Hybrid Enzymatic Aptamer Sensor for Small Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aptamer sensors face challenges in achieving low limits of detection for small analytes that are not chemically diverse, such as uniformly hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecules, making it difficult to effectively sense these molecules.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that convert analytes into metabolites using enzymes or chemical processes, allowing aptamer sensors to detect these metabolites more effectively, thereby improving detection limits and selectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aptamer sensors are used to detect small analytes directly, then the sensing capability is maintained, but the detection limit is insufficient for small analytes with uniform chemical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enzyme as an intermediary component that converts the target analyte into a metabolite with enhanced chemical diversity. This intermediary transformation enables the aptamer sensor to detect the metabolite effectively, overcoming the limitation of directly detecting small analytes with uniform chemical properties. The enzyme acts as a bridge between the analyte and the sensor, resolving the detection difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the analyte by converting it into a metabolite with different chemical characteristics. This parameter transformation creates greater chemical diversity in the detectable molecule, allowing the aptamer sensor to achieve lower detection limits. The metabolic conversion alters the analyte's chemical structure to improve sensor performance.
2Reliability
If direct aptamer sensing is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the selectivity and sensitivity for small analytes are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functional components - an enzyme and an aptamer sensor - into a hybrid sensing system. The enzyme provides metabolic conversion capability while the aptamer sensor provides detection function. This combination enhances selectivity and sensitivity for small analytes by detecting the metabolite rather than the original analyte, while maintaining a relatively integrated and manageable device structure.
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 approach enables the detection of analytes like cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone by converting them into more easily detectable metabolites, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of the sensing process.
Implementation Method 1
converting the analyte into more easily detectable metabolites
Implementation Method 2
chemically change an analyte using an enzyme or other chemical process
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for sensing analytes in a solution sample are provided. The device includes a substrate, a conversion component configured to convert the analyte in the sample solution into a metabolite, and an aptamer sensor configured to measure a presence of the metabolite, the aptamer sensor located on the substrate.