Capacitor with Insulating Layer and Hydrogel for Biosensor Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitor structures used in biosensors are prone to damage when the dielectric constant changes due to the decomposition of inter-electrode substances and the inflow of solutions associated with reactions with target substances, leading to a loss of capacitive function.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor design featuring first and second electrodes with a gel structure made of hydrogel containing a reactant sandwiched between them. This reactant generates gas upon reacting with a target substance, allowing capacitance change without damaging the capacitor structure, via insulating layers covering the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a substance that is decomposed by an enzyme is disposed between electrodes to enable target substance analysis, then the capacitance changes in response to target substance concentration, but the capacitor structure is likely to be damaged and lose its capacitive function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary substance between the electrodes and the decomposable material. This insulating layer allows the capacitor structure to detect capacitance changes caused by target substance reactions while preventing direct contact that would damage the electrodes. The insulating layer mediates between the need for structural integrity and the need for responsive capacitance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin film insulating layer that covers the electrodes, allowing the structure to be flexible and adaptable to the decomposable material while maintaining electrode protection. This thin film approach enables close proximity sensing without direct mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between structural reliability and measurement sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If the dielectric constant between electrodes is changed by decomposition of inter-electrode substance, then target substance can be analyzed through capacitance change, but the capacitor structure is damaged and does not function as a capacitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitor structure into distinct functional zones: electrodes, insulating layer, and decomposable material layer. This segmentation allows the decomposable material to change the dielectric constant without compromising the electrode structure, enabling capacitance change detection while maintaining capacitor functionality through proper spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer serves as a mediator that permits electric field interaction for capacitance detection while preventing physical damage to electrodes. This intermediary structure enables the capacitor to adapt its dielectric properties for target substance analysis without losing its fundamental capacitive function.
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 proposed solution enables capacitance change through reactions with target substances without damaging the capacitor structure, allowing for effective analysis of target substances while maintaining the integrity of the capacitor.
Implementation Method 1
a gel structure made of a hydrogel containing a reactant that is disposed to be sandwiched between the first and second electrodes and reacts with a target substance which is a target to generate a gas
Implementation Method 2
insulating layers formed to cover surfaces of the first and second electrodes facing each other
Implementation Method 3
a capacitor includes: first and second electrodes arranged to face each other
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to face each other, and a gel structure arranged to be sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. The gel structure is made of a hydrogel containing a reactant that reacts with a target substance which is an analysis target to generate a gas. The first electrode and the second electrode each include an insulating layer formed to cover respective surfaces facing each other. The gel structure is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode via the insulating layers.