Reagentless Biosensor for Amino Acid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for metabolic disorders like hyperammonemia and aminoacidopathies require specialized equipment and hospital settings, making real-time monitoring and management challenging, especially for patients who need frequent assessments.
Innovation Solution
A reagentless biosensor system comprising an electrically conductive support attached to a hydrogel with an immobilized metabolic enzyme, such as phenylalanine dehydrogenase, that allows for real-time detection and quantification of amino acids in bodily fluids without the need for external reagents or stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized mass spectrometry instrumentation is used in hospital settings, then measurement precision of amino acid levels is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex hospital-based mass spectrometry systems and implements it in a simplified portable biosensor device. The biosensor uses enzyme electrodes with specific enzymes (e.g., phenylalanine dehydrogenase) immobilized on electroactive supports, eliminating the need for complex mass spectrometry instrumentation while maintaining detection capability for clinical use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and complex analytical system of mass spectrometry with an electrochemical biosensing system. The biosensor uses electrochemical reactions at enzyme-modified electrodes to detect amino acid levels, substituting the complex physical measurement system with a simpler electrochemical approach that can be performed in portable devices.
2Measurement precision
If hospital-based specialized testing is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform testing themselves at home using portable biosensor devices, eliminating the need to travel to hospitals for each test. The biosensor is designed for simple operation where patients can collect their own bodily fluid samples and obtain results immediately, performing the testing action in advance and at the point of care rather than waiting for hospital appointments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service testing system where patients use portable biosensor devices to monitor their own amino acid levels at home. The devices are designed for easy patient operation without requiring specialized hospital staff or equipment, allowing patients to independently perform measurements and track their condition over time.
3Reliability
If frequent hospital visits for monitoring are required, then reliability of disease management is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of amino acid levels by allowing patients to perform frequent measurements at home using portable biosensor devices. Instead of discrete hospital visits, patients can continuously track their condition throughout the day and over time, maintaining reliable disease management through ongoing self-monitoring without interruption by travel or scheduling constraints.
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 immediate, point-of-care evaluation of amino acid levels in bodily fluids, facilitating timely management and reducing healthcare costs by providing a portable and reliable tool for monitoring and diagnosing metabolic disorders.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one metabolic enzyme is a phenylalanine dehydrogenase from a thermophilic bacterial species... wherein the at least one metabolic enzyme catalyzes oxidation of an amino acid
Implementation Method 2
the at least one metabolic enzyme catalyzes oxidation of an amino acid resulting in a current on the first electrode
Implementation Method 3
the electrically conductive support attached to a hydrogel... wherein the metabolic enzyme is immobilized in the hydrogel
Implementation Method 4
an amperometer and/or voltmeter operably connected to the at least one electrically conductive support... resulting in a current on the first electrode corresponding to a concentration value
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a biosensor capable of measuring the total concentration of one or a plurality of amino acids with the use of a reagentless system comprising an electrode modified by hydrogel that comprises at least one enzyme that oxidizes at least one substrate that is at least one amino acid. In some embodiments, the biosensor comprises a hydrogel comprising alginate. In some embodiments, the biosensor comprises use of a thermophilic bacterial metabolic enzyme immobilized or attached to the hydrogel.