Electrochemical Immunosensor Regeneration Without Harsh Dissociation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current immunosensor regeneration methods involving harsh conditions or strong electrical fields lead to unwanted side effects like oxygen reduction, electrolysis, and unspecific adsorption, making them unsuitable for in vivo applications and reducing sensor sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a moderate positive electrical potential of about 0.3 V applied at a temperature between 35°C to 42°C for a sufficient time to dissociate the immunocomplex without causing irreversible changes, using a two-electrode system with a polypeptide attached to the electroconductive surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If harsh conditions (extreme pH, temperature, chaotropic agents) are applied to break immunocomplex interactions, then regeneration of the sensor surface is achieved, but sensor specificity and affinity are significantly lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a moderate positive electrical potential of about 0.3 V at physiological temperatures (35-42°C), which are mild parameter changes compared to conventional harsh conditions. This electrochemical approach selectively disrupts immunocomplex interactions while preserving the polypeptide's binding capacity and sensor specificity through controlled potential application that avoids denaturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical harsh regeneration methods with an electrochemical field-based approach. By using a controlled electrical potential rather than extreme pH or thermal conditions, the method achieves regeneration through electrochemical mechanisms that are gentler on the biomolecular structures.
2Ease of repair
If strong electrical fields are applied for dissociating immunocomplex, then regeneration is achieved, but unwanted side effects occur (oxygen reduction, electrolysis, unspecific adsorption)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specifically optimized moderate positive potential of about 0.3 V, which is sufficient to dissociate immunocomplexes but remains below the threshold that triggers harmful electrochemical side reactions like oxygen reduction or water electrolysis. This precise parameter control eliminates unwanted effects while maintaining regeneration efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies just enough electrical potential (0.3 V) to achieve the required dissociation effect without exceeding the level that would cause harmful side reactions. This partial action approach provides sufficient regeneration while avoiding the excessive potential that would lead to oxygen reduction, electrolysis, or unspecific adsorption.
3Ease of repair
If additional regeneration and washing solutions are used to remove released analyte, then complete regeneration is achieved, but device complexity and in vivo applicability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service electrochemical regeneration mechanism where the application of moderate positive potential directly causes analyte release and sensor surface restoration without requiring external washing solutions or complex regeneration systems. The electrical field itself performs the regeneration function, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the regeneration function from complex multi-step chemical processes and implements it through a simple electrochemical field application. By taking out the need for additional washing solutions and complex regeneration hardware, the method achieves complete regeneration through a single electrical potential application step.
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 effectively regenerates the immunosensor multiple times while preserving sensitivity and specificity, suitable for in vivo applications by avoiding harmful side effects and maintaining the polypeptide's binding capacity.
Implementation Method 1
applying to the immunosensor at a temperature selected from the temperature range from about 35° C. to about 42° C. a positive electrical potential of about 0.3 V on said electroconductive surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns the field of re-usable immunosensors. In particular, it relates to a method for regenerating an immunosensor comprising at least one polypeptide attached to an electroconductive surface of said immunosensor, wherein the at least one polypeptide is capable of specifically binding an analyte to be detected by the immunosensor, said method comprising the step of applying to the immunosensor at a temperature selected from the temperature range from about 35° C. to about 42° C. a positive electrical potential of about 0.3 V on said electroconductive surface of the immunosensor for a time sufficient to allow regeneration. Moreover, it also relates to a regenerated immunosensor obtainable by the method of the present invention and a system and device comprising the immunosensor as described herein, wherein said device is capable of applying a positive electrical potential of about 0.3 V on said electro conductive surface of the immunosensor for a time sufficient to allow regeneration. The present invention also contemplates, in general, the use of a temperature selected from the temperature range from about 35° C. to about 42° C. and a positive electrical potential of about 0.3 V on an electro conductive surface of an immunosensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 for regeneration of said immunosensor.