voltage results in direct oxidation of the metal nanoparticle
Implementation Method 3
precipitating at least a part of the label onto the electrode surface
Implementation Method 4
the step of dissolving at least a part of the label by oxidation comprises applying a voltage at the electrode suitable to oxidize the metal nanoparticle
Implementation Method 5
contacting a fluid sample suspected to comprise the at least one analyte with the surface of an electrode comprising at least one binding agent capable of binding to the analyte
Implementation Method 6
forming a detection complex on the surface of the electrode comprising at least the at least one binding agent, the at least one detection agent and the analyte
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one analyte by electrochemical detection, a working electrode of an analyte sensor and an analyte sensor for detecting at least one analyte in a sample by electrochemical detection. The method of the present invention comprises the following steps: contacting a fluid sample suspected to comprise the at least one analyte with the surface of an electrode comprising at least one binding agent capable of binding to the analyte; contacting the fluid sample suspected to comprise the at least one analyte with at least one detection agent, wherein the at least one detection agent comprises at least a further binding agent capable of binding to the analyte and a label, wherein the label comprises a metal nanoparticle with a standard redox potential E° between 0 V and 1.2 V forming a detection complex on the surface of the electrode comprising at least the at least one binding agent, the at least one detection agent and the analyte; precipitating at least a part of the label onto the electrode surface; and the at least one detecting the at least one analyte by electrochemical detection.