Regenerative Nanosensor Reversible Supramolecular Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensing systems using CMOS-compatible silicon nanowire field-effect transistors face limitations in probe immobilization, including irreversible attachment, lack of control over molecule placement, and reduced device lifespan due to autoxidation and heterogeneity, which restricts their reusability and long-term application.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative nanosensor device with a reversible functionalized supramolecular assembly coating on the nanostructure surface, utilizing a self-assembled monolayer of β-cyclodextrin and a linker layer with a guest moiety that reversibly binds, allowing for selective removal and refunctionalization of receptor molecules without degrading the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If covalent attachment through amino silanization is used to immobilize receptor molecules on the nanowire surface, then the sensor achieves initial detection capability, but the device becomes practically unusable after one use due to irreversible attachment and autoxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical bonding parameters from irreversible covalent bonds to reversible non-covalent interactions. Specifically, it uses host-guest chemistry where cyclodextrin host molecules on the nanowire surface reversibly bind guest molecules containing the receptor, allowing controlled association and dissociation through environmental parameter changes rather than permanent chemical attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cyclodextrin molecules as intermediary host structures that mediate the attachment of receptor molecules to the nanowire surface. These host molecules provide reversible binding sites through guest-host interactions, acting as a mediator layer between the nanowire and the receptor molecules, enabling both attachment and controlled release
2Ease of manufacture
If covalent attachment is used to immobilize receptor molecules, then the sensor can be manufactured with initial functionality, but the placement and conformation of molecules cannot be controlled, reducing activity and increasing heterogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the immobilization mechanism from covalent bonding to reversible non-covalent host-guest interactions, which allow molecules to self-assemble into more uniform and controlled configurations on the nanowire surface, reducing heterogeneity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-assembly mechanisms where guest molecules containing receptors automatically organize themselves on the cyclodextrin-functionalized nanowire surface through specific host-guest interactions, eliminating the need for complex controlled placement procedures while achieving uniform molecular distribution
3Reliability
If irreversible covalent attachment is used for probe immobilization, then the sensor achieves stable initial performance, but the probe layer cannot be removed or regenerated for repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static irreversible covalent attachment into a dynamic reversible system based on host-guest chemistry. The receptor molecules can associate with and dissociate from the nanowire surface in response to environmental changes, enabling the sensor to be regenerated and reused multiple times while maintaining stable performance during each measurement cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic association-dissociation cycles of the receptor molecules with the nanowire surface. The sensor can repeatedly undergo cycles of receptor attachment for detection, followed by controlled dissociation for regeneration, enabling multiple measurement cycles without permanent degradation
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 the reuse of nanosensor devices by controllably removing and re-adsorbing functional layers, maintaining device performance and integrity, and allowing for repeated detection of analytes without the need for recalibration.
Implementation Method 1
a self-assembled monolayer of β-cyclodextrin and a linker layer with a guest moiety that reversibly binds
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a regenerative nanosensor device for the detection of one or more analytes of interest. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a nanostructure having a reversible functionalized coating comprising a supramolecular assembly. Controllable and selective disruption of the assembly promotes desorption of at least part of the reversible functionalized coating thereby allowing for reuse of the regenerative device.