Membrane Phase Electrode for Rapid Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biomaterials, such as microorganisms, are either time-consuming, require expensive equipment, or suffer from false-positive results and reduced reliability, limiting their effectiveness in rapid and accurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sensor is created by forming an electrode on a filtering membrane, where a reaction solution containing ligand-fixed enzymes or metal nanoparticles and a target material is passed through, allowing only bound complexes to remain and generate an electrical signal, enabling sensitive and quantitative detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the colony method is used for microorganism detection, then accuracy is improved, but detection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtering function of a membrane with the detection function of an electrode into a single integrated device. The membrane filters and concentrates target microorganisms while the electrode simultaneously detects them, eliminating the need for separate culturing and detection steps required by traditional colony methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological colony formation process with an electrochemical detection system. Instead of waiting for microorganisms to grow into visible colonies, the electrode directly detects electroactive substances produced by or associated with the microorganisms, dramatically reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy.
2Productivity
If the DNA probe method with PCR is used, then detection speed is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, disposable membrane-electrode device that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex PCR equipment while maintaining rapid detection capability. The device is designed for single-use convenience, sacrificing reusability to achieve simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex PCR systems and implements it through a simplified membrane-electrode approach. By taking out only the necessary detection capability and removing unnecessary complexity, the system achieves rapid detection without requiring expensive equipment.
3Loss of time
If the DNA probe method without incubation is used, then detection time is reduced, but reliability decreases due to false positives from dead cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating only viable microorganisms that are actively metabolizing and producing electroactive substances. The membrane selectively concentrates these active cells, and the electrode detects their metabolic products, ensuring that only living, active microorganisms are detected while excluding dead cells that do not produce the electroactive signal.
4Measurement precision
If the immunoassay method is used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate receptors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the receptor function with the electrode structure itself. The membrane-electrode device integrates sample filtration, target concentration, and electrochemical detection in a single unit, eliminating the need for separate receptor components and complex multi-step procedures required by traditional immunoassays.
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 allows for rapid, accurate, and sensitive detection of biomaterials with improved reliability, as the electrical signal is proportional to the target material's concentration, facilitating quantitative analysis without the need for separate receptors or expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
filtering only a target material-ligand-enzyme complex or target material-ligand-metal nanoparticle complex by passing the reaction solution through a filtering membrane
Implementation Method 2
mixing a ligand-fixed enzyme or ligand-fixed metal nanoparticles and a sample containing a target material to react
Implementation Method 3
measuring an electrical signal generated in the electrode by a target material-ligand-enzyme complex or target material-ligand-metal nanoparticle complex remaining on the filtering membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane electrode includes a novel sensor combining a filtering function of a membrane and a signal measuring ability of an electrode. A target material may be measured by filtration through the membrane. A small amount of target materials may be detected with high sensitivity using an amplified electrical signal by increasing electrical conductivity by reducing metal ions on the membrane, and thus the target material may be subject to quantitative analysis. In addition, only a target material selectively binding to a receptor may be filtrated by passing a sample through the membrane after a receptor material is fixed to the electrode, and thus may be used to detect an electrical signal. In addition, the sensor may measure a signal in various methods such as electrical conductivity, impedance, etc.