SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SENSING BIOMARKERS USING ENZYMATIC AND IMMUNOSENSING ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION TECHNIQUES

Smart overview of the Invention

Devices, systems, and methods are presented for monitoring biomarkers using an electrochemical immunosensor with integrated enzymatic and immunosensing capabilities. This technology includes a sensor device that can monitor glucose and insulin levels. The device consists of a substrate with multiple electrodes: one for glucose detection using a glucose oxidase enzyme, another for insulin detection using an insulin capture antibody, and a counter electrode. When connected to an electronic unit, it can detect insulin and glucose from a fluid sample.

Technical Context

Biosensors offer real-time detection of physiological substances and processes in living organisms. They combine a biologically sensitive component with a transducing element to convert detection events into signals. These sensors are crucial for diagnosing and treating various health conditions, including diabetes mellitus (DM), which affects millions globally. Despite extensive research, there is no cure for diabetes, underscoring the need for effective monitoring tools.

Innovative Features

The disclosed technology integrates multiple analyte monitoring into a single electrochemical immunosensor platform. This platform allows simultaneous enzymatic and immunosensing detection. A key innovation is the "ImmunoChip," which decentralizes insulin detection in biofluids and, when combined with electrochemical sensing, enables dual-analyte glucose/insulin detection from a single microliter droplet. The sensor chips are produced using a cost-effective, scalable method.

Applications and Advantages

These devices provide on-the-spot monitoring of diabetes-related biomarkers in human biofluids like blood, saliva, and interstitial fluid. The technology facilitates point-of-care diagnostics by enabling simultaneous detection of insulin and glucose on a single chip. Unlike traditional methods like ELISA or RIA, this approach is less cumbersome, faster, and requires minimal sample volumes, offering significant advantages in personal healthcare management.

Potential Impact

The development of bioassay platforms capable of simultaneous measurements of different analytes represents a significant advancement in disease screening and management. By integrating both enzymatic and immunoassay systems into one disposable chip, this technology addresses existing limitations in multiplexed biomarker detection. It offers high sensitivity and selectivity while being cost-effective and user-friendly, thus providing a practical tool for decentralized testing of important diabetic biomarkers.