MIP-Coated Thermistor Biosensor for Real-Time Liquid Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensors for detecting biomolecules are often large, require specific conditions, and are not suitable for continuously flowing samples, leading to complexity, inaccuracy, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermistor with a nanoscale molecularly imprinted polymer coating is used to detect target molecules by measuring changes in thermal conductivity and resistance, eliminating the need for heating substrates and reducing signal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat source and substrate are used for biosensing, then temperature control and reliable readings are achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat source and substrate components from the sensing system, replacing them with a thermistor that directly senses temperature changes in the sample without requiring active heating or a separate substrate. This elimination of components reduces device complexity while maintaining sensing reliability through direct thermal contact with the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermistor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sensing element and the thermal reference, eliminating the need for separate heat source and temperature sensing components. The thermistor self-regulates by detecting temperature changes caused by molecular binding events, providing reliable readings without complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a heat source is used for substrate heating, then biosensing is enabled, but equipment becomes bulky and requires considerable processing power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky heat source and substrate assembly, replacing it with a miniaturized thermistor that can be directly immersed in the sample. This extraction of unnecessary components dramatically reduces equipment size and weight while maintaining biosensing capability through direct thermal measurement of the sample environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heating system (heat source and substrate) with an electrical sensing system (thermistor). The thermistor detects temperature changes electrically without requiring physical heating, thereby eliminating the need for bulky heating equipment and reducing overall system size.
3Measurement precision
If aptamers are used for target binding, then specific detection is achieved, but stability is limited and selection procedure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the binding agent from organic aptamers to inorganic molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). MIPs offer superior chemical and thermal stability compared to aptamers while maintaining high binding specificity. The imprinting process creates stable polymer cavities that selectively bind target molecules, eliminating the stability and selection issues associated with aptamers.
4Reliability
If temperature monitoring and control systems are implemented, then heat source reliability is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the entire temperature monitoring and control system, including temperature sensors, control circuits, and feedback mechanisms. The thermistor directly measures sample temperature without requiring active control, thereby eliminating operational complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through passive thermal sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermistor performs temperature measurement autonomously without requiring external control systems. It self-regulates by detecting temperature changes caused by molecular binding events, providing reliable data without user intervention or complex operational procedures.
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 accurate, real-time detection of biomolecules with reduced complexity, cost, and noise, making it suitable for in-sample, in-liquid, or in vivo applications.
Implementation Method 1
When the target molecule is present, it binds to the coating, which reduces the heat flow to the thermistor. When such molecules bind to the coating of the thermistor, the thermal conductivity of the thermistor changes and so the resistance of the thermistor in a sample also changes
Implementation Method 2
the resistance of the thermistor in a sample also changes, thereby indicating when the molecule is present in the sample
Implementation Method 3
a nanoscale molecularly imprinted polymer coating bonded thereto... the functionalised nanoparticle coating comprises a nanoscale molecularly imprinted polymer... When the target molecule is present, it binds to the coating
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A thermistor comprising a functionalised nanoparticle coating bonded thereto, which may be in the form of a nanoscale molecularly imprinted polymer. The thermistor may form part of a device for detecting molecules and a used in a method therefor.