Molecularly Imprinted Biosensor for Portable Body Fluid Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical methods for detecting and quantifying molecular compounds in biological samples require large, expensive equipment and complex procedures, making real-time, mobile detection difficult.
Innovation Solution
A portable and/or wearable biosensor using molecularly imprinted polymers to recognize and bind target molecules, coupled with an electrode and logic circuit for electrical detection and display, enabling cost-effective and accurate analysis of biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional analytical methods (HPLC, LC-MS/MS, CE-MS, ELISA) are used for detecting and quantifying molecular compounds in biological samples, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity, cost, and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory equipment by using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as selective recognition elements coupled with simple electrochemical sensors. This extracts the core analytical capability while removing the need for large, complex instrumentation, enabling portable real-time detection without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical separation systems (chromatography, electrophoresis) with an electrochemical detection system based on MIP-coated electrodes. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical systems while maintaining detection accuracy through electrochemical signal transduction that responds to the binding of target molecules to the MIP recognition sites
2Measurement precision
If traditional analytical methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The molecularly imprinted polymers provide self-service by automatically recognizing and binding target molecules through their pre-formed specific cavities. The electrochemical sensor automatically transduces this binding event into a measurable signal, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation, calibration, or expert operation required by traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from complex physical separation processes to simple electrochemical parameters (current, voltage, impedance). This parameter change simplifies operation while maintaining precision because electrochemical measurements are straightforward to perform and interpret, yet remain highly sensitive to target molecule presence
3Measurement precision
If traditional analytical methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable MIP-coated electrochemical sensors that are inexpensive to manufacture compared to HPLC or mass spectrometry systems. These sensors can be produced at low cost using electrochemical polymerization methods, making them economically viable for point-of-care and field applications while maintaining detection precision through the high selectivity of the MIP recognition layer
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and accurate detection and quantification of target molecules in biological samples at any location, without the need for large equipment, facilitating real-time analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a recognition layer comprising an imprinted polymer, the imprinted polymer synthesized by combining functional monomers with template molecules and crosslinkers
Implementation Method 2
electrode coupled to recognition layer and configured to detect electrical property of recognition layer
Implementation Method 3
electrochemical sensing approach for molecule quantification in body fluids
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable biosensor for detecting and quantifying a target molecule in a biological sample and method of use include a biosensor fabricated with a recognition layer with an imprinted polymer, an electrode electrically coupled to the recognition layer, and a logic circuit that may include a processor and non-transitory memory with computer executable instructions embedded thereon, wherein the imprinted polymer is shaped to have a profile that substantially matches a profile of the target molecule, such that the target molecule can form-fit and bind to the imprinted polymer, thus changing an electrical property of the polymer layer that may be detected to identify the presence of the target molecule.