OFET Cannabinoid Sensing for Rapid Selective Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting cannabinoids are costly, time-consuming, and lack specificity and sensitivity, making them unsuitable for rapid, on-the-spot analysis by consumers, producers, and law enforcement.

Innovation Solution

An electrochemical sensor using organic field effect transistors (OFETs) with phthalocyanine derivatives and diazonium salts as probes is developed to detect and differentiate cannabinoids in liquid or gaseous samples, providing rapid and selective quantification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography is used for cannabinoid detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannabinoid detection accuracyVSAvoidinstrument complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical chromatography systems (HPLC/GC) with an electrochemical field-effect transistor sensor that detects cannabinoids through electrochemical property changes. This substitution maintains detection capability while eliminating the need for complex chromatographic equipment, solvents, and extensive sample preparation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a simplified sensor device that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to expensive chromatography instruments. The sensor element with its specific layer structure is designed to be an affordable alternative that provides sufficient detection accuracy for consumer and regulatory applications without requiring the high investment in professional laboratory equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If HPLC or gas chromatography is used for cannabinoid detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannabinoid detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device is pre-configured with the specific layer structure and electrochemical components needed for cannabinoid detection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming sample preparation, solvent selection, and method optimization required by chromatography systems, allowing for rapid direct detection of cannabinoids in various sample forms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing the time-intensive chromatographic separation and detection process with a direct electrochemical sensing mechanism, the system achieves rapid results. The field-effect transistor sensor responds immediately to cannabinoid presence through electrochemical property changes, eliminating hours of chromatographic analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If optical methods are used for cannabinoid detection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoidcannabinoid differentiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties to electrochemical properties. The field-effect transistor sensor measures electrochemical property changes in the sensor element when exposed to cannabinoids, providing superior differentiation capability between different cannabinoid types while maintaining operational simplicity comparable to optical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes optical detection methods with electrochemical field-effect sensing. This substitution maintains the ease of operation characteristic of optical methods while dramatically improving the ability to differentiate between cannabinoids based on their specific electrochemical interactions with the sensor layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system offers rapid, low-cost, and selective detection of cannabinoids, enabling on-the-spot quality control and enforcement, suitable for various applications including consumer devices, law enforcement, and cannabis production.

Implementation Method 1

interactions between the sensor element and the cannabinoid changes or affects the sensor element's electrochemical properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical property change:

Data Source

PatentUS12613218B2Devices and methods for selective detection of cannabinoids

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods for detecting cannabinoids in liquid or gaseous samples. In one aspect, the present invention uses a sensor element and two electrical circuit elements. When the sensor element is in contact with a sample containing cannabinoid, interactions between the sensor element and the cannabinoid changes or affects the sensor element's electrochemical properties. Using the two electrical circuit elements, this change can be detected. An analog signal relating to the changed electrochemical properties can be measured using the two electrical circuit elements. In one implementation, there is provided an organic field effect transistor (OFET) whose signal changes when in contact with a cannabinoid containing sample.