Multiplexed Electrochemical Biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 Biomarker Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SARS-CoV-2 testing methods, such as viral nucleic acid real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), are slow, expensive, and unable to differentiate between asymptomatic carriers and immune individuals, while also producing false negatives, necessitating a rapid, cost-effective, and simultaneous detection of both viral and serologic status.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor system comprising a microfluidics layer with multiple microchannels and a multimodal sensing layer including counter, reference, and working electrodes with detection proteins for SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers, coupled with a logic circuit for rapid detection and quantification of electrical properties, enabling the identification of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers in biological samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RT-PCR testing is used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but testing speed and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtesting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex RT-PCR laboratories and concentrates it into a portable biosensor device that performs viral antigen detection and antibody detection simultaneously, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical and chemical complexity of RT-PCR amplification systems with an electrochemical biosensing system that directly detects viral antigens and antibodies through electrical signal transduction, dramatically reducing testing time and equipment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If RT-PCR testing is used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but equipment cost and operational complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal biosensor platform that can detect multiple SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers (viral antigens, IgG antibodies, IgM antibodies) simultaneously using the same device architecture, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment for different diagnostic purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from nucleic acid amplification (RT-PCR) to electrochemical signal detection, simplifying the device while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through direct antigen-antibody binding measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If serologic assays are used for antibody detection, then immune status identification is improved, but ability to differentiate asymptomatic carriers from immune persons is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune status detectionVSAvoidinfection status differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges viral antigen detection and antibody detection into a single integrated biosensor system, allowing simultaneous measurement of both infectious status (viral antigens) and immune status (antibodies) to fully differentiate between asymptomatic carriers, active infections, and recovered individuals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses detection proteins as intermediaries that specifically bind to different SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers, enabling the biosensor to distinguish between various infection stages by detecting the presence or absence of specific viral antigens and antibody types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 biosensor system provides rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers, differentiating between active and past infections, and reducing the risk of community spread by identifying infectious individuals effectively.

Implementation Method 1

the microfluidics layer comprises multiple microchannels transversely oriented to channel a biological sample from a first surface of the microfluidics layer to a second surface of the microfluidics layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrofluidics:

Implementation Method 2

the electrodes configured to detect a measurement of an electrical property corresponding to the first, second, third, and/or fourth SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers being present in the biological sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11585778B2Multiplexed sensor for ultra-fast and low-cost COVID-19 diagnosis and monitoring

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

A biosensor for the rapid, inexpensive, quantitative, and convenient detection of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers, methods of manufacturing, and methods of using the same, to identify a patient's prognosis and past/present SARS-CoV-2 infection status, wherein the biosensor comprises a microfluidics layer, a multimodal sensing layer comprising two or more working electrodes, and a logic circuit that may include a processor and non-transitory memory with computer executable instructions embedded thereon.