HARM-Structure Sensor with Casein Micelle Blocking Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern sensors using nanostructures suffer from non-specific interactions with biomolecules, leading to decreased sensitivity and false positives, as well as complete sensor surface blocking, necessitating a more sensitive detection method.
Innovation Solution
A sensor comprising a layer of high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARM-structures) with a blocking layer of casein micelles, where casein micelles are functionalized with amine-reactive-crosslinkers and form cavities to allow signal molecules to diffuse, generating an electrical signal proportional to target molecule concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nanostructures are used in sensors to provide large surface area and enhanced electronic properties, then sensitivity and signal transduction are improved, but non-specific interactions with biomolecules occur causing false positives and decreased sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking layer comprising casein micelles is introduced as an intermediary between the nanostructure layer and the sample. This blocking layer prevents non-specific interactions between biomolecules and the nanostructures, thereby eliminating false positives while maintaining sensitivity through the underlying HARM-structure layer that can still detect target molecules via electrical signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed with spatially differentiated functionality: the HARM-structures provide electrical signal generation capability in specific regions, while the casein micelle blocking layer provides non-specific interaction prevention in other regions. This local differentiation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
2Productivity
If nanostructures are used to enhance sensor performance, then rapid and accurate signal transduction is achieved, but biomolecules may block the sensor surface completely and disable the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The casein micelle blocking layer acts as a protective intermediary that prevents complete sensor surface blocking by biomolecules. While allowing the HARM-structures to maintain rapid signal transduction capability, the blocking layer ensures continuous sensor functionality by preventing biomolecule accumulation that would otherwise disable the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking layer is applied beforehand to cushion or protect the HARM-structures from complete biomolecule blocking. This preventive measure ensures that even when biomolecules are present in the sample, the sensor surface remains partially accessible for signal transduction, maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a blocking layer is added to prevent non-specific binding, then sensitivity is improved, but the complexity of the sensor structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking layer is designed with a porous or micellar structure that allows selective permeability. The casein micelles form a network with cavities that permit signal molecules to diffuse through while blocking non-specific binding sites. This porous design maintains sensitivity without requiring a completely impermeable barrier, thus limiting the increase in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs a composite structure combining HARM-structures with casein micelle blocking layer. This composite approach integrates two materials with complementary properties: the HARM-structures provide electrical signal generation and the casein micelles provide blocking functionality. The composite nature allows both functions to coexist in a unified 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 sensor effectively prevents non-specific binding of biomolecules while allowing accurate detection of target molecules, enhancing sensitivity and enabling multiplexed detection of various targets.
Implementation Method 1
cavities are formed between the plurality of casein micelles for allowing the signal molecules to diffuse through the blocking layer to the layer formed of HARM-structures
Implementation Method 2
the layer formed of HARM-structures is configured to generate an electrical signal when in contact with signal molecules indicating the presence of the at least one target molecule when an electrical potential is applied to the sensor
Implementation Method 3
the casein micelles comprise primary amines, wherein at least part of the primary amines is functionalized with an amine-reactive-crosslinker thereby providing at least one linkage group for allowing binding thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for determining the presence of at least one target molecule in a sample is disclosed. The sensor includes a layer formed of high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARM-structures); and a blocking layer on the layer formed of HARM-structures, wherein the blocking layer is formed of a plurality of casein micelles, wherein: the casein micelles include primary amines, wherein at least part of the primary amines are functionalized with an amine-reactive crosslinker, and cavities are formed between the plurality of casein micelles. Further, a method for determining the presence of at least one target molecule in a sample is disclosed. Further, a process of preparing a sensor for determining the presence of at least one target molecule in a sample is disclosed. Further, a kit for determining the presence of at least one target molecule in a sample is disclosed.