Electrochemical Biosensor Sample Channel Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biosensors face issues with non-uniform sample introduction due to capillary phenomena and turbulence, leading to inaccurate glucose level measurements, especially when dealing with microliter-scale samples.

Innovation Solution

An electrochemical biosensor with a sample introduction channel featuring a hydrophobic sample collection barrier formed by an insulator, which controls the flow and ensures uniform sample distribution across the working electrode, preventing turbulence and eddies, and allowing for precise quantitative analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a straight sampling passage is used for sample introduction, then the structure is simple, but the sample may overflow or fail to reach the opening due to viscosity, causing non-uniform sample amount

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample introduction channel structureVSAvoidsample amount uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sample introduction channel is divided into multiple segments: a first sampling passage leading to a sample collection chamber, and a second sampling passage leading to a reaction chamber. This segmentation allows the sample to be collected uniformly in the chamber before being distributed to the reaction chamber, preventing overflow and ensuring uniform sample amount.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sample collection chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the sampling passages and the reaction chamber. This chamber acts as a mediator that receives sample from multiple passages and distributes it uniformly, solving the problem of non-uniform sample amount caused by direct connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a lateral sample introduction channel is used, then the structure is compact, but turbulence or eddies form upon sample introduction, making constant amount introduction impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample introduction channel structureVSAvoidconstant sample amount introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral sample introduction channel is segmented into multiple separate sampling passages that all lead to a common sample collection chamber. This segmentation prevents turbulence and eddies by distributing the sample flow through multiple paths before convergence in the chamber, ensuring constant and uniform sample amount introduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional sample introduction channels are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but measurement errors occur due to non-uniform sample distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample introduction channel fabricationVSAvoidglucose level measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sample introduction system is segmented into multiple sampling passages converging on a sample collection chamber, which is then connected to the reaction chamber. This segmentation ensures uniform sample distribution across the working electrode, eliminating measurement errors while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sample collection chamber serves as an intermediary that ensures uniform sample distribution before the sample reaches the reaction chamber and working electrode. This intermediary component eliminates measurement errors caused by non-uniform sample distribution while keeping the overall device simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 biosensor achieves high reproducibility and reliability in glucose level measurements by ensuring a constant and uniform sample introduction, reducing measurement errors and facilitating mass production.

Implementation Method 1

an insulator with a structural pattern that is aligned with a capillary tube pattern of a medium plate can control turbulence or eddies effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a hydrophobic sample collection barrier formed by the insulator between the lower and middle plates is provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS9512458B2Electrochemical biosensor with sample introduction channel capable of uniform introduction of small amount of sample

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 I SENS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is an electrochemical biosensor having a sample introduction channel in which an insulator is employed to introduce a small amount of a sample uniformly and accurately and to adjust an area of a working electrode, thereby guaranteeing the accurate quantitative analysis of a sample. Provided with a sample collection barrier at a sample entrance, the biosensor allows a sample to be introduced at higher accuracy and to be analyzed with higher reproducibility and reliability.