Molecular Imprint Polymer Sensor for Rapid Microorganism Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microorganisms are slow, require antibody production, and do not directly detect microorganisms themselves, limiting their sensitivity and speed in applications like food processing and medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with a detection unit featuring a polymer layer with a three-dimensional structure complementary to the microorganism, formed through electropolymerization, destruction, and peroxidation steps, allowing for quick and sensitive detection using dielectrophoresis and a crystal oscillator to measure mass changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If culture method is used for bacteria test, then detection accuracy can be achieved, but detection time becomes very long (24-48 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological culture method with an electrochemical detection system. A sensor electrode directly detects bacterial components (such as ATP or cell wall components) through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for prolonged cultural incubation. This substitution of detection mechanism reduces detection time from 24-48 hours to minutes or seconds while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a molecular imprint of the target microorganism on the sensor surface. By forming a polymeric layer that contains a molecular cavity complementary to the target microorganism's structure, the sensor can specifically recognize and bind the microorganism, enabling direct detection without cultural amplification steps.
2Measurement precision
If ELISA method is used for microorganism detection, then detection sensitivity can be improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to antibody production requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using biological antibodies that require complex production processes, the patent creates synthetic molecular imprints on the sensor surface. These imprints are formed by polymerizing monomers in the presence of the target microorganism, creating cavities that specifically fit the microorganism's shape and surface features. This copying approach achieves specific recognition without the complexity of antibody production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a molecular imprint polymer layer as an intermediary between the sensor electrode and the target microorganism. This polymer layer provides specific recognition sites that bind the microorganism, enabling selective detection. The intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by replacing the need for antibody-antigen interactions with a simpler polymer-microorganism binding mechanism.
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 rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms, reducing detection time significantly compared to traditional methods and eliminating the need for antibody production, with the potential for automation in various industries.
Implementation Method 1
a polymerization step of electropolymerizing a monomer in presence of the microorganism to be detected, to form the polymer layer having captured the microorganism on the detection electrode
Implementation Method 2
a crystal oscillator having the detection electrode of the detection unit as one of electrodes, and measures a change in a mass of the polymer layer based on a change in a resonance frequency of the crystal oscillator
Implementation Method 3
applies an alternating-current (AC) voltage between the detection electrode of the detection unit and the counter electrode in a state where the detection unit and the counter electrode are in contact with a sample solution, to direct the microorganism in the sample solution toward the detection unit by dielectrophoresis
Implementation Method 4
a peroxidation step of peroxidizing the polymer layer to release the microorganism from the polymer layer
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention provides a sensor including a detection unit having a detection electrode and a polymer layer that is disposed on the detection electrode and includes a mold having a three-dimensional structure complementary to a steric structure of a microorganism to be detected. The sensor detects the microorganism based on a state of capturing the microorganism in the mold. The polymer layer is formed by a manufacturing method including: a polymerization step of polymerizing a monomer in the presence of the microorganism to be detected, to form the polymer layer having captured the microorganism on the detection electrode; a destruction step of partially destroying the microorganism captured in the polymer layer; and a peroxidation step of peroxidizing the polymer layer to release the microorganism from the polymer layer.