Electro-Analytical Biosensor Pixel Array With Shared Electrode Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-analytical biosensors face challenges in implementing large-scale biosensor arrays due to difficulties in electrically accessing individual electrodes within the array, making them less versatile and more challenging to implement compared to optical counterparts.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor pixel design incorporating an electrode transducer with a recognition layer, a trans-impedance amplifier, a quantizer circuit, and a charge injection circuit, along with a feedback network, which converts current into a voltage signal and enhances signal processing using CMOS semiconductor technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large-scale biosensor arrays are created, then detection throughput and efficiency are improved, but electrical access to individual electrodes becomes difficult and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrodes into integrated electrode arrays where adjacent electrodes are electrically connected through shared conductive structures. This merging approach allows multiple sensing elements to be accessed through fewer external connections, enabling large-scale arrays while reducing the complexity of electrical access infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal electrical access structures that can serve multiple electrodes simultaneously. The conductive substrates and interconnect structures are designed to provide common access points that can address individual electrodes or groups of electrodes, creating a multi-functional access system that scales efficiently with array size.
2Measurement precision
If electrode transducer is placed in intimate proximity of recognition layer, then sensing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the recognition layer directly onto the electrode surface during the electrode fabrication process. This ensures that the recognition layer is already in intimate proximity with the electrode before final assembly, eliminating the need for post-fabrication positioning and reducing manufacturing precision requirements for final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the recognition layer is integrated within the electrode assembly itself. The recognition layer is deposited or attached directly onto the electrode surface, creating a nested configuration where the sensing elements are embedded within the electrode structure, ensuring intimate proximity while simplifying manufacturing.
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 high-performance, real-time detection and quantification of bio-molecules in a densely packed biosensor array, improving the scalability and efficiency of electro-analytical biosensing.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode transducer is configured to measure a current generated by electrochemical interactions between an analyte and the recognition layer
Implementation Method 2
a trans-impedance amplifier connected to the electrode transducer, where the trans-impedance amplifier is configured to convert the current into a voltage signal
Data Source
AI summary
A biosensor pixel for measuring current that flows through the electrode surface in response to electrochemical interactions and a biosensor array architecture that includes such biosensor pixels. The biosensor pixel includes an electrode transducer configured to measure a current generated by electrochemical interactions occurring at a recognition layer placed directly on top of it in response to an electrical voltage placed across an electrode transducer-electrolyte interface. The biosensor pixel further includes a trans-impedance amplifier connected to the electrode transducer, where the trans-impedance amplifier is configured to convert the current into a voltage signal as the electrochemical interactions occur. Additionally, the biosensor pixel includes a 1-bit comparator coupled to the trans-impedance amplifier and a 1-bit digital-to-analog converter coupled to the 1-bit comparator, where the 1-bit digital-to-analog converter injects different levels of charge into an input of the trans-impedance amplifier at each cycle based on an output of the 1-bit comparator.