Regenerable Affinity Sensors Using Localized pH Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Affinity sensors face challenges with slow regeneration due to small reverse rate constants, leading to prolonged analytical recovery times and potential single-use limitations, and external pH modification methods can alter sample characteristics undesirably.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a solid-state pH-modulating element in proximity to the sensing element allows for localized pH alteration, promoting analyte decomplexation without affecting the bulk sample, thereby facilitating faster sensor regeneration and maintaining sample integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a recognition moiety with high binding affinity is used to detect analyte, then sensitivity and detection accuracy are improved, but regeneration time becomes excessively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized pH gradient near the sensing element through the solid-state pH-modulating element. This localized pH change specifically affects the binding equilibrium at the sensing element surface without altering the bulk sample pH, enabling selective regeneration of the recognition moiety while maintaining high binding affinity for continued sensitive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modulating the pH parameter locally at the sensing element through electrochemical means. This pH parameter change shifts the binding equilibrium of the analyte-recognition moiety complex, facilitating rapid decomplexation and regeneration of the sensing element without compromising the high affinity binding characteristics needed for sensitive detection.
2Loss of time
If external pH modification methods are used to regenerate the sensor, then regeneration speed is improved, but sample characteristics are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state pH-modulating element generates a localized pH change only in the immediate vicinity of the sensing element through electrochemical proton transfer. This spatially restricted pH modification enables rapid sensor regeneration without altering the bulk sample composition, thereby avoiding harmful effects on the sample while achieving fast regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state pH-modulating element acts as an intermediary between the electrical control system and the chemical regeneration process. It converts electrical signals into localized pH changes through electrochemical reactions, serving as a mediator that enables regeneration without requiring direct addition of chemical reagents to the sample.
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
This approach enables efficient regeneration of affinity sensors, reducing analytical recovery time and preventing sample alteration, allowing for repeated use and accurate, label-free continuous sensing.
Implementation Method 1
the solid-state pH-modulating element is operable to promote a pH change by oxidation or reduction of a solid material associated with the solid-state pH-modulating element
Implementation Method 2
the solid-state pH-modulating element is operable to promote a pH change by oxidation or reduction of a solid material associated with the solid-state pH-modulating element
Implementation Method 3
The recognition moiety may exhibit binding affinity for forming an analyte complex when interacted with the analyte
Data Source
AI summary
Affinity sensors may exhibit advantaged regeneration behavior when pH is changed in proximity to a sensing element. Such affinity sensors may comprise at least one sensing element comprising a recognition moiety that interacts with an analyte by reversibly forming an analyte complex, and a solid-state pH-modulating element in proximity to the at least one sensing element, wherein formation of the analyte complex is pH-dependent and the at least one sensing element provides a signal that changes when the analyte complex reversibly forms, and a change in magnitude of the signal is correlatable to an amount of analyte interacted with the at least one sensing element.