Robotic Electrical Sensor Dipping for Molecule Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring molecule properties, such as concentration, binding kinetics, and affinity, are limited by their complexity, time-consuming nature, and sensitivity to measurement buffer composition, particularly in optical sensing technologies like SPR and BLI, which require complex setups and are not suitable for real-time, quantitative, and reproducible measurements in diverse biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A robotic actuator system with an electrical sensor and a multi-well plate configuration that allows for automated dipping into different liquids, enabling the acquisition of time sequences of data readouts to determine molecule properties with minimal buffer composition impact, high sensitivity, and increased dynamic range, without the need for lengthy baseline measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensing technologies (SPR, BLI) are used to measure molecule properties, then real-time data read-out and quantitative data are achieved, but the measurement equipment becomes comparably complex and requires complex setups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a simplified electrical sensing system. Instead of using optical components (light sources, detectors, optical paths) for measurement, the invention employs electrical sensors that directly detect molecule properties through electrochemical or electrical interactions, thereby eliminating the need for complex optical setups while maintaining quantitative measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the optical detection components from the measurement system. By removing the optical path, light source, and optical detector, the system achieves measurement functionality through a simpler electrical sensing mechanism, directly addressing the complexity issue while preserving measurement precision
2Reliability
If traditional methods (HPLC, ELISA) are used for measuring molecule properties, then centralized laboratory environment operation is maintained, but the methods are protracted in terms of time to result and require specially trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automated robotic actuators that perform sample handling, sensor positioning, and measurement execution without requiring specially trained personnel. The automated control system executes measurement protocols independently, eliminating the time loss associated with manual operation requirements while maintaining reliable results
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, plate handling, sensor positioning) with automated robotic actuators and control systems. This substitution eliminates the time required for manual preparation and operation, enabling rapid measurement results while maintaining the reliability of centralized laboratory-quality data
3Measurement precision
If optical sensing technologies are used for measuring molecule properties, then real-time data read-out is achieved, but the measurements are sensitive to measurement buffer composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection with electrical sensing that measures molecule properties through direct electrochemical interactions rather than optical interactions. This fundamental substitution eliminates sensitivity to buffer composition (optical interference, light absorption, scattering) while preserving real-time data read-out capability, as electrical sensors directly detect the target molecules regardless of buffer conditions
4Productivity
If automated robotic actuator system with electrical sensor is used for measuring molecule properties, then hands-on time is minimized and measurement speed is increased, but the system requires precise control of robotic actuator and multi-well plate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic actuator system is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple functions: positioning the electrical sensor, dipping it into different wells of the multi-well plate, and coordinating with the control system. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single versatile system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby enabling high productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 system provides accurate, fast, and reliable measurements of molecule properties with minimal hands-on time, increased dynamic range, and insensitivity to measurement buffer composition, enabling real-time data acquisition in various biological samples like blood, sweat, or urine.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electrical signal in dependence of the electrochemical condition of the fourth molecules
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system including a robotic actuator configured to engage an electrical sensor, a platform configured to retain a multi-well plate, and at least one processor configured to control the robotic actuator to dip the electrical sensor into wells filled with an analyst liquid, a sample liquid, a pre-detection liquid and a detection liquid. The present invention further relates to a corresponding method for determining the presence and/or concentration of a target molecule in a sample, for determining the binding kinetics and binding affinity of molecules and for determining the conformality structure.