Voltage-Sensitive Chromophore Monolayer for Non-Destructive Fluid Characterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining solid-liquid interface electrical field intensities and characterizing liquids are either expensive and damaging to samples or restricted to small areas and long scanning times, limiting their versatility and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a surface with a reactive carbocyclic aromatic linking group covalently attached, where a voltage sensitive chromophore precursor is conjugatively linked to form a monolayer, and by irradiating this monolayer with actinic radiation while in contact with fluids to measure fluorescence emission spectra and characterize differences between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If streaming potential method is used to determine surface potentials, then measurement capability is provided, but equipment cost increases and sample damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface potential measurementVSAvoidsample damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical streaming potential measurement system with an optical measurement system using voltage-sensitive dyes. The fluorescence emission spectra of the dye molecules respond to electric field changes without requiring physical contact or complex electrical equipment, thereby eliminating sample damage while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces voltage-sensitive dye molecules as intermediary probes that indirectly measure surface potentials through their fluorescence response to electric fields. This intermediary approach avoids direct electrical contact with samples that would cause damage, while still providing accurate potential measurements through optical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If atomic force microscopy is used to measure surface potential, then measurement is possible, but area coverage is limited and scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface potential measurementVSAvoidscanning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical scanning probe system with an optical measurement system. The fluorescence emission spectra can be measured across the entire sample area simultaneously without mechanical scanning, dramatically increasing measurement speed while maintaining surface potential measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional liquid characterization methods are used, then characterization capability is provided, but equipment complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid characterizationVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical measurement equipment with simple optical detection systems. The fluorescence emission spectra of voltage-sensitive dyes can be measured using standard spectrofluorometers, providing liquid characterization capabilities without requiring complex electrical equipment or selective membranes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach allows for non-destructive, versatile characterization of liquids and determination of interfacial electric field intensities over larger areas, identifying unknown liquids by matching fluorescence emission spectra with known ones, and determining liquid characteristics without complex equipment or selective membranes.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the monolayer of the covalently bound voltage sensitive chromophore with actinic radiation while it is in contact with the first fluid and measuring a first fluorescence emission spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

What are considered 'fast' VSD's do not depend on partitioning and instead respond to the electric field directly via the Stark effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStark effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10060853B2Method for determining a characteristics difference between fluids

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

A characteristic difference between first and second liquids is measured using a surface having a monolayer of a voltage sensitive chromophore that is covalently bound to the surface. The first liquid is brought into contact with the surface and it is irradiated with actinic radiation to measure a first fluorescence emission spectrum. The second liquid is also brought into contact with the surface and it is irradiated with actinic radiation to measure a second fluorescence emission spectrum. The first and second fluorescence emission spectra are compared to characterize a difference between the first and second fluids.