Single-Molecule Binding Detection via Conductive Pad Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current binding assays are unable to detect single molecular interactions with high throughput, precision, and cost-effectiveness, and lack the ability to provide spatial and temporal information on protein conformation and genomic characteristics in biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A sensing-deciding device (SDD) that measures impedance changes to detect and transmit data on binding events, calculating binding affinity and kinetics, and provides spatial-temporal multiomics information using electrically conductive pads and integrated circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional binding assays are used, then binding affinity can be measured, but single molecular interaction detection is not achieved and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the binding assay into single-molecule level measurements using individual sensing elements (electrical conductive pads) that can detect individual binding events. Each pad acts as an independent sensing unit, enabling parallel measurement of multiple molecules simultaneously, thus achieving both single-molecule precision and high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or optical detection methods with electrical sensing using conductive pads that measure impedance changes. This electrical detection mechanism enables direct measurement of single molecular binding events through changes in electrical properties, providing both high precision and the capability for high-throughput parallel measurement.
2Loss of information
If conventional binding assays are used, then binding affinity can be determined, but spatial and temporal information on protein conformation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing-deciding device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it detects binding events, measures impedance changes, determines binding affinity, and provides spatial-temporal information about protein conformation and genomic characteristics. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate assays for each parameter, reducing overall system complexity while capturing comprehensive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial and temporal dimensions to binding affinity measurement by using an array of conductive pads that can be positioned at different locations and measured at different times. This enables simultaneous acquisition of binding kinetics, protein conformation data, and genomic information from the same sample, providing multiomics data without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional binding assays are used, then binding strength can be measured, but high throughput and cost-effectiveness are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable or easily replaceable electrical conductive pads as sensing elements. These simple, low-cost components can be manufactured using standard fabrication processes and discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex instrumentation. This approach enables high-throughput screening while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of inexpensive, single-use sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing expensive conventional binding assay equipment with simple electrical impedance measurement using conductive pads, the system achieves high throughput at lower cost. The electrical measurement method uses readily available components and can be performed with standard laboratory equipment, significantly reducing the cost per measurement while maintaining high productivity.
4Measurement precision
If conventional binding assays are used, then binding affinity can be determined, but precision and cost-effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, expensive conventional binding assay systems with simple electrical impedance measurement using conductive pads. This substitution maintains high measurement precision for single molecular binding events while dramatically improving cost-effectiveness, as the electrical measurement method uses inexpensive components and standard laboratory equipment rather than expensive specialized instrumentation.
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 high-throughput, precise detection of single molecular interactions, dynamic calculation of binding kinetics, and spatial-temporal multiomics analysis without damaging living systems, facilitating drug discovery and validation.
Implementation Method 1
A binding event sensor that detects the occurrence and/or measures the magnitude of a binding event between a targeting agent and a target based on a change of impedance sensed by the device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting and communicating measurements related to the occurrence, magnitude, and duration of one or more binding events between a targeting agent and a target is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a sensing subsystem with at least one targeting agent and electrically conductive linkers to enable detection of a target within a chemical or biological environment or sample. A deciding subsystem facilitates the identification of single binding events and their duration. Signaling circuitry processes input signals and transmits binding event-related data to a user device. The apparatus may be housed with additional components to measure binding characteristics of drug candidates, enabling precise, efficient, and cost-effective testing, screening, and validation of drug candidates. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured and used to analyze spatial and temporal characteristics at the genomic, protein, and post-translational modification levels in cells, tissues, and organs in both in vitro and in vivo contexts.