Electrobiocatalytic Reactor Including Reversible Bioelectronic Interface (split from TEC2005-0097)

Introduction Bioelectronics and biosensors are an integration of biological principles and electronic technology.  The key process in the tailoring of enzyme-electrodes, the vital connection between electronic and biological sciences, is efficient electrical contacting of redox-enzymes with electrodes.  Bioelectronic interfaces consisting of redox enzymes coupled to an electrode interface are capable of using electricity to drive chemical reactions. These interfaces have commercial potential in bioelectronic devices (e.g., biosensors and biocatalytic reactors).  Dehydrogenase enzymes are ideally suited for bioelectronic applications because the reactions catalyzed by enzymes produce or consume electrons that can be exchanged with electrodes. A major challenge in development of commercial bioelectronic devices involving dehydrogenases is achieving efficient, sequential transfer between the enzyme, its cofactor (e.g., NAD(P)+), a redox mediator, and the electrode. Description of Technology This technology is a highly selective and inexpensive biosensor.  This technology allows the bioelectronic detection of biological molecules or proteins based on NAD(P)+ dependent dehydrogenase enzymes and can be adapted to detect any substance that dehydrogenase enzymes utilize. The design allows for convenient installation, removal, and replacement of the enzyme on the electrode.  Key BenefitsProvides ultra-thin, high performance (fast; sensitive) biosensing elementVery sensitive and accurate User-friendly removal and re-installation of active componentsCapable of sensing many compoundsMultifunctional array of sensors, integrated on a single chip or device ApplicationsDetection in biocatalytic reactorsTHC detection and drug enforcement Medical devices and diagnostics  Patent Status US12/766,169  Inventors Robert Worden, Brian Hassler, Ilsoon Lee, Lawrence Drzal Tech ID TEC2009-0160

USA