Dry Electrotextile Biosensor for Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical biosensors for detecting biomolecules are complex, laboratory-scale systems that are not suitable for field use due to sensitivity issues, susceptibility to degradation, and require large volumes of buffer solutions, making them inaccessible for rapid and cost-effective detection of pathogenic infections in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A portable device featuring an electrically conductive membrane with a biological recognition component immobilized on it, connected to an electric circuit with a voltage source and resistance monitoring system, allowing for rapid detection of biomolecules in a small fluid sample without the need for extensive buffer solutions, using a polymeric coating and cross-linking agents for enhanced sensitivity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are submerged in buffer solution for detection, then biomolecule detection is enabled, but sensitivity is reduced due to background electrochemical reactions with salts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful buffer solution from the detection system. Instead of submerging electrodes in buffer solution containing salts that cause background electrochemical reactions, the invention uses a dry electrotextile-based sensor that detects biomolecules through resistance changes without requiring liquid buffer, thereby eliminating the harmful background reactions while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conductive polymer coating on the electrotextile fibers that enables electrical conduction without requiring liquid buffer solution. This intermediary layer allows the sensor to function in a dry state, mediating between the need for electrical measurement and the avoidance of harmful electrochemical reactions with salts
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are submerged in saline solution, then biomolecule detection is possible, but electrode degradation occurs over time due to redox reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable electrotextile-based sensor strips that are inexpensive to manufacture and can be discarded after single use. This approach eliminates the reliability issue of electrode degradation by replacing the vulnerable electrodes with a single-use sensor system that shows no signs of degradation, as the electrotextile coating is designed to be discarded after one detection event
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the electrodes from the harmful saline environment by using a dry detection system where the electrotextile is not submerged in liquid. The detection occurs through resistance changes in the dry coating, eliminating the redox reactions that cause electrode degradation while maintaining detection capability
3Measurement precision
If laboratory-scale electrochemical biosensor systems are used, then biomolecule detection is achieved, but device complexity increases making them unsuitable for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible electrotextile-based sensors that are thin, lightweight, and can be easily handled. These flexible film-based sensors replace complex rigid laboratory equipment, enabling portable field deployment while maintaining detection accuracy through the conductive polymer coating on the textile fibers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a self-service detection system where the electrotextile sensor automatically measures resistance changes upon contact with the sample, eliminating the need for complex external instrumentation. The sensor strip itself performs the measurement function, requiring only simple connection to a basic measurement circuit, thereby dramatically reducing system complexity for field use
4Reliability
If large volumes of buffer solution are used for detection, then electrochemical reactions are minimized, but accessibility is reduced in remote locations where buffer solutions are not readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the buffer solution requirement entirely from the detection system by using a dry electrotextile-based sensor. The detection mechanism relies on resistance changes in the conductive polymer coating without requiring liquid buffer, eliminating the need for large volumes of buffer solution and making the system accessible in remote field locations where such solutions are unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive polymer coating on the electrotextile serves as an intermediary that enables electrical detection without requiring liquid buffer solution. This intermediary layer provides the necessary electrical pathways while allowing the sensor to operate in a dry state, thereby maintaining detection stability without compromising field accessibility
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 device provides a cost-effective, sensitive, and robust means for detecting biomolecules, enabling rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic infections in a portable format, suitable for field use with minimal sample volume requirements, improving accessibility and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A typical electrochemical biosensor includes at least one electrode with biological recognition components immobilized on the surface of the electrode which are able to bind to or complex with target biomolecules in the solution
Implementation Method 2
The biosensors are configured to measure changes in the conductivity of the electrode due to the binding or complexation of biomolecules from a solution to the biological recognition components immobilized on the electrode
Implementation Method 3
a voltage source for providing a voltage within the electric circuit
Implementation Method 4
a resistance monitoring device configured to monitor the resistance of the membrane as a selected volume of fluid sample is delivered onto the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting target biomolecules is provided. The device consists of an electrically conductive membrane having a biological recognition component configured to bind a target biomolecule immobilized thereon. The membrane is connected to an electric circuit by means of electrodes. A voltage source applies a voltage to the membrane and a resistance monitoring device monitors the resistance of the membrane as a selected volume of fluid sample suspected of containing the target biomolecule is delivered onto the membrane.