Glucose Sensor Molecule with Modified Boronic Acid Binding Site
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glucose sensors, particularly those based on electrochemical technology and boronic acid chemistries, face challenges in selectivity for glucose over other saccharides, leading to potential errors and instability in glucose monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A glucose sensor with a modified glucose binding site, featuring a specific spacer structure and boronic acid groups, enhances selectivity for glucose by altering the aliphatic spacer length and incorporating a fluorophore for fluorescence-based detection, allowing for improved glucose monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard 6-carbon atom aliphatic spacer is used in the boronic acid binding site, then the sensor can bind glucose, but the selectivity for glucose over other saccharides is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the aliphatic spacer structure from a standard 6-carbon chain to a 5-carbon chain with specific substituents (X = O, S, NR2, or CHR3). This structural parameter change in the binding site enables differential binding affinity between glucose and other saccharides, achieving high selectivity without requiring complex multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by introducing specific functional groups (X = O, S, NR2, or CHR3) at particular positions within the aliphatic spacer. These localized structural modifications create specific interaction sites that recognize glucose's unique molecular configuration, providing high selectivity through localized structural features rather than overall system complexity
2Reliability
If electrochemical sensors with glucose oxidase are used, then glucose monitoring is achieved, but the enzyme is susceptible to denaturing and the sensor shows drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrochemical detection system with an optical detection system based on fluorescence. The binding site incorporates a fluorophore that exhibits fluorescence changes upon glucose binding, substituting the electrochemical transduction mechanism with an optical one. This eliminates enzyme denaturation issues while maintaining glucose detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a small molecule boronic acid derivative as the sensing element, replacing the expensive and unstable enzyme glucose oxidase. The synthetic organic compound is more stable, reusable, and does not suffer from enzymatic denaturation, providing a cost-effective and reliable alternative to enzyme-based sensors
3Measurement precision
If boronic acid chemistries are used for glucose detection, then the sensor is reversible and non-consumptive, but the binding site lacks selectivity for glucose over other saccharides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the boronic acid binding site parameters by changing the aliphatic spacer from a standard 6-carbon chain to a 5-carbon chain with specific heteroatoms or functional groups at defined positions. This parameter optimization enhances the binding site's ability to discriminate glucose from structurally similar saccharides while preserving the reversible binding mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite binding site structure that combines boronic acid functionality with a specifically designed aliphatic spacer containing X groups (O, S, NR2, or CHR3). This composite structure integrates multiple functional elements that work synergistically to provide both glucose selectivity and reversible binding characteristics
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 modified glucose sensor demonstrates increased selectivity and stability, effectively distinguishing glucose from other saccharides, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of glucose monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors, such as those based on fluorescence intensity measurements
Implementation Method 2
These sensors rely on the selective binding of glucose to the boronic acid binding site
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a glucose sensor having a glucose receptor containing a binding site of formula (I):wherein X, n, m and R1 are defined herein. Also provided is a glucose sensor molecule for use in such a glucose sensor, the glucose sensor molecule containing the binding site of formula (I). The binding site has been found to have particularly good selectivity for glucose.