Multipurpose Electrode Analyte Detector for Versatile Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyte detectors lack versatility and selectivity, requiring specific detectors for each analyte, which limits their application in detecting multiple analytes in a single sample and is prone to technical inaccuracies due to specific measurement principles.

Innovation Solution

An analyte detector employing a multipurpose electrode that combines field-effect transistor (FET) and electrochemical measurement principles, allowing for simultaneous detection of analytes using both methods, enhancing measurement range and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a specific detector is used for each analyte, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and lack of versatility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multipurpose electrode that can perform both field-effect transistor measurements and electrochemical measurements, allowing a single device to detect multiple analytes through different measurement principles. This multi-functional design enables the same electrode to serve as both a FET sensor and an electrochemical sensor, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two different measurement principles (FET and electrochemical measurements) into a single integrated system using the multipurpose electrode. By merging these measurement capabilities in one device, the system achieves both high precision for specific analytes and broad versatility for detecting multiple different analytes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement principles are combined, then versatility is improved, but measurement precision may worsen due to technical inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller sequentially performs both FET measurements and electrochemical measurements and uses the results from both measurement principles to determine the presence and concentration of analytes. This feedback mechanism allows cross-validation of results, improving measurement precision while maintaining the versatility of multiple measurement approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs both FET and electrochemical measurements even though a single measurement principle might suffice for detecting an analyte. This excessive action provides redundant measurement data that can be used to verify results and improve precision, while the same multipurpose electrode maintains versatility for detecting multiple analyte types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If a single detector is used for multiple analytes, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens due to lack of specificity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The multipurpose electrode is designed to perform multiple measurement functions (FET and electrochemical measurements) with a single device structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to precisely detect multiple analytes through different measurement principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes measurement parameters by alternating between FET measurement mode and electrochemical measurement mode using the same multipurpose electrode. This parameter switching allows the single device to achieve analyte-specific precision for different measurement types without requiring multiple specialized detectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 analyte detector provides a universal sensor layout with increased sensitivity and selectivity, enabling detection of a wide range of analytes with enhanced measurement accuracy and range, serving as a fail-safe mechanism by overlapping detection ranges.

Implementation Method 1

Transistor-based analyte detectors have been adapted to allow the detection of a wide range of analytes including biomolecules such as proteins, antibodies, antigens, DNA, and chemical species such as ionic species and electrolytes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField-effect transistor (FET) measurement: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

analyte detectors able to detect at least one analyte in at least one fluid sample may also be based on electrochemical measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical measurement: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP3586115B1Analyte detector for detecting at least one analyte in at least one fluid sample
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS GMBH
  • EP3586115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3586115B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3586115B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

An analyte detector (110) for detecting at least one analyte in at least one fluid sample (111) is proposed. The analyte detector (110) comprises at least one multipurpose electrode (112) exposable to the fluid sample (111). The analyte detector (110) further comprises at least one field-effect transistor (114) in electrical contact with the at least one multipurpose electrode (112). The analyte detector (110) further comprises at least one electrochemical measurement device (116) configured for performing at least one electrochemical meas¬ urement using the multipurpose electrode (112).