Mucus-Electrolyte Electrochemical Sensor for Selective VOC Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic-nose (e-nose) devices for detecting diseases like COVID-19 through breath analysis suffer from poor selectivity, high contamination risk, and high cost, and existing gas sensors like MOX sensors have limited accuracy and sensitivity, especially when reused.
Innovation Solution
Developing an electrochemical sensor (echem-nose) that mimics the human olfactory system by using an array of metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) and metalloporphyrins (MPPs) with a thin layer of natural or synthetic mucus electrolyte, and a mechanism to constantly dispense electrolyte, enhancing sensitivity and selectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MOX sensors are used in e-nose devices for breath analysis, then the device can detect VOCs and gases, but the selectivity and accuracy are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple specialized sensors, each designed to detect specific target analytes (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 viral chemicals, acetone, ethanol, ammonia). This segmentation allows each sensor to optimize its detection capability for particular substances, thereby improving both selectivity and measurement precision compared to using a single type of MOX sensor for all detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sensing materials and configurations to different sensors based on their specific detection targets. Each sensor is tailored with local quality - specific metal-oxide materials, surface treatments, or structural modifications - to enhance its sensitivity and selectivity for particular VOCs or gases, rather than using a uniform sensing approach across all sensors.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same e-nose device is reused for testing different people, then cost is reduced, but contamination risk and disease spread increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor module as a disposable, single-use component. Each sensor is intended to be used for one patient and then discarded, eliminating cross-contamination risks between patients. The disposable nature is achieved through designing the sensor with integrated consumable elements (such as permeable membranes and electrolyte layers) that cannot be effectively sterilized or regenerated, making disposal more economical than repeated sterilization processes.
3Reliability
If an array of different MOX sensors is used to improve selectivity, then detection capability increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensing platform where a single sensor design can detect multiple different analytes by changing the sensing material or configuration. The sensor module is designed to be universally applicable for detecting various VOCs and gases (viral chemicals, acetone, ethanol, ammonia, etc.) using the same basic structure and detection mechanism, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing entirely different sensor types for each analyte.
4Measurement precision
If electrochemical sensors are made disposable with high accuracy, then detection reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes sensor parameters such as electrode geometry, electrolyte composition, and operating voltage to achieve high detection accuracy at lower manufacturing costs. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the sensor achieves comparable performance to expensive commercial electrochemical sensors while using simpler, more cost-effective materials and fabrication methods suitable for disposable applications.
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
The echem-nose provides high accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability for detecting various VOCs and gases at low concentrations, suitable for disposable sensors, and can be used for medical diagnostics, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochemical gas sensors for the detection of H2 and CO are available
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism of detection is based on the interaction of the odorant molecules with the metal ion
Implementation Method 3
Dangling bonds at the surface of the materials allow oxygen atoms to be reactive to adsorbed chemicals
Implementation Method 4
The interaction of the odorant molecules with the metal ion
Data Source
AI summary
Sensors and related methods for detecting chemicals, gases and molecules using a plurality of electrodes, a liquid mucus based electrolyte and a separator to hold the liquid electrolyte and wet the surface of the first electrode and wet the surface of the second electrode with the liquid electrolyte. One or more electrodes may include a metallophthalocyanine or a metalloporphyrin or a derivative thereof or an electrode may be in electrical contact with a metallophthalocyanine or a metalloporphyrin.