CellDrum Electrode Arrangement for Capacitive Stress Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring mechanical stress on cell membranes are costly, time-consuming, and not suitable for parallel testing, often sacrificing precision, reproducibility, or sensitivity due to peripheral influences.
Innovation Solution
A CellDrum electrode arrangement with a mechanical holder and non-conductive membrane, filled with electrolyte and electrodes, measures mechanical stress as a change in capacitance, allowing for parallel and automated testing of substances on cardiomyocytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser measurement systems are used to measure membrane deformation, then measurement precision is improved, but costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex laser measurement system with a simpler capacitive sensing system. The membrane deformation is measured by detecting changes in capacitance between the membrane and a reference electrode, eliminating the need for expensive and complex laser equipment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrolyte solution as an intermediary medium between the biological layer and the measurement system. The electrolyte enables capacitive coupling, allowing the membrane deformation to be measured electrically without direct contact with complex measurement equipment, thus simplifying the overall system.
2Measurement precision
If laser measurement systems are used for precise measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement speed decreases due to time-consuming alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser measurement system with a capacitive sensing system that does not require precise optical alignment. The capacitive measurement can be performed automatically without manual alignment steps, significantly increasing measurement speed while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive measurement system is designed to automatically detect membrane deformation without requiring external alignment or adjustment. The system self-calibrates and performs measurements autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming alignment process inherent in laser systems.
3Device complexity
If sequential measurement of multiple cells is performed, then costs are reduced, but measurement precision decreases due to loss of alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser measurement system with a capacitive sensing system that maintains measurement precision across sequential measurements. The electrical field-based measurement is not affected by the same alignment issues as optical systems, allowing multiple cells to be measured sequentially without loss of precision.
4Measurement precision
If known measurement technologies are used, then certain properties like precision are achieved, but other properties like speed and costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser measurement system with a capacitive sensing system that eliminates the time-consuming alignment process. The electrical measurement can be performed immediately without setup time, reducing measurement time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical detection to electrical capacitance detection. This parameter change enables faster measurements without sacrificing precision, as electrical measurements can be performed rapidly and automatically compared to optical alignment-based methods.
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 quick, cost-effective, and precise measurement of mechanical stress on cell membranes, facilitating parallel testing and reducing the amount of expensive substances required.
Implementation Method 1
measuring means (40) for measuring mechanical stress due to an agent as a change in capacitance
Implementation Method 2
cells of the biological layer are stressed thereby exerting forces to the membrane which thereby is induced to deform / bend
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a CellDrum electrode arrangement for measuring mechanical stress, comprising a mechanical holder (1 ) and a non-conductive membrane (4), whereby the membrane (4) is at least partially fixed at its circumference to the mechanical holder (1), keeping it in place when the membrane (4) may bend due to forces acting on the membrane (4), the mechanical holder (1) and the membrane (4) forming a container, whereby the membrane (1) within the container comprises an cell- membrane compound layer or biological material (3) adhered to the deformable membrane 4 which in response to stimulation by an agent may exert mechanical stress to the membrane (4) such that the membrane bending stage changes whereby the container may be filled with an electrolyte, whereby an electric contact (2) is arranged allowing to contact said electrolyte when filled into to the container, whereby within a predefined geometry to the fixing of the membrane (4) an electrode (7) is arranged, whereby the electrode (7) is electrically insulated with respect to the electric contact (2) as well as said electrolyte, whereby mechanical stress due to an agent may be measured as a change in capacitance.