Electrode, electrochemical sensor and apparatus, and methods for operating the same
AssigneeMode Diagnostics Limited
InventorVincent Benoit
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for amperometric detection of proteins, especially haemoglobin in faeces, using an electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor includes: a working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and/or a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidising agent, or a precursor thereof, for the first reagent; a counter electrode and optionally a reference electrode; wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidising agent is catalysed by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode. The electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite-containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix.
Claims33
A method for detecting a protein, the method comprising the steps of:
- (i) providing an electrochemical sensor, the electrochemical sensor comprising:
- a working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and/or a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidising agent or a precursor thereof for the first reagent;
- a counter electrode and optionally a reference electrode;
- wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidising agent is catalysable by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode;
- and
- the electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix;
- (ii) making available the electrochemical sensor at an environment to be analysed for the protein;
- (iii) making available for reaction the first reagent and the second reagent;
- (iv) maintaining a potential across the working electrode and the counter electrode and/or the reference electrode, where present;
- and
- (v) measuring the current passing between the working electrode and the counter and/or reference electrode where present.
A working electrode for use in the detection of a protein, the working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidizing agent or a precursor thereof for the first reagent;
- wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidizing agent is catalysable by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode;
- and
- the electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite-containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix.
An electrochemical sensor for use in the detection of a protein, wherein the electrochemical sensor comprises a working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidising agent or a precursor thereof for the first reagent;
- wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidising agent is catalysable by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode;
- and
- the electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite-containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix.
A sensing apparatus comprising at least one electrochemical sensor, wherein the apparatus is adapted:
- (i) for use with a sample from a subject;
- (ii) to be swallowable, for passage through the human or animal body;
- (iii) to be implantable in the human or animal body;
- or
- (iv) to be placed at a surface location of the human or animal body:
- and the electrochemical sensor is for use in the detection of a protein, wherein the electrochemical sensor comprises a working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidising agent or a precursor thereof for the first reagent:,
- wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidising agent is catalysable by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode;
- and
- the electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite-containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix.
A kit comprising a sensing apparatus adapted for use with a sample from a subject and further comprising a sampling apparatus for removal of a sample from a stool,
- wherein the sensing apparatus comprising at least one electrochemical sensor and the electrochemical sensor is for use in the detection of a protein, wherein the electrochemical sensor comprises a working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidising agent or a precursor thereof for the first reagent;
- wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidising agent is catalysable by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode;
- and
- the electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite-containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix.
A method of preparing a working electrode, the method comprising the step of mixing an electrically conductive matrix with a first reagent and a second reagent thereby to provide a working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidising agent or a precursor thereof for the first reagent;
- wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidising agent is catalysable by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode;
- and
- the electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite-containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.