Thin Film Biosensor with Integrated Reference Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biosensors face challenges in manufacturing thin film type biosensor elements with reference electrodes for mass production and accurately measuring multiple detection factors in a single solution.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor design featuring a sensing part with a substrate, gate electrode, insulating layer, n-type channel, and multiple electrode layers, including a reference electrode, surrounded by a cover member forming fluid channels for easy manufacturing and continuous detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional liquid pouring method with Ag/AgCl reference electrode is used, then simple structure is achieved, but manufacturing precision and mass production capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidreference electrode formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference electrode is transformed from a three-dimensional immersed electrode into a two-dimensional thin film layer integrated on the substrate plane. This dimensional reduction enables the reference electrode to be manufactured using printing techniques alongside other sensor components, achieving mass production capability while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference electrode layer is merged with the gate electrode structure, where the gate electrode serves dual functions as both the control electrode for the transistor and the reference electrode for sensing. This merging eliminates the need for separate reference electrode manufacturing processes, enabling precise mass production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If conventional single-point measurement approach is used, then simple measurement process is achieved, but measurement capability for multiple detection factors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoiddetection capability for multiple factors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing surface is segmented into multiple independent sensing regions, each capable of detecting different factors. Multiple transistor-based sensing elements are arranged on the substrate, allowing simultaneous individual measurement of various detection factors in a single solution sample while maintaining ease of operation through parallel processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables easy mass production of thin film biosensor elements and allows for individual and continuous measurement of multiple detection factors, enhancing detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

researches on transistor-based biosensors have been actively conducted... capable of adsorbing/measuring liquid molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

an n-type channel formed on the insulating layer... detecting biological molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity change: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3517942B1biosensor
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3517942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3517942B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a biosensor, and a biosensor according to one aspect of the present invention can be easily manufactured by a printing technique, can be mass-produced, and can measure a large amount of detection factors individually/continuously.