Platinum Electrode Nucleic Acid Attachment for Stable Gene Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical detection devices using gold electrodes suffer from poor electrode stability due to weak Au-S bonds, which are susceptible to chemical desorption and oxidation, especially in aqueous solutions, leading to instability in gene detection processes.

Innovation Solution

A method for fixing nucleic acid to a platinum electrode using ethylenediamine and sulfo SMMC molecules, followed by electro-oxidation and thiol-functionalized nucleic acid attachment, enhances electrode stability by forming stronger covalent bonds in aqueous solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gold electrode with thiol-modified nucleic acid is used, then the nucleic acid can be fixed to the electrode, but the electrode stability deteriorates due to weak Au-S bonds susceptible to oxidation and chemical desorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidbond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of conductive polymer and ethylenediamine between the gold electrode and thiol-modified nucleic acid. This intermediary layer serves as a mediator that enhances the interaction between the electrode and nucleic acid, improving both bond strength and electrode stability while maintaining electrochemical activity for nucleic acid detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrode structure combining gold electrode, conductive polymer layer, and ethylenediamine monolayer. This composite material approach leverages the advantages of each component: the gold provides electrochemical stability, the conductive polymer enhances electron transfer, and the ethylenediamine forms strong bonds with both the gold and the thiol-modified nucleic acid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a platinum electrode is used instead of gold, then electrochemical stability improves, but the ease of attaching nucleic acid deteriorates due to weaker interaction with thiol groups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidnucleic acid attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ethylenediamine acts as an intermediary that facilitates nucleic acid attachment to the platinum electrode. It forms strong bonds with both the platinum surface and the thiol-modified nucleic acid, making the attachment process easier and more reliable on platinum compared to direct attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the electrode surface properties by introducing the conductive polymer and ethylenediamine layers, which change the chemical and physical parameters of the platinum surface to enhance its affinity for thiol-modified nucleic acid, thereby improving attachment ease

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 platinum electrode exhibits improved electrochemical stability, allowing for reliable nucleic acid detection with enhanced bond strength and resistance to oxidation, enabling accurate and stable gene detection.

Implementation Method 1

step (S1) of fixing an ethylenediamine molecule on the electrode, step (S1) comprising an electro-oxidation of a primary amine of the ethylenediamine molecule by cyclic voltammetry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

step (S2) of fixing a sulfo SMMC molecule of 4-(N-Maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid 3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester on the ethylenediamine molecule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

step (S3) of fixing a nucleic acid on the sulfo SMMC molecule, the nucleic acid being previously modified to include a thiol function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4441243B1Attaching nucleic acids to a platinum electrode
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 UNIV PARIS SACLAY
  • EP4441243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4441243B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4441243B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for attaching nucleic acids to a platinum electrode, comprising the following steps: - a step (S1) of attaching an ethylenediamine molecule to the electrode, step (S1) comprising electro-oxidation of a primary amine from the ethylenediamine molecule by cyclic voltammetry, - a step (S2) of attaching a sulfo SMCC molecule of 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid 3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester to the ethylenediamine molecule, - a step (S3) of attaching a nucleic acid to the sulfo SMCC molecule, the nucleic acid having been modified beforehand to comprise a thiol function, the electrode being in contact with an aqueous solution, i.e. with a solution in which the solvent is water, during steps (S1), (S2) and (S3).