ROS Sensor with Electrochemical Indicator Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) face challenges such as dependency on flow, low selectivity, and the need for regular chemical regeneration, which disrupts continuous measurement and is energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with an indicator substance that can be oxidized and reduced using a flow of current, allowing for quick regeneration without chemicals, and an optical sensor that detects changes in radiation intensity or luminescence to measure ROS concentrations, overcoming the limitations of amperometric and optical sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors use dyes with selective receptor sites to improve selectivity, then measurement precision is improved, but the optical change becomes irreversible requiring chemical regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the redox state transitions of the indicator substance. The indicator can be switched between oxidized and reduced states through electrochemical means, allowing reversible optical signal changes without chemical regeneration. This transforms the irreversible chemical change into a controllable electrochemical parameter transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical regeneration mechanism with an electrochemical reduction mechanism. Instead of using chemical reducing agents to restore the indicator substance, an electrical current is applied to reduce the oxidized indicator back to its active form, eliminating the need for chemical regeneration solutions and associated mechanical immersion processes.
2Reliability
If chemical regeneration is used to restore sensor state, then sensor reliability is maintained, but measurement continuity is interrupted and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement by implementing in-situ electrochemical regeneration. The indicator substance is reduced back to its active form through applied voltage during or between measurement cycles, eliminating the need to remove the sensor from the measuring solution for regeneration. This maintains continuous contact between the sensor and analyte, ensuring uninterrupted measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-regeneration through electrochemical means. The oxidized indicator substance is automatically reduced back to its active form by applying a reduction voltage through integrated electrodes, allowing the sensor to restore itself without external chemical intervention or manual regeneration processes.
3Speed
If amperometric sensors are used for ROS measurement, then response speed is improved, but selectivity deteriorates due to cross-sensitivities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite sensor structure combining an optical indicator substance with an electrochemical regeneration system. The indicator substance provides selective optical response to specific ROS species, while the electrochemical component enables controlled regeneration. This composite approach merges the selectivity of optical methods with the rapid response and controllability of electrochemical methods.
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 continuous, uninterrupted measurement of ROS concentrations with improved selectivity and reduced energy consumption, as the sensor can rapidly restore its state for subsequent measurements without chemical regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
the indicator substance is intended to be oxidized into an oxidized form of the indicator substance by the at least one analyte
Implementation Method 2
an optical measuring sensor that is designed to detect measuring radiation that is influenced by the oxidized form of the indicator substance, and to generate an in particular, electrical measuring signal using the influenced measuring radiation
Implementation Method 3
means for generating a flow of current in the sensor element that causes a reduction of the oxidized form of the indicator substance, and thereby a regeneration of the indicator substance
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a sensor for determining a measurand correlated with a concentration of at least one analyte belonging to the class of reactive oxygen species in a measuring fluid, the sensor including a sensor element having an indicator substance, wherein the indicator substance is oxidized into an oxidized form of the indicator substance by the at least one analyte, a means for generating a flow of current in the sensor element that causes a reduction of the oxidized form of the indicator substance and thereby regeneration of the indicator substance, an optical measuring sensor to detect measuring radiation influenced by the oxidized form of the indicator substance and to generate an electrical measuring signal using the influenced measuring radiation, and a sensor switch connected to the optical measuring sensor to receive the measuring signal and to ascertain a measured value of the measurand using the measuring signal.