Electrochemical Zika Virus Sensor Using Interdigitated Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting Zika virus, such as ELISA and RT-PCR, are limited by cross-reactivity, require laboratory settings, and have high turn-around times, making them ineffective for early detection and diagnosis, especially at low detection limits.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical immunosensing device with interdigitated electrodes functionalized with Zika virus binding ligands, such as monoclonal antibodies and non-structural proteins, integrated with microelectronics for point-of-care systems, capable of detecting picomolar levels of Zika virus in 40 minutes or less without laboratory testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ELISA or RT-PCR methods are used to detect Zika virus, then the virus can be detected with reasonable sensitivity, but the detection process requires laboratory settings and extensive equipment, resulting in long turn-around times and high operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core detection function from complex laboratory equipment and implements it in a simplified electrochemical sensor system. The immunosensor captures Zika virus antigens using immobilized antibodies on an electrochemical transducer, eliminating the need for complex laboratory equipment while maintaining detection sensitivity through direct electrical signal measurement of antigen-antibody binding events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and optical systems (microplates, washers, colorimetric detection in ELISA) with an electrochemical system that uses electrical signals for detection. The electrochemical transducer converts antigen-antibody binding events into measurable electrical signals, simplifying the detection process and enabling point-of-care use without laboratory infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If ELISA or RT-PCR methods are used to detect Zika virus, then the virus can be detected, but the detection process takes several days from sample collection to results, delaying diagnosis and treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-immobilizing capture antibodies on the electrochemical sensor surface before sample application. This pre-prepared sensor allows immediate detection upon sample application, eliminating the sequential multi-step processing and waiting periods required in traditional ELISA and RT-PCR methods, thereby reducing turn-around time while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the lengthy amplification and processing steps required in RT-PCR and multi-well ELISA procedures. The electrochemical immunosensor directly detects Zika virus antigens in the sample through antibody-antigen binding, providing rapid results within minutes to hours rather than days, thus rushing through the detection process while preserving accuracy
3Measurement precision
If standard ELISA methods are used to detect Zika virus, then the virus can be detected, but cross-reactivity with other Flavivirus species such as dengue virus reduces detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using highly specific monoclonal antibodies immobilized at the electrochemical sensor surface that are designed to recognize unique epitopes on Zika virus antigens. This localized specificity at the antibody-antigen binding interface enables discrimination between Zika virus and other Flaviviruses like dengue, improving both detection capability and selectivity through targeted molecular recognition
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, accurate, and sensitive detection of Zika virus at low concentrations, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment without the need for extensive power supply or laboratory facilities, thereby addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring changes in current response output by the device as the target analyte binds with the binding ligands
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides materials and methods for detecting Zika virus. Specific embodiments provide an electrochemical immunosensing device and the methods of making and using the same for detecting Zika virus with exceptionally low detection limit. In some embodiments, the immunosensing device is capable of detecting picomolar (pM) level of Zika virus present in a sample by employing immunosensors functionalized with Zika virus binding ligands such as monoclonal Zika virus antibodies and Zika non-structural proteins. In an exemplary embodiment, the immunosensing device can be integrated with microelectronics to be adopted as point-of-care sensing systems. Advantageously, technologies provided herein offer rapid, on-site biosensing methods for the accurate detection of diseases caused by Zika virus.