Biosensor Well Structure Geometry for Uniform Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well structures for biosensor devices face challenges in achieving uniformity and accuracy in analyte detection due to issues with solution adhesion and membrane thickness uniformity.

Innovation Solution

The proposed biosensor structure includes a well structure with a first and second well, an electrode at the bottom, and a membrane positioned on the electrode and the well surface, featuring a geometry that impacts solution location and a membrane arrangement that ensures analytes reach the electrode through the membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional well structure is used, then the biosensor device is simple to manufacture, but the solution distribution is non-uniform and membrane thickness varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution distribution uniformityVSAvoidwell structure geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The well structure is divided into multiple functional zones including a first well for sample application, a second well for membrane placement, and a third well for electrolyte addition. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function, ensuring uniform solution distribution and consistent membrane thickness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the well structure by creating stepped levels at different heights. The first well is at a first level, the second well at a second level, and the third well at a third level. This dimensional arrangement enables controlled solution flow and uniform distribution without complicating the manufacturing process.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the membrane is placed directly on the well surface, then the structure is simple, but the membrane thickness is non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane thickness uniformityVSAvoidmembrane positioning structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second well is prepared in advance at a specific level and position to receive the membrane. This preliminary structuring ensures that when the membrane is placed, it achieves uniform thickness across the electrode surface, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a single well is used, then the device structure is simple, but the analyte detection accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoidwell structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple wells with specific functions: the first well for sample application, the second well for membrane placement, and the third well for electrolyte addition. This segmentation enables precise control over the analyte detection process, improving measurement accuracy while keeping each individual well structure simple.

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

This configuration enhances the uniformity of the solution within the well structure, leading to more accurate analyte detection and improved biosensor performance.

Implementation Method 1

the membrane is arranged such that a liquid in the biosensor structure can only reach the electrode by passing through the membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4502589A1Well structures for biosensor devices
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO
  • EP4502589A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4502589A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4502589A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A biosensor structure may include a well structure comprising a first well and a second well, wherein a geometry of the well structure impacts where a solution dispensed into the well structure is located. A biosensor structure may include an electrode configured to sense an analyte in the solution, the electrode disposed at a bottom of the well structure. A biosensor structure may include a membrane positioned on the electrode and on at least part of a bottom surface of the well structure.