Multi-array Impedimetric Biosensors for Concussion Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting concussion and traumatic brain injury biomarkers, such as Tau proteins, Glial Fibrilar Acidic Protein, and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1, are invasive, time-consuming, and require expensive equipment and skilled personnel, limiting their use for routine and point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of multi-array, antibody- and/or aptamer-based impedimetric biosensors that utilize a conducting material interface, like platinum wires, to detect biomarkers in bodily fluids with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, enabling rapid, minimally invasive, and cost-effective detection of biomarkers in a few drops of blood, suitable for point-of-care use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current methods for detecting concussion and traumatic brain injury biomarkers are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the procedures become invasive, time-consuming, and require expensive equipment and skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and manual laboratory systems with an electrochemical impedance-based sensing system. The biosensor uses electrical impedance measurements to detect biomarker binding events, substituting invasive procedures and skilled manual operations with an automated electrical measurement system that maintains detection accuracy while dramatically improving ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual or manual assessment to electrical impedance measurement. By monitoring changes in electrical impedance caused by biomarker-antibody binding at the electrode surface, the system achieves accurate detection through simple electrical measurements that can be performed with minimal training and equipment
2Productivity
If current biomarker detection methods are used, then diagnostic reliability is ensured, but the time required for analysis and results increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual laboratory procedures with rapid electrochemical impedance measurements. The electrical measurement system provides real-time or near-real-time detection of biomarker binding, eliminating lengthy manual analysis steps and enabling quick diagnostic results
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensor system performs self-detection through automated impedance measurements. The system automatically detects biomarker presence and generates results without requiring extended manual intervention or complex sequential procedures, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining diagnostic reliability
3Reliability
If conventional biosensor materials like antibodies are used, then binding affinity is achieved, but stability in various environments and shelf life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of the binding agent from natural antibodies to synthetic aptamers. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can be engineered to bind targets with high affinity while possessing superior chemical stability, resistance to denaturation, and extended shelf life compared to protein-based antibodies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aptamers as a composite alternative to traditional antibodies. These synthetic oligonucleotide-based materials combine the binding capabilities of antibodies with the chemical stability and environmental robustness of nucleic acids, creating a hybrid material that maintains high binding affinity while significantly improving stability and shelf life
4Stability of the object's composition
If aptamer-based biosensors are developed, then stability and shelf life are improved, but the complexity of synthesis and generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex biochemical synthesis and purification processes with automated DNA/RNA synthesis technology. Modern oligonucleotide synthesizers can produce aptamers with high precision and consistency through automated chemical synthesis, eliminating the need for complex cell culture, protein expression, and purification procedures required for antibody production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the production methodology from biological systems (cell culture for antibodies) to chemical synthesis (automated oligonucleotide synthesis). This parameter change simplifies the synthesis process by using well-established, automated chemical synthesis protocols that offer better control, reproducibility, and reduced complexity compared to biological production systems
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 biosensors provide sensitive, rapid, and accurate detection of biomarkers, allowing for timely diagnosis and prognosis of brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, even outside medical facilities, with the potential for reusable aptamer-based sensors and integration into handheld devices for on-demand testing.
Implementation Method 1
impedimetric detection in a biological sample of one or more target biomarkers of interest... utilizing a conducting material interface, like platinum wires, to detect biomarkers in bodily fluids with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to ex-situ biosensors that impedimetrically detect one or more target biomarkers of interest in a bodily fluid sample derived from a patient. The biosensors include a multi-array of conducting material, such as platinum wires, having immobilized thereon antibody and/or aptamer that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to the one or more target biomarkers of interest. The biosensors are contacted with a portion of the bodily fluid sample, and the antibody and/or aptamer binds to the target biomarker(s) of interest in the bodily fluid sample. As a result, an electrochemical impedance signal is generated and therefore, a change in the electrochemical impedance is indicative of the presence of the target biomarker(s) of interest in the bodily fluid sample. The biosensors are point-of-care, on-demand devices that can be used in a medical environment, as well as in domestic and health emergency settings.