Single Electrode Residue Detection via Voltage Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical and biological sensors face limitations in sensitivity, speed, long-term stability, and miniaturization, and often require pre-treatment with salts or enzyme cofactors, with no universal method applicable to a wide range of macromolecular binding agents.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a single electrode with an electrical metering device to detect biological residues in a liquid sample by measuring changes in electrical parameters without applying electrical signals, employing a conductive element and a liquid delivery system to inject the sample, which can be integrated with a smartphone for real-time analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional chemical and biological sensors are used, then detection capability is achieved, but sensitivity and long-term stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optical, electrochemical, or mass-based detection mechanisms with a purely electrical measurement system. A single electrical lead measures voltage fluctuations generated by the interaction between analyte and binding agent, eliminating the need for complex optical paths, electrode pairs, or signal processing systems while achieving superior sensitivity and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical intensity, current, or mass to voltage fluctuations. By measuring voltage changes rather than applying electrical signals or detecting light, the system achieves enhanced sensitivity and long-term stability without requiring pre-treatment with salts or enzyme cofactors
2Ease of operation
If conventional sensor methods are used, then analyte detection is possible, but pre-treatment with salts or enzyme cofactors is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the binding agent to directly generate a detectable electrical signal through its interaction with the analyte. The binding agent itself serves as the detection mechanism, eliminating the need for external detection probes, enzyme cofactors, or salt pre-treatment, thereby simplifying the operational procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary pre-treatment steps (salts, enzyme cofactors, and external detection probes) from the detection process. By using a single electrical lead to measure voltage fluctuations, the system removes complex preparation requirements while maintaining detection capability
3Volume of moving object
If conventional detection systems are used, then analyte interaction can be detected, but device miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components such as counter electrodes, optical paths, and complex signal processing systems. By using a single electrical lead for measurement, the system achieves miniaturization while preserving detection capability through voltage fluctuation detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces bulky optical or electrochemical detection systems with a compact electrical measurement system. A single electrical lead measuring voltage fluctuations provides sufficient detection capability in a miniaturized format, eliminating the need for larger conventional sensor components
4Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes or complex detection systems are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for multiple electrodes or complex detection systems. By using a single electrical lead to measure voltage fluctuations, the system achieves detection accuracy without increasing device complexity, as the voltage signal inherently provides sufficient information about analyte interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrical lead serves multiple functions: it measures voltage fluctuations, detects analyte interaction, and provides the detection signal without requiring separate components for each function. This universal approach maintains detection accuracy while minimizing device complexity
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
Enables rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of biological residues in aqueous samples, including bacteria, without the need for external detection probes or pre-treatment, with potential for widespread application across various analytes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive element disposed partially in the solution in the container; an electrical meter adapted to be in electrical communication with a dry region of the conductive element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses methods and devices for rapidly detecting a biological or other residue in a liquid sample. In some embodiments of the instant invention, a single electrode is employed to contact a flowing aqueous solution, with electrical outputs being recorded by an electrical metering device. Injection or flow of sample leads to changes in solution electrostatic behavior; those changes are recorded in the metering device, with absence of predetermined residues or targets yielding the highest signals. General and specific target detection may be performed with various embodiments of the instant invention.