Biofunctional Electrode Storage Film for Controlled Compound Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biofunctional devices, such as biobatteries and biosensors, require continuous addition of external compounds to function effectively, and there is a need for a macroscopic sample that can store and release compounds in a controlled, uniform, and continuous manner without external additives.
Innovation Solution
A macroscopic electrode with a storage film comprising a support material and a permeable sealing material that allows controlled diffusion of compounds, featuring a porous layer and a release surface for uniform compound liberation, enabling self-sufficient operation in biological media without external compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous addition of external compounds is used to maintain biobattery function, then the biobattery can operate continuously, but the device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating all necessary chemical compounds (substrates, cofactors, additives) into the electrode structure before operation begins. The storage film pre-loads these compounds, eliminating the need for continuous external addition during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure serves itself by containing and releasing compounds autonomously. The permeable sealing material automatically regulates compound release based on diffusion gradients, making the system self-sufficient without external intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining continuous operation capability
2Productivity
If compounds are released rapidly from the storage film, then the immediate availability of compounds increases, but the release becomes uncontrolled and non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous materials for the sealing wall and porous layer to control compound release. The porous structure provides controlled diffusion pathways that maintain uniform release rates while preventing rapid uncontrolled discharge, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and composition stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes diffusion coefficient parameters of the permeable sealing material to regulate release kinetics. By selecting materials with appropriate diffusion characteristics, the system achieves controlled, uniform release over time while maintaining sufficient productivity, resolving the contradiction between release rate and uniformity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode requires external compounds to function, then the electrochemical reactions can proceed, but the device cannot be used directly on site without additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compound storage function directly into the electrode structure itself. The storage film becomes an integral part of the electrode, combining the functions of compound reservoir, release control mechanism, and electrochemical active element, thereby enabling direct on-site usage without separate compound addition equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure performs multiple functions: it serves as the electrochemical active element, the compound storage medium, and the release control mechanism simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for external compound supply systems, improving adaptability for direct on-site deployment
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 electrode enables controlled and continuous release of compounds, facilitating the development of self-sufficient biofunctional devices like biobatteries and biosensors that function directly in biological media without requiring additional products or compounds.
Implementation Method 1
a wall of sealing material sealing the at least one inclusion, said wall of sealing material being capable of allowing the compound of interest to pass or diffuse therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a porous layer at least partially covering the wall of sealing material, at least a portion of a surface of the porous layer constituting an active surface area of the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode including a storage film. The storage film includes a layer of a support material including at least one inclusion in which a compound of interest is stored and a wall of permeable sealing material sealing the at least one inclusion. The storage film further includes a porous layer covering, at least in part, the wall of sealing material, at least a portion of a surface of the porous layer constituting an active surface of the electrode.