Sensor Assembly Modification Electrodes Analyte Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological and chemical sensors face challenges in improving selectivity and sensitivity, particularly for biological sensing systems, where differentiating between biomolecules with minor changes is difficult, and binding processes are slow, limiting applications such as point-of-care testing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a modification unit comprising a set of modification electrodes that can locally modify environmental properties on the sensing surface, such as pH, temperature, or ionic strength, to enhance the binding relationship between capture species and analytes, thereby improving measurement accuracy and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors with immobilized capture species are used, then selectivity and sensitivity have been improved over decades, but binding speed remains slow requiring incubation periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the local environmental conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength) at the sensing surface through modification electrodes. These parameter changes enhance the binding kinetics between capture species and analytes, reducing incubation time while maintaining measurement precision. The modification electrodes create favorable local conditions that accelerate binding without compromising the selectivity and sensitivity achieved through traditional immobilized capture species.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensing surfaces are used, then it is difficult to differentiate between biomolecules with minor changes, but adding modification electrodes increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct modification zones with different environmental properties (pH, temperature, ionic strength) at specific locations on the sensing surface. Each modification electrode pair creates a localized region with tailored conditions that can enhance differentiation between biomolecules. This local modification approach improves differentiation capability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple, as only specific areas are modified rather than the entire sensing surface.
3Measurement precision
If incubation periods are extended to improve binding, then measurement accuracy improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time modulation of environmental conditions at the sensing surface through modification electrodes. The system can dynamically adjust pH, temperature, or ionic strength during the measurement process to optimize binding kinetics. This dynamic control allows for reduced incubation times while maintaining detection accuracy, thereby improving testing throughput and productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
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 allows for faster and more accurate detection of analytes by modifying the binding conditions in real-time, reducing incubation times and enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor, enabling more efficient point-of-care testing and better differentiation between biomolecules.
Implementation Method 1
The set of modification electrodes is configured to modify a property of at least a portion of a sample received on the sensing surface in a region adjacent the sensing surface
Implementation Method 2
a capture species configured to specifically bind with an analyte provided on the sensing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for determining a property of an analyte in a sample, where a modification unit comprising a set of modification electrodes with at least a first modification electrode is provided adjacent or on a sensing element, which includes a capture species, and which modification unit is configured modify a property of at least a portion of a sample received on the sensing element.