Gas Sensor Analyte Detection via Interrogator Gas Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomarker detection systems lack sensitivity and specificity, require complex and bulky instrumentation, and are often incompatible with various sample types, making them inefficient for diagnosing diseases and monitoring disease progression.
Innovation Solution
The use of gas sensors derivatized with binders that form specific complexes with analytes, allowing for indirect detection and quantification by comparing response profiles from control and test samples, enhancing sensitivity and compatibility with different sample types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct detection methods are used, then detection speed is improved, but sensitivity and specificity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interrogator gas as an intermediary substance that indirectly detects analyte-binder complexes. The gas diffuses through the complex and interacts with the sensor, providing enhanced sensitivity and specificity while maintaining detection speed. This mediator approach allows the system to achieve both rapid detection and high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If complex multistep procedures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex steps from traditional detection procedures. By using direct gas-phase interaction with binder-analyte complexes, the method removes multiple reagent addition steps, washing steps, and complex instrumentation, achieving high detection accuracy with a simplified single-step procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes the natural diffusion properties of gases and the inherent binding affinity between analytes and binders. The interrogator gas automatically diffuses through the binder-analyte complex and interacts with the sensor without requiring external manipulation, complex sample preparation, or multiple reagents, thereby achieving accurate detection with minimal device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional detection systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to different sample types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection platform where the same gas sensor system can detect various analytes by simply changing the binder on the sensor surface. The interrogator gas method is applicable to different sample types including biological fluids, environmental samples, and clinical specimens, maintaining ease of operation while achieving broad adaptability across diverse sample matrices.
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 enables sensitive and reproducible detection and quantification of analytes in biological samples, improving diagnostic capabilities and compatibility with diverse sample types.
Implementation Method 1
differences in the diffusion rate of selected species of gases through analyte-binder complexes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and sensors for detection and quantification of one or more analyte in a test sample are described. A response profile of a gas sensor to a control sample of a known interrogator gas is determined. The gas sensor is exposed to a test sample then to a second sample comprising the known interrogator gas, and a test sample response profile of the gas sensor is determined. One or more test sample sensor response profiles are compared with one or more control sensor response profiles for detecting, identifying, and quantifying one or more analytes in the test sample.