Nickel Oxyhydroxide Microbial Sensor for Rapid Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical biosensors for pathogen detection in food are either slow and time-consuming due to label-dependent methods or lack specificity and reproducibility in label-independent methods, limiting their practicality and feasibility for real-time, on-field measurements.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical microbial sensor (EMS) combining label-dependent and label-independent approaches, utilizing a nickel-based working electrode with an alkaline media and rotating disk configuration, capable of generating nickel oxyhydroxide electrocatalyst in situ, for rapid and accurate pathogen quantification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If label-dependent electrochemical biosensors are used for pathogen detection, then detection reliability is improved, but detection time increases significantly (2-7 days)
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two independent parts: (1) label-dependent specific binding of pathogens to bioreceptors on the electrode surface, and (2) label-independent electrochemical detection of the bound pathogens through direct electron transfer or electrocatalytic reactions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through specific binding while achieving rapid detection within minutes by eliminating the need for enzymatic amplification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrocatalysts (such as metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, or conductive polymers) as intermediaries between the pathogen and the electrode surface. These intermediaries facilitate direct electrochemical reactions or electron transfer, enabling rapid signal generation without requiring label-dependent enzymatic reactions, thus reducing detection time while maintaining reliability.
2Speed
If label-independent electrochemical biosensors are used for rapid detection, then detection speed is improved, but specificity and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges label-dependent and label-independent approaches into a hybrid system: label-dependent bioreceptors (antibodies, aptamers, or receptors) are immobilized on the electrode surface to ensure specific pathogen binding, while label-independent electrochemical detection methods (direct electron transfer, electrocatalysis, or impedance measurement) are used to rapidly detect the bound pathogens. This combination maintains high specificity through selective binding while achieving rapid detection within minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode surface is designed with localized functional zones: bioreceptors are immobilized in specific regions to provide selective pathogen recognition, while electrocatalytic materials are positioned in adjacent or overlapping regions to enhance electrochemical signal generation. This spatial arrangement of different functional qualities ensures both specificity and rapid detection.
3Measurement precision
If conventional biosensors are used for pathogen detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation and field deployment capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical sensor system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating: the electrode with immobilized bioreceptors directly detects pathogens in the sample without requiring external enrichment steps, complex instrumentation, or specialized operational procedures. The electrochemical measurement is automatically performed by applying a potential and measuring current or impedance changes, enabling accurate detection with minimal user intervention and facilitating field deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical detection systems with electrochemical measurements. Instead of requiring plate readers, flow cytometers, or optical microscopes, the system uses simple electrochemical potentiostats or impedance analyzers to detect pathogen presence through electrical signals, significantly simplifying the instrumentation and improving ease of operation for field applications while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 EMS achieves rapid detection of pathogens like E. coli in food samples within minutes, with improved sensitivity and durability, overcoming limitations of existing biosensors by integrating nanotechnology for enhanced detection limits and ease of use in field environments.
Implementation Method 1
a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. The working electrode may include a transition metal, and is contacted with a solution including an alkaline media for oxidation of the transition metal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical sensor, including a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. The working electrode may include a transition metal, and is contacted with a solution including an alkaline media for oxidation of the transition metal, such that the sensor may be used to provide data to quantify the amount of a pathogen in the solution. In certain embodiments, the transition metal of the working electrode is nickel. In other embodiments, the working electrode includes graphene-layered nickel. And, in certain embodiments, the working electrode may be a rotating disk electrode, wherein the working electrode rotates in a solution including an alkaline media.