Value Proposition:
· Improves temporal stability, reducing batch-to-batch as well as day-to-day variability in sensor performance.
· Is drift-free and calibration-free, unlike traditional pulse voltammetry.
· Provides additional sensor capacitance information that can report on monolayer stability over time.
· Allows for continuous and real-time tracking with millisecond processing speeds.
· Extends the operational lifetime of electrochemical, aptamer-based sensors.
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a drift-free method of interrogating electrochemical DNA-sensors which reduces sensor variability and extends their operational lifetime. In contrast to differential pulse techniques, this innovative strategy utilizes cyclic voltammetry to directly measure electron-transfer changes. Specifically, the target concentration is reported via changes in peak-to-peak separation of cyclic voltammograms. This method circumvents limitations of conventional techniques due to it being drift-free and less damaging to sensors interfaces, while preserving temporal resolution and accuracy.
Unmet Need
· Continuous, real-time molecular monitoring in complex fluids using DNA-based electrochemical sensors is challenging due to drift caused by sensor surface changes like biofouling or monolayer desorption. The status quo relies heavily on pulsed voltammetric interrogation (e.g., square wave voltammetry), which accelerates sensor degradation and necessitates recalibration, hindering prolonged sensing. Therefore, there is a strong need for a robust sensor interrogation method to be developed to address the current barriers to stable long-term biosensing.
Stage of Development
· Technology has been demonstrated to work in real, unprocessed biological fluids.
Data Availability
· Data available upon request
Publications
ACS Sens. 2021, 6, 3, 1199–1207. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.0c02455
