Sensor Assembly Electric Field Non-Specific Binding Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biological and chemical assays face challenges in improving selectivity and sensitivity, particularly in biological sensing systems, due to non-specific binding of analyte and non-analyte species, which interferes with measurement signals and prolongs detection times in complex samples like biological fluids.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize an electric field to remove non-specifically-bound species from sensing elements while preserving specifically-bound analytes, using a sensor assembly with a capture species to determine analyte properties by applying an electric field configured to dislodge non-specific bindings without detaching specifically-bound analytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sensors with immobilized anchor species are used, then analyte detection capability is provided, but non-specific binding of non-analyte species occurs which interferes with measurement signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoidnon-specific binding interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes non-specifically bound species from the sensing element surface using an electric field. This separates the harmful non-specific binding interference from the specifically bound analyte signal, allowing the measurement to reflect only true analyte concentration without background noise from non-analyte species

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the sensing system by applying a controlled electric field that selectively affects non-specifically bound species. By adjusting the field strength to be below the detachment threshold for specifically bound analytes but sufficient to remove non-specific bindings, the system dynamically modifies binding conditions to eliminate interference while preserving the analytical signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional sensors are used in complex biological samples, then analyte detection is possible, but measurement time is prolonged due to non-specific binding interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous measurement capability by rapidly removing non-specific bindings during or between measurement cycles. This continuous active management of non-specific binding interference eliminates the need for prolonged incubation or waiting periods, enabling rapid sequential measurements in complex biological samples

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent rushes through the problematic incubation period by applying electric field treatment to quickly remove non-specific bindings. This skips the time-consuming waiting period traditionally required for non-specific binding to reach equilibrium, accelerating the measurement process while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electric field strength is increased to remove non-specifically-bound species, then signal interference is reduced, but specifically-bound analyte may be detached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidanalyte retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using an electric field strength that is excessive for removing non-specific bindings but deliberately kept below the threshold for detaching specifically bound analytes. This controlled partial effectiveness achieves selective removal of interference while preserving the analytical signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent precisely controls the electric field parameter (strength) to create a selective effect. By adjusting this single parameter to fall within a specific range, the system achieves differential removal of non-specifically bound species while maintaining specifically bound analytes, resolving the contradiction between interference reduction and analyte retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances sensitivity and speed of measurements by reducing signal interference and eliminating the need for additional components or complex modifications, allowing for more accurate and rapid analyte detection.

Implementation Method 1

removing at least a portion of the non-specifically-bound analyte and/or non-analyte species from the sensing element by applying an electric field to the sample matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The electric field is configured to remove non-specifically-bound species but has a strength less than that required to detach any specifically-bound analyte from the sensing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20240366123A1Sensor assembly
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO
  • US20240366123A1 patent drawing
  • US20240366123A1 patent drawing
  • US20240366123A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and method for determining a property of an analyte in a sample, the systems and methods use a sensor assembly comprising a sensing element. The method and systems remove at least a portion of non-specifically-bound species from the sensing element by applying an electric field to the sample matrix, wherein the electric field is configured to remove the non-specifically-bound species but has a strength less than that required to detach any specifically-bound analyte from the sensing element.