Electrochemical Shotgun Tagging Assay for Protein Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protein sensing methods, such as ELISA and electrochemical immunoassays, are limited by high costs, complexity, long assay times, and the need for centralized laboratory settings, making them unsuitable for resource-limited or point-of-care applications, while label-free methods struggle with non-specific signal suppression and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical method using non-specific redox active tagging moieties to bind to proteins in a carrier medium, followed by specific recruitment and detection with an electrode, allowing for sensitive and selective quantification of target proteins without the need for labels or extensive washing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sandwich-type electrochemical immunoassays are used, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and assay time increase due to multiple washing and incubation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the labelling function from the detection process by using a universal redox tag that binds non-specifically to all proteins, separating the tagging step from the specific detection step. This eliminates the need for complex label synthesis and purification for each target protein.
Solution Approach 2:
The redox-active tag serves multiple functions: it acts as a universal label for all proteins, provides electrochemical detectability, and enables signal amplification. This single universal reagent replaces the need for target-specific labelled antibodies.
2Measurement precision
If sandwich-type electrochemical immunoassays are used, then sensitivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple washing and incubation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary non-specific tagging of all proteins in the sample before specific detection. This pre-labeling step enables subsequent rapid detection without requiring repeated incubation and washing cycles for each target protein.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the labelling and detection functions into a unified process where the universal redox tag enables both protein identification and electrochemical detection in a single integrated assay workflow.
3Device complexity
If label-free assay methodologies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-specific signal suppression from protein matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a redox-active tag as an intermediary that bridges the protein analyte and the electrochemical detector. This mediator enables signal transduction without requiring complex labelled antibodies, maintaining simplicity while improving sensitivity through electrochemical detection.
4Measurement precision
If specifically designed labels are used for each target molecule, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to synthesis, purification and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal redox-active tag that can label any protein containing amino groups, eliminating the need for target-specific label design, synthesis, and purification. This single universal reagent provides both detectability and amplification for all protein targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive redox tag that does not require complex synthesis or purification processes. The tag is a small molecule that can be readily prepared and used without the need for expensive antibody conjugation procedures.
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 method achieves high sensitivity, selectivity, and scalability, reducing assay time and cost, and is suitable for point-of-care applications, with detection limits as low as 0.1 pg/mL and a dynamic range spanning over 6 orders of magnitude, comparable to or exceeding existing platforms.
Implementation Method 1
attaching redox active tagging moieties to protein molecules in a carrier medium that may contain target protein molecules
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the electrochemical detection of a target protein in a sample typically comprising a protein ensemble, which utilises shotgun tagging of protein in the sample followed by selective binding of tagged, target protein and electrochemical sensing thereof.