Glucose Oxidase Membrane Sterilization via Aqueous Buffer Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sterilizing biosensors with oxidoreductases, such as glucose oxidase, using gamma irradiation often result in significant loss of sensitivity due to damage to the membranes, particularly when used in aqueous environments.
Innovation Solution
Sterilizing membranes comprising oxidoreductases by irradiating them with gamma radiation while soaked in an aqueous buffer solution, such as phosphate buffer saline (PBS), to minimize damage and maintain sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gamma irradiation is used to sterilize the membrane comprising oxidoreductase, then sterilization is achieved, but the sensitivity of the biosensor is significantly damaged
Solution Approach 1:
An aqueous buffer solution is introduced as an intermediary medium between the gamma radiation and the oxidoreductase membrane. The buffer solution absorbs part of the radiation energy and provides a protective environment, reducing direct damage to the enzyme while still allowing sterilization to occur. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by shielding the sensitive biosensor from the full impact of gamma irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and environment parameters of the oxidoreductase membrane from a dry state to being soaked in an aqueous buffer solution before irradiation. This parameter change (from dry to wet state, from air environment to buffer environment) fundamentally alters how the membrane responds to gamma radiation, reducing sensitivity loss while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If gamma irradiation is applied to dry-sealed membrane packages, then sterilization is achieved, but membrane damage increases and sensitivity retention decreases to less than 20%
Solution Approach 1:
The aqueous buffer solution serves as a protective intermediary that the membrane is soaked in before irradiation. This buffer medium shields the membrane structure from direct gamma radiation damage, maintaining membrane integrity and stability while still permitting effective sterilization. The buffer acts as a cushioning medium that preserves the physical and chemical stability of the membrane during the sterilization process.
3Reliability
If gamma radiation sterilization is performed without protective measures, then sterilization is achieved, but the loss of biosensor sensitivity is too high for certain application environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by soaking the oxidoreductase membrane in an aqueous buffer solution before exposing it to gamma radiation. This pre-treatment step prepares the membrane in advance to withstand the sterilization process, ensuring that when radiation is applied, the membrane is already protected and will maintain its functionality. This preliminary protective measure enables the biosensor to remain suitable for various application environments after sterilization.
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 method effectively sterilizes the biosensors while preserving their sensitivity, with up to 80% of the original sensitivity retained after gamma irradiation, compared to less than 20% when membranes are dry-sealed during irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating with gamma radiation the membrane comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme soaked in an aqueous buffer solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sterilizing a membrane comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme, comprises: irradiating with gamma radiation the membrane comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme soaked in an aqueous buffer solution. Associated biosensors and bioreactors are also described.