Multi-Cavity Biosensor with Sequential Membrane Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biosensors are not suited for multiple measurements over time due to the need for one-time-use reagents and degradation issues, leading to frequent recalibration and inability to monitor biological processes effectively in industrial and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with multiple sets of sensors protected by unique protective membranes, allowing exposure at different times for repeated measurements, and incorporating semi-permeable membranes to filter out solid substances, enabling long-term stability and accurate monitoring of biological and chemical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional biosensors use one-time-use reagents for biosensing reactions, then biosensing capability is achieved, but the sensor cannot perform multiple measurements over time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is divided into multiple independent sensor units, each with its own protective membrane and reagent chamber. This segmentation allows each sensor to be independently activated at different time points, enabling multiple measurements over time without requiring the entire sensor array to be reused continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective membranes are pre-applied to cover the sensor openings before deployment. These membranes are designed to be temporarily protective and can be selectively removed or dissolved at predetermined times to activate the sensors for measurement, enabling planned sequential measurements without immediate sensor degradation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional biosensors are exposed to the substance continuously, then measurement capability is maintained, but sensor degradation occurs requiring frequent recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
Protective membranes are applied in advance to cover the sensor openings. These membranes act as a protective barrier that prevents direct exposure to the substance until the sensor is activated. The membranes are designed to be removed or dissolved at specific times, allowing controlled activation while protecting the sensor from premature degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful exposure pathway is extracted by introducing protective membranes that physically separate the sensor from the substance. This extraction allows the sensor to remain protected during storage and transport, and only exposed when measurement is required, thereby extending operational lifetime while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If multiple sensors are deployed to enable frequent monitoring, then measurement frequency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual sensor units are merged into a single integrated sensing device with a common housing and control system. Each sensor maintains its own protective membrane and reagent chamber, but they share the same device infrastructure, enabling frequent monitoring through multiple sensors without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is segmented into multiple independent sensor units that can be individually activated. This segmentation allows frequent monitoring by activating different sensors at different times while keeping each sensor unit simple and manageable, thus increasing productivity without excessive complexity.
4Reliability
If protective membranes are used to protect sensors, then sensor stability is improved, but substance access to sensors is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The protective membranes are designed with specific material properties and thicknesses that allow them to be removed or dissolved under controlled conditions. By changing the physical or chemical parameters of the membrane (such as using enzymes or specific solvents), the protection function is temporarily suspended to activate the sensor, thus balancing protection with accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective membranes are pre-designed with predetermined removal or dissolution characteristics. This preliminary design allows the membrane to provide protection during storage and transport, then be easily removed or dissolved at the time of activation without complex operations, maintaining both protection and ease of operation.
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 frequent, reliable monitoring of biological processes over extended periods with improved sensor stability and accuracy, suitable for applications in bioreactors and medical settings, including cell and gene therapies.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating semi-permeable membranes to filter out solid substances
Implementation Method 2
each protective membrane of the plurality of protective membranes is arranged to cover the opening of the mutually unique cavity, so as to prevent the substance from entering the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided a sensing device for detection of at least one characteristic of a substance. The sensing device comprises:a plurality of cavities, each comprising an opening;a plurality of sensors for detecting the at least one characteristic, the plurality of sensors being arranged into a plurality of sets of sensors, each set being arranged in a mutually unique cavity;a plurality of protective membranes, each being arranged to cover the opening of the mutually unique cavity, preventing the substance from entering the cavity, thereby protecting the set of sensors from being exposed to the substance.The sensing device is configured for providing a different activation timing for different protective membranes, whereby different sets of sensors are exposed to the substance at different points in time, for providing detection of the at least one characteristic at multiple time points.