Scavenger Protein Layer for Analyte Sensor Preservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Biocides used in analyte detection sensors, such as creatinine detection sensors, inactivate enzymes due to chemical reactions with free sulfhydryl groups, leading to reduced functional life and accuracy in blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolite instruments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a scavenger protein layer with proteins like bovine serum albumin (BSA) that complex and associate with biocides, preventing enzyme inactivation by shielding them from biocide interactions, thereby extending the functional life of the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If biocides are used to preserve sensor functionality, then shelf-life and preservation are improved, but enzyme inactivation occurs leading to reduced functional life
Solution Approach 1:
A scavenger protein layer is introduced as an intermediary between the biocide and the enzyme. This layer selectively binds to the biocide (such as thimerosal or phenol), preventing it from interacting with and inactivating the enzyme while still allowing the biocide to perform its preservative function. The scavenger protein acts as a protective mediator that filters the harmful effects of the biocide.
Solution Approach 2:
The scavenger protein layer is pre-applied to the sensor surface before the enzyme is exposed to the biocide-containing environment. This preliminary protective layer is already in place to intercept and bind biocide molecules, preventing them from reaching the enzyme and causing inactivation during the sensor's operational life.
2Reliability
If biocides are used to prevent contamination, then preservation is improved, but enzyme activity decreases due to chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The scavenger protein serves as a selective intermediary that binds to biocide molecules through specific chemical interactions (such as disulfide bond formation with thimerosal). This interception prevents the biocide from chemically reacting with the enzyme's critical sulfhydryl groups, thereby preserving enzyme activity while maintaining preservation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The scavenger protein layer creates a localized protective zone around the enzyme where biocide concentration is effectively reduced through binding. This local modification of the chemical environment allows the enzyme to maintain its native state and activity while the bulk solution still contains the preservative biocide.
3Duration of action of moving object
If sensor functional life is extended, then re-usability is improved, but cost and time savings are reduced due to biocide-induced inactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The scavenger protein layer is pre-installed on the sensor as a permanent protective feature that extends throughout the sensor's intended functional life. This preliminary protection prevents progressive enzyme inactivation that would otherwise limit the number of times the sensor can be reused, thereby enabling longer operational durations and greater re-usability.
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 scavenger protein layer effectively mitigates biocide-induced enzyme inactivation, maintaining sensor accuracy and extending the functional life of analyte detection sensors to at least 14 days, compared to 1-4 days without the layer.
Implementation Method 1
scavenger protein layer with proteins like bovine serum albumin (BSA) that complex and associate with biocides
Implementation Method 2
scavenger protein layer effectively mitigates biocide-induced enzyme inactivation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Composition(s), device(s), kit(s), and method(s) for an improved analyte detection sensor(s) comprising at least one scavenger protein and method(s) of preserving the functioning and functional life of the improved analyte detection sensor(s).