Development of a 3D Printed Inverted Electrochemical Cell with a Hydrogel to Monitor and Improve Long-Term Stability of Nucleic Acid-Based Sensors

Lukas GarciaFollow

School Name

South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Engineering

Presentation Type

Mentored

Abstract

In vivo biosensing plays an important role in diagnostic medicine for real time monitoring, to better tailor treatments to individuals. The aim of this research is to develop a nucleic acid-based sensor, designed to detect molecular substances with extreme accuracy over prolonged periods of time, in vivo. Varieties of 3D printed inverted electrochemical cells, with and without a lid, were designed using Fusion 360. These cells were tested in a phosphate buffer solution, and results were analyzed with cyclic and square wave voltammograms, to detect solution loss and nucleic acid degradation. These results indicated that the degradation of the biosensors occurs at a rate unsuitable for molecular monitoring, so the addition of a hydrogel was implemented. Then, three different hydrogels, alginate, cysteine, and polyethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate mercaptohexanol doped alginate (PEG), were tested and it was concluded that alginate is to be used for future experiments, due to its success in preventing nucleic acid degradation (36% loss after 24 hours) in comparison to PEG (66% loss after 24 hours). To summarize, 3D printed electrochemical cells with lids retained the phosphate buffer solution for prolonged periods of time, allowing for continuous scans up to 48 hours. Alginate hydrogels were implemented and prevented significant nucleic acid degradation. Lastly, cysteine and PEG hydrogels were ineffective in retaining nucleic acids after electrochemical testing. These results can aid in the creation of a stable biosensor, that can be worn in vivo, and that monitors diseases that use nucleic acids as a biomarker.

Location

RITA 273

Start Date

3-23-2024 9:45 AM

Presentation Format

Oral Only

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 23rd, 9:45 AM

Development of a 3D Printed Inverted Electrochemical Cell with a Hydrogel to Monitor and Improve Long-Term Stability of Nucleic Acid-Based Sensors

RITA 273

In vivo biosensing plays an important role in diagnostic medicine for real time monitoring, to better tailor treatments to individuals. The aim of this research is to develop a nucleic acid-based sensor, designed to detect molecular substances with extreme accuracy over prolonged periods of time, in vivo. Varieties of 3D printed inverted electrochemical cells, with and without a lid, were designed using Fusion 360. These cells were tested in a phosphate buffer solution, and results were analyzed with cyclic and square wave voltammograms, to detect solution loss and nucleic acid degradation. These results indicated that the degradation of the biosensors occurs at a rate unsuitable for molecular monitoring, so the addition of a hydrogel was implemented. Then, three different hydrogels, alginate, cysteine, and polyethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate mercaptohexanol doped alginate (PEG), were tested and it was concluded that alginate is to be used for future experiments, due to its success in preventing nucleic acid degradation (36% loss after 24 hours) in comparison to PEG (66% loss after 24 hours). To summarize, 3D printed electrochemical cells with lids retained the phosphate buffer solution for prolonged periods of time, allowing for continuous scans up to 48 hours. Alginate hydrogels were implemented and prevented significant nucleic acid degradation. Lastly, cysteine and PEG hydrogels were ineffective in retaining nucleic acids after electrochemical testing. These results can aid in the creation of a stable biosensor, that can be worn in vivo, and that monitors diseases that use nucleic acids as a biomarker.