RNA Aptamer Biosensor for Rapid RDX Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing RDX contamination in soil are costly, time-consuming, and not suitable for wide-scale environmental remediation due to their high sensitivity and off-site testing requirements, which hinder the evaluation of dispersal patterns over contaminated areas.

Innovation Solution

Development of synthetic RNA aptamers that bind to RDX, allowing for in situ detection using a biosensor apparatus with modified RNA aptamers linked to an electrode, enabling efficient and specific detection of RDX in soil and water samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-sensitivity off-site testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRDX detection sensitivityVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical off-site instrumentation with a simplified in-situ biosensor system that uses synthetic RNA aptamers combined with electrochemical detection. This substitution eliminates the need for transport and complex laboratory equipment while maintaining detection capability through direct measurement at the contamination site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces synthetic RNA aptamers as intermediary binding molecules that mediate between the RDX target and the detection system. These aptamers provide the necessary specificity and affinity to enable detection in complex environmental matrices, serving as a bridge between the sample and the electrochemical sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If high-sensitivity off-site testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRDX detection sensitivityVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical off-site instrumentation with a simplified in-situ biosensor system that uses synthetic RNA aptamers combined with electrochemical detection. This substitution eliminates the need for transport and complex laboratory equipment while maintaining detection capability through direct measurement at the contamination site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from requiring complex instrumental analysis to electrochemical signal measurement. By transforming the detection mechanism into an electrochemical assay using modified RNA aptamers with electroactive groups, the system achieves high sensitivity through electrical signal detection rather than complex mechanical or optical instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If current RDX testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRDX quantification accuracyVSAvoidtesting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical off-site instrumentation with a simplified in-situ biosensor system that uses synthetic RNA aptamers combined with electrochemical detection. This substitution eliminates the need for transport and complex laboratory equipment while maintaining detection capability through direct measurement at the contamination site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the testing system to perform self-contained measurements directly at the contamination site without requiring external laboratory facilities. The biosensor apparatus can autonomously detect and quantify RDX in environmental samples through in-situ electrochemical measurement, eliminating the need for sample transport and centralized processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 synthetic RNA aptamers demonstrate high affinity and specificity for RDX, enabling rapid and cost-effective detection of RDX contamination patterns, suitable for environmental remediation efforts, with the ability to differentiate RDX from structurally similar compounds.

Implementation Method 1

synthetic RNA aptamer(s) that bind 1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular recognition:

Implementation Method 2

The synthetic RNA aptamers are modified to link to an electrode. The surface electrode is linked to the plurality of synthetic RNA aptamers.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS9970013B2Rapid in situ testing for environmental contamination

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE ARMY

AI summary

The present invention provides synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX. In various embodiments, the synthetic RNA aptamers may include one or more aptamers selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID 1-12. The synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX provide an inexpensive, in situ method for testing for RDX, which may be used for both soil and water samples.