Biosensor Strip with Conductive Channel Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensor strips require two electrodes and a complex printing process, leading to high costs and a large volume of sample fluid needed for analysis, which increases pain and infection risk during fingerprick testing.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor strip design featuring a single working electrode embedded in a conductive portion that forms the reaction channel, eliminating the need for noble metals and printed conductive tracks, with a reduced reaction channel volume to accommodate less than 0.3 μL of sample fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two electrodes are configured in the reaction recess to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for multiple electrodes and conductive tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the counter electrode function into the conductive portion that forms the reaction channel wall. The conductive portion serves dual purposes: as the structural wall of the reaction channel and as the counter electrode, eliminating the need for separate counter electrode components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive portion is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the structural wall of the reaction channel, acts as the counter electrode for electrochemical detection, and provides electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies manufacturing processes.
2Measurement precision
If two electrodes and printed conductive tracks are used to improve signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multi-printing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the conductive track function with the reaction channel wall by making the wall itself conductive. This eliminates the need for separate conductive track printing steps and simplifies the manufacturing process to primarily involve forming the reaction channel structure and embedding the working electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the counter electrode function from separate components and integrates it into the reaction channel wall structure. This removes the need for complex multi-printing processes and focuses manufacturing on the essential elements: the conductive reaction channel and working electrode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a larger reaction recess area is used to accommodate two electrodes, then device functionality is improved, but the volume of sample fluid required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the counter electrode with the reaction channel wall, allowing the reaction channel to be smaller since the wall itself provides the counter electrode surface. This reduces the required reaction recess area and consequently reduces the sample fluid volume needed for testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by making only the reaction channel wall conductive rather than requiring multiple discrete electrodes throughout the structure. This localized conductivity approach maintains detection functionality while minimizing the overall space required for electrode placement.
4Measurement precision
If noble metals are used for electrode fabrication to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the counter electrode function into the conductive portion, which can be made from non-noble conductive materials. This eliminates the need for noble metals in the counter electrode and reduces overall noble metal consumption to only what is needed for the working electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable conductive materials for the reaction channel wall that do not require noble metals. The conductive portion can be made from inexpensive conductive polymers or coatings, reducing dependence on expensive noble metals while maintaining functional performance.
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
This design reduces the use of noble metals, simplifies manufacturing, decreases sample fluid volume, and minimizes pain and infection risk during testing by eliminating the need for deep skin penetration.
Implementation Method 1
a chemical reagent layer, which at least covers the working electrode in the reaction channel, applicable for generating an electrochemical reaction with the analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A biosensor strip includes a strip body, a working electrode and a chemical reagent layer, wherein the strip body has a conductive portion and a reaction channel. The partial wall that forms the reaction channel is a partial or an entire surface layer of the conductive portion. The reaction channel has an opening that receives the sample fluid and an electrode hole. The working electrode is embedded in the electrode hole. The chemical reagent is configured in the reaction channel and generates an electrochemical reaction with the analyte. Therefore, after the sample fluid covers the reaction channel and the working electrode via the opening, the conductive portion and the working electrode on the wall of the reaction channel generate sensing currents and output the signals via the first and second signal output sides to determine an analyte concentration in the sample fluid.