RuO2 MIP Sensor Using Internal Redox Probing for BDNF Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical sensors face challenges in accurately and rapidly detecting electrochemically inactive analytes due to the limitations of external redox solutions, which inadequately mimic the real complex environment and lead to errors in result interpretation, especially for low molecular weight targets.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer on a ruthenium oxide (RuO2) electrode eliminates the need for external redox solutions by using RuO2 as both a substrate transducer and internal redox probe, allowing direct analysis of electrochemically inactive analytes such as BDNF through changes in electrochemical current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If external redox solutions are used for detection, then the detection process is simplified, but the accuracy and reliability of detection results deteriorate due to inadequate mimicry of real complex environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection process simplicityVSAvoiddetection result accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer as an intermediary between the electrochemically inactive analyte and the RuO2 electrode. The MIP layer contains specific cavities that selectively bind the target analyte, enabling indirect detection through modulation of RuO2 redox activity without requiring external redox solutions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while achieving accurate detection in complex environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The RuO2 electrode serves dual functions as both the substrate transducer and the internal redox probe, eliminating the need for external redox solutions. The MIP-coated RuO2 electrode self-regulates the redox reactions through analyte binding events, enabling the system to perform detection autonomously without external intervention, thus maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If MIP layer is coated on RuO2 electrode to enable direct analysis, then detection sensitivity and selectivity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the recognition function (MIP layer) with the transduction function (RuO2 electrode) into a single integrated sensor structure. The MIP layer is directly coated on the RuO2 electrode surface, combining molecular recognition capabilities with electrochemical transduction in one component. This reduces device complexity compared to multi-component systems while maintaining high sensitivity and selectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RuO2 electrode serves multiple functions: as the substrate for MIP coating, as the redox-active transducer, and as the signal generator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving enhanced detection performance through the synergistic combination of MIP selectivity and RuO2 electrochemical activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If external redox solutions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability deteriorates for electrochemically inactive analytes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system simplicityVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The MIP layer acts as a selective intermediary that binds electrochemically inactive analytes and modulates RuO2 redox activity. This indirect detection mechanism enables reliable detection of inactive analytes by translating their binding events into measurable electrochemical signals, eliminating the need for external redox solutions and maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The RuO2 electrode autonomously provides redox reactions without requiring external redox solutions. The MIP-coated RuO2 electrode self-regulates electron transfer based on analyte binding, enabling reliable detection of electrochemically inactive analytes through intrinsic electrochemical activity while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of BDNF with a low detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL and excellent discriminatory selectivity, facilitating enhanced diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

RuO2 as both a substrate transducer and internal redox probe, allowing direct analysis of electrochemically inactive analytes such as BDNF through changes in electrochemical current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), with their exceptional molecular recognition capabilities, offer a tailored solution as biomimetic receptor layers that selectively bind target molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular recognition: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4703717A1A method for a preparation of a molecularly-imprinted-polymer (MIP) electrochemical sensor for an electrochemically inactive analyte detection, a method for using said sensor and such a sensor
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 TALLINN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
  • EP4703717A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4703717A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP4703717A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for a preparation of a molecularly-imprinted-polymer (MIP) electrochemical sensor for an electrochemically inactive analyte detection, a method for using said sensor and such a sensor, where a redox-active surface of the sensor is preferably made of a transition metal oxide, and more preferably ruthenium oxide (RuO2), wherein the redox-active surface is coated by a MIP layer, wherein the MIP layer comprises a plurality of analyte-selective cavities. Said sensor is comprising at least one electrode with an electrically conductive surface with a redox-active surface, preferably a transition metal oxide, and more preferably ruthenium oxide.