Functionalized Nanotube Sensor for Rapid Disease Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical sensor devices for disease detection suffer from poor detection limits, unreliable responses, and high manufacturing costs, making them unsuitable for rapid and cost-effective point-of-use diagnostics, particularly in cases like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrochemical biomolecule-functionalized sensor device featuring functionalized nanotubes with a metal oxide-based coating and a surface binding agent, combined with a biomolecule, which enhances detection sensitivity and efficiency, allowing for rapid and accurate identification of biological indicators such as viruses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrochemical sensor devices are used for disease detection, then device assembly and components can be implemented, but detection limits are poor and responses are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining metal oxide nanotubes with conducting polymer coatings to create a hybrid sensor surface. This composite structure integrates the high surface area and catalytic properties of metal oxides with the electroactive characteristics of conducting polymers, thereby improving both detection limits and response reliability through synergistic material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous metal oxide nanotube structures as the sensor substrate. These nanotubes provide high surface area-to-volume ratios that enhance analyte binding capacity and detection sensitivity. The porous architecture allows efficient mass transport of biological indicators to the sensing interface, improving both measurement precision and response reliability
2Reliability
If complex components and assembly methods are used in sensor devices, then detection functionality can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and single-use device production becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor device into modular components: a disposable sensing element containing the functionalized nanotube array, and a reusable readout device. This segmentation allows the complex detection functionality to be achieved in the disposable portion through simple fabrication processes, while the expensive electronics are reused, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs and enabling single-use device production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a disposable sensing element strategy where the functionalized nanotube array is manufactured as a low-cost, single-use component. This approach eliminates the need for complex sterilization and quality control procedures for reusable devices, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection functionality through the robust nanotube-based sensing platform
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensor devices are used for disease detection, then detection can be performed, but detection time periods are slow and cannot meet rapid diagnostic needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters of the sensor system by using nanoscale metal oxide structures with high surface area and tailored electrochemical properties. These parameter changes in material geometry and electronic structure enable faster electron transfer kinetics and enhanced analyte binding rates, achieving rapid detection within seconds while maintaining high detection accuracy through the preserved signal-to-noise ratio
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 sensor device achieves improved detection limits, reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs, enabling rapid and accurate detection of diseases like COVID-19, with the ability to detect biological indicators in minimal sample volumes and provide results within seconds.
Implementation Method 1
performing a first anodization of the support to obtain the metal oxide-based nanotubes formed thereon
Implementation Method 2
depositing the surface binding agent on the metal oxide-based nanotubes to form a layer of the surface binding agent on surfaces of metal oxide-based nanotubes
Implementation Method 3
depositing a solution comprising the biomolecule onto the layer of the surface binding agent
Implementation Method 4
sensing a change in current produced by the electrochemical biomolecule-functionalized sensor device after being exposed to the biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrochemical biomolecule-functionalized sensor device for rapidly determining whether a subject has, or is at risk of developing, a disease. In particular embodiments, the device embodiments are used to determine if a subject has a disease, such as COVID-19. The device embodiments comprise an electrode component that comprises functionalized nanotubes that are associated with a coating comprising a surface binding agent and a biomolecule. The coating provides the ability to specifically bind biological indicators present in a biological sample with rapid detection times.