Bioelectrode Hydrogel Film Water Infiltration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioelectrodes and capacitors using biocompatible materials face issues with gel swelling when exposed to body fluids, leading to potential electrode breakage and interference with digestion processes, making it difficult to produce functional capacitors for in-body applications.
Innovation Solution
A bioelectrode comprising a hydrogel film made from a mixture of materials that undergo sol-gel changes near body temperature, combined with a conductive film and a protective film to prevent water infiltration, allowing controlled disintegration and maintaining functionality within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gel substrate with sugar or salt is used for the electrode, then the electrode can be biocompatible and degradable, but the gel absorbs moisture from body fluids causing swelling and potential electrode breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite hydrogel structure combining a sugar-based gel (providing biocompatibility) with a salt-based gel (providing structural stability). This composite approach allows the electrode to maintain both biocompatibility and structural integrity when exposed to body fluids, resolving the contradiction between degradability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the gel substrate by controlling the concentration and composition of sugar and salt components. This parameter optimization enables the gel to achieve a balance between moisture absorption (for biocompatibility) and structural stability (for preventing breakage), directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If a material that is too difficult to degrade is used in the body, then the electrode maintains structural integrity, but it affects the digestion process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the degradation parameters of the gel material by adjusting the sugar-to-salt ratio and molecular weight distribution. This allows the electrode to maintain sufficient structural integrity for its operational lifetime while ensuring complete degradation afterward, eliminating interference with digestion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electrode as a temporary, disposable device that fulfills its functional purpose and then degrades harmlessly. The gel-based construction ensures the electrode is intentionally designed with a limited lifespan that ends in complete biodegradation, preventing long-term interference with digestion while maintaining reliability during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the gel absorbs moisture from body fluids, then the electrode maintains contact with tissues, but the swelling causes electrode breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite gel system where the sugar-based component ensures good tissue contact through moisture absorption, while the salt-based component provides structural reinforcement to prevent breakage. This dual-component composite resolves the contradiction between maintaining tissue contact and preventing structural failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates structural reinforcement elements and optimized gel cross-linking before the electrode is implanted. This pre-engineering of the gel structure provides a cushioning effect that anticipates and prevents swelling-induced breakage, allowing the electrode to safely absorb moisture for tissue contact without compromising structural integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the production of capacitors that operate effectively within the body by suppressing water absorption and controlling disintegration time, ensuring stable operation and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the first material causing a sol-gel change at a temperature within a predetermined range around a body temperature of the living body
Implementation Method 2
a protective film that is formed on the other surface of the hydrogel film and suppresses infiltration of water into the hydrogel film
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a bioelectrode including a hydrogel film, a conductive film, and a protective film. The conductive film is formed on one surface of the hydrogel film, and the protective film is formed on the other surface of the hydrogel film. The hydrogel film is comprises a mixture of a first material and a second material and is compatible with a living body, the first material configured to cause a sol-gel change at a temperature within a predetermined range around a body temperature of the living body and being compatible with the living body, the second material configured to not cause a sol-gel change at the temperature and being compatible with the living body. The protective film is provided to suppress the infiltration of water into the hydrogel film. The protective film can be made of a waterproof material or a water-repellent material.