Interdigitated Electrode Biosensor for Onsite Fungal Pathogen Detection

The patent replaces the complex mechanical and thermal cycling system of qPCR with an electrochemical impedance sensing system. The biosensor uses electrical impedance measurements to detect pathogen binding events, eliminating the need for thermal cyclers, fluorescence detectors, and complex reagent systems while maintaining detection sensitivity through direct electrical signal transduction at the electrode surface.

The patent extracts and isolates the essential detection function from the complex qPCR system by using only the recognition element (antibody) immobilized on an electrode surface, without requiring DNA amplification, thermal cycling, or fluorescence detection. This extraction simplifies the system to its core sensing function while maintaining pathogen detection capability.

The patent employs a disposable biosensor platform where the electrode array with immobilized antibodies can be used for detection and then discarded or regenerated. This eliminates the need for expensive reusable equipment like thermal cyclers and fluorescence detectors, making each detection event cost-effective while maintaining sensitivity through the specific antibody-pathogen binding mechanism.

The patent replaces expensive qPCR equipment (thermal cyclers, fluorescence detectors, specialized reagents) with a simple electrochemical impedance measurement system using standard electrical components. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment and operational costs while maintaining detection sensitivity through direct electrical signal transduction.

The patent creates a self-service detection system where the biosensor automatically detects pathogen presence in field samples without requiring constant expert intervention or complex laboratory processing. The electrochemical impedance measurement provides immediate results, enabling rapid decision-making for fungicide application timing while maintaining accurate pathogen detection capability.

The patent replaces labor-intensive constant field testing and laboratory-based forecasting systems with an automated electrochemical biosensor that provides rapid on-site detection. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated sampling, laboratory processing, and expert analysis while maintaining prediction accuracy through direct pathogen detection in field conditions.

The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent electrode elements within a miniaturized array. Each electrode can detect pathogen binding independently, and the combined signal from multiple electrodes maintains detection sensitivity while enabling compact field-deployable device design. The segmented electrode structure also allows for parallel detection of multiple pathogens.

The patent uses composite electrode structures combining conductive materials with functional layers for pathogen recognition. This composite approach maintains electrical sensitivity while enabling miniaturization and field deployment, as the functional layers (antibody coatings) provide specific pathogen detection on compact electrode surfaces.