Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Chelating Agent Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensors face challenges with complex design, limited surface area, and sensitivity due to the heterogenous deposition of MIP particles on flat substrate surfaces and the need to measure tangible properties like impedance changes.
Innovation Solution
A molecularly imprinted polymer is developed with a functionalized polymer composition and a releasable chelating agent that induces changes in electrochemical properties of the medium upon target molecule binding, allowing for indirect measurement and increased sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MIP particles are deposited onto a flat substrate surface to form a receptor layer, then the sensor can detect target molecules, but the deposition is heterogenous and intrasample variance is high due to MIP particle size variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MIP particles from the flat substrate deposition approach and transfers them to a three-dimensional porous support structure. This extraction eliminates the heterogeneity problem by providing a uniform porous matrix where MIP particles are distributed evenly throughout the volume rather than being deposited as a heterogeneous layer on a flat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat substrate deposition to a three-dimensional porous support structure. This dimensional change allows MIP particles to be distributed throughout the volume of the porous support, increasing the effective surface area and eliminating the heterogeneity inherent in flat surface deposition.
2Ease of operation
If the receptor layer is placed inside the sensor next to or on the transducer, then measurements can be conducted across the receptor layer, but the sensor design is complex and limited by the dimensions of the conductive surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the receptor layer from the internal sensor structure and positions it as an external element (such as a filter or cartridge) that can be placed in the sample flow path. This extraction simplifies the sensor design by eliminating the need to integrate the receptor layer with the transducer, while maintaining measurement capability through remote detection of electrochemical changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the MIP-based receptor layer is separated from the transducer by placing it in the sample flow path. The receptor layer acts as a pre-processing element that captures and concentrates target molecules, which then interact with the transducer downstream, simplifying the overall sensor design while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor measures tangible properties like impedance change due to target molecule binding, then detection is possible, but the sensitivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical/electrical measurement of impedance change with an electrochemical measurement approach. By using MIP particles functionalized with electroactive groups, the system detects target molecules through electrochemical signals (such as cyclic voltammetry) rather than direct impedance measurement, significantly enhancing sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from impedance (electrical property) to electrochemical properties (such as redox potential, current, or voltage). This parameter change enables more sensitive detection by utilizing the electrochemical activity of the MIP-functionalized particles, which provide amplified signals compared to direct impedance measurement.
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 simplifies the sensor design, enhances sensitivity by providing a three-dimensional interacting surface, and allows for remote measurement of electrochemical changes, overcoming limitations of traditional MIP-based sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a chelating agent is molecularly bound to the functionalized polymer composition of the molecularly imprinted polymer. The chelating agent molecularly bound to the functionalized polymer composition of the molecularly imprinted polymer of the present invention is releasable to the medium and is, subsequently, able to induce a change in the electrochemical properties of the medium once released
Implementation Method 2
The MIP thus formed is able to selectively bind molecules that match the imprint shape with a lock-and-key-type interaction, when exposed to an environment containing a mixture of compounds
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a molecularly imprinted polymer, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer comprises a functionalized polymer composition configured to molecularly bind a target molecule in a medium, wherein a chelating agent is molecularly bound to the functionalized polymer composition of the molecularly imprinted polymer, said chelating agent is releasable to the medium and is able to induce a change in the electrochemical properties of the medium once released from the molecularly imprinted polymer, and wherein the chelating agent is configured to be released to the medium from the molecularly imprinted polymer by molecular binding of the target molecule to the functionalized polymer composition of the molecularly imprinted polymer.