Continuous Optical Aptamer Sensors with Membrane Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aptamer-based sensors face challenges in longevity due to electrode degradation and fouling, limiting their continuous sensing capabilities, while optical aptamer sensors are not integrated into devices for continuous biosensing applications.
Innovation Solution
A continuous sensing device with aptamers in the solution phase, equipped with optical tags and an isolation element, utilizing a membrane to retain aptamers and allow analytes to pass through, coupled with a reservoir for continuous aptamer replenishment to extend sensor lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If aptamers are attached to an electrochemical electrode surface for continuous sensing, then the sensor can provide continuous monitoring capability, but the electrode surface degrades and fouls over time, limiting sensor lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary membrane system that separates the aptamer-containing sensor fluid from the sample fluid. The membrane allows analytes to pass through while retaining aptamers, preventing direct contact between aptamers and fouling species in the sample. This intermediary barrier resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous sensing while protecting the electrode surface and aptamers from degradation and fouling.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If optical aptamer sensors are used for continuous biosensing, then sensor lifetime may be extended, but optical aptamer sensors are not integrated into sensing devices for continuous biosensing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing system into distinct functional components: a membrane layer, a sensor fluid containing aptamers, and an optical detection system. This segmentation allows the optical aptamer sensor to be integrated into a device architecture where each component performs its specific function, resolving the contradiction between extended lifetime and device integration complexity.
3Reliability
If aptamers are placed in solution phase with membrane retention, then aptamer stability and reduced fouling are achieved, but the device requires additional components such as membrane and reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the membrane to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier to prevent aptamer leakage, serves as a filter to retain aptamers while allowing analyte passage, and provides structural support for the sensor fluid. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and reduced device complexity.
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
Enables prolonged continuous sensing with increased aptamer stability and reduced fouling, allowing for extended monitoring of analytes beyond the lifespan of traditional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the aptamers includes at least one optical tag, and the optical tag is configured to provide a change in at least one optical property between a first state in which the aptamer is bound to the analyte and a second state in which the aptamer is not bound to the analyte
Implementation Method 2
an isolation element retaining the aptamer in the sensor fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting at least one analyte in a sample fluid is provided. The device 100 includes a sensor fluid 18, a plurality of aptamers disposed in the sensor fluid, one or more aptamers of the plurality of aptamers configured to bind to an analyte, an optical source 120, and an optical detector 122 configured to detect a change in at least one optical property of the aptamers, and at least one isolation element (e.g., membrane 136) retaining the aptamer in the sensor fluid. Each of the one or more aptamers includes at least one optical tag. Each of the optical tags is configured to provide a change in at least one optical property between a first state in which the aptamer is bound to the analyte and a second state in which the aptamer is not bound to the analyte, and the first state and the second state differing in the shape of the aptamer.