PLANT-BASED BIOSENSOR-EQUIPPED TOXIN DETECTING DEVICE

Abstract

This invention discloses a novel toxin-detecting device that utilizes plant-based biosensors to provide a rapid, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for detecting and monitoring toxins in water. The device integrates multiple components for real-time toxin detection, data transmission, and user-friendly interface, making it suitable for various applications and environmental settings.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of environmental monitoring and water quality assessment. It focuses on a novel toxin detection device that utilizes plant-based biosensors to provide a rapid, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for detecting a wide range of toxins in water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Monitoring water quality and detecting toxins is crucial for environmental protection and public health. Traditional methods for toxin detection, such as chromatography and spectroscopy, are often expensive, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment and expertise. These methods may not be suitable for real-time, in-situ monitoring, limiting their effectiveness in preventing waterborne illnesses and responding to pollution incidents promptly.
Biosensors offer a promising alternative for detecting toxins in various environments. Existing biosensors utilize various sensing mechanisms, including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric methods. However, many existing biosensors have limitations in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, cost, and ease of use. They may also lack the ability to detect a wide range of toxins or operate in various environmental conditions. The use of animal-based biosensors raises ethical concerns.
Plant-based biosensors offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative for toxin detection. Plants exhibit diverse physiological and biochemical responses to various toxins, offering a natural and cost-effective platform for developing robust and sensitive biosensors. However, the development of plant-based biosensors that can effectively detect a wide range of toxins and operate reliably in various environmental conditions requires considerable research and development efforts. There is also a need for designing practical devices that are user-friendly, cost-effective, and suitable for wide-spread implementation.
This invention addresses the limitations of existing toxin detection technologies by developing a novel plant-based biosensor-equipped device. The device utilizes the natural responses of plants to various toxins to provide a rapid, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for detecting and monitoring toxins in water. The device is designed for ease of use, portability, and real-time monitoring in various environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
This invention discloses a novel toxin-detecting device that utilizes plant-based biosensors to detect and monitor toxins in water. The device integrates a plant or algae-based biosensor module, a sensor interface, a data acquisition system, a communication module, a power supply, an enclosure, and a user-friendly interface. The device provides real-time toxin detection with visual indicators and remote accessibility. It is designed to be lightweight, compact, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, suitable for various applications and diverse environmental settings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF THE PLANT-BASED BIOSENSOR-EQUIPPED TOXIN-DETECTING DEVICE, SHOWING ITS MAJOR COMPONENTS AND THEIR INTERCONNECTIONS.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The plant-based biosensor-equipped toxin-detecting device comprises several key components:
1. Biosensor Module: This module utilizes plant or algae cells known to exhibit observable physiological and biochemical changes in response to specific toxins. The selected plant or algae species is chosen based on its sensitivity to a range of toxins and its suitability for integration into the biosensor. The plant or algae cells are carefully prepared and embedded within a suitable sensing matrix (e.g., hydrogel) to ensure stability, facilitate measurements, and maintain the plant's viability.
2. Sensor Interface: A transducer is incorporated to convert the plant or algae's biological responses to measurable signals. This could involve optical (changes in light absorption or fluorescence), electrochemical (changes in electrical potential), or other suitable methods. A signal amplification system enhances the sensitivity and reliability of the sensor readout.
3. Data Acquisition System: This system acquires and processes the signals generated by the sensor. It incorporates sensors (e.g., optical sensors, electrodes) to measure changes in relevant parameters, such as light absorbance, fluorescence, or electrical conductivity. Specialized software processes the data, performs calibration, and converts sensor signals to toxin concentrations.
4. Communication Module: A communication module transmits data from the device in real-time, allowing for remote monitoring and data analysis. This could involve wired or wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular network) depending on the application.
5. Power Supply: The device utilizes a reliable and sustainable power source, such as a rechargeable battery or solar panel, for continuous operation. The choice of power source depends on the specific application and environmental conditions.
6. Enclosure: The device is housed in a rugged and waterproof enclosure to protect the internal components from environmental damage.
, Claims:1. A toxin-detecting device comprising a plant-based biosensor module, a sensor interface, a data acquisition system, and a communication module.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plant-based biosensor module utilizes plant or algae cells with known sensitivity to at least one specific toxin.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sensor interface incorporates a transducer for converting biological responses to measurable electrical signals.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said data acquisition system includes algorithms for processing and analyzing sensor data to determine toxin concentrations.
5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said communication module transmits data wirelessly for remote monitoring.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a power supply selected from the group consisting of a rechargeable battery and a solar panel.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a waterproof and rugged enclosure to protect the internal components from environmental damage.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device provides real-time detection of toxins with visual indicators.
9. A method for detecting toxins in water comprising: exposing a plant-based biosensor to a water sample; measuring the biological response of said biosensor; processing said response to determine toxin concentration; and displaying the results via a user interface.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said biological response is measured using at least one method selected from the group consisting of optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric methods.

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