Flavonoid Derivative Liquid Authentication via Electrochemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the authenticity and origin of liquids, such as fuels, often require bulky and expensive equipment, are easily counterfeited, and provide low security as they can be detected by the naked eye, especially when markers are present in small quantities.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrochemically non-active flavonoid derivatives as latent markers, which are derivatized to increase solubility and stability in fuels, allowing for detection in small quantities using compact, on-site devices like Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems coupled with potentiostat and smartphone analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical markers (dyes) are used for liquid authentication, then the marker can be easily detected by the naked eye, but this provides only low security and can be easily counterfeited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (visible to naked eye) to electrochemical properties (requiring specialized equipment). The marker substance's chemical structure is modified to exhibit electrochemical activity rather than optical activity, fundamentally changing how the marker can be detected and thereby improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical detection mechanism (visual inspection) with an electrochemical detection mechanism (electrochemical sensor). This substitution requires specialized equipment that is not readily available to counterfeiters, thereby improving security while maintaining detection capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrochemically active flavonoids are used as markers, then they can be detected with simple equipment, but they are not soluble in petroleum products like fuels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining flavonoid molecules with amphiphilic carriers or surfactants. This composite approach allows the electrochemically active flavonoid to be solubilized in non-polar fuel environments while retaining its electrochemical detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces amphiphilic carriers or surfactants as intermediaries between the polar flavonoid marker and the non-polar fuel. These intermediaries enable solubility in the fuel environment while allowing the flavonoid to maintain its electrochemical activity for detection.
3Reliability
If markers are added to distinguish between chemically identical liquids, then authentication is possible, but bulky and expensive equipment is needed for detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with simpler electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical detection requires less sophisticated equipment compared to spectral analysis or color detection, enabling portable and affordable authentication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical marker provides self-detecting properties that require minimal external equipment. The electrochemical signal can be detected directly by simple potentiostat or amperostat devices, eliminating the need for complex optical systems.
4Measurement precision
If significant quantities of marker are present in the liquid, then reliable detection is achieved, but the marker is easily detectable and can be easily counterfeited
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting optical detection with electrochemical detection, the patent enables reliable detection at very low marker concentrations. Electrochemical sensors have high sensitivity that allows detection of trace amounts of the marker, eliminating the need for high concentrations that would be easily detectable by conventional means.
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 approach provides a secure, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective method for authenticating liquids, resistant to fuel laundering and counterfeiting, enabling reliable detection even in low concentrations with simple, portable equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a specific chemical reaction leads to partial or complete release of the modifications introduced in the flavonoid structure by the derivatization, with restoration of its electrochemical activity, followed by electrochemical detection of flavonoid
Data Source
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AI summary
A Liquid, comprising an hydrophobic flavonoid derivative electrochemically non-active, that is capable of restoring its electrochemical activity, the concentration of the flavonoid derivative being 10 ppm by weight or less, and an organic substance in an amount of 90% by weight or more.