Transparent Conductive Film Laminate for High-Sensitivity ECL Biochips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay devices are challenging to miniaturize and integrate with disposable immunochromatography due to the need for electrodes and membrane thickness, leading to reduced luminescence efficiency and sensitivity, especially in point-of-care testing (POCT) applications.
Innovation Solution
A laminated body comprising a transparent conductive film, such as graphene, with a permeable porous membrane that allows electrolyte solution transport, enabling efficient electrochemiluminescence immunoassays by immobilizing proteins on the porous membrane, which does not contain rare elements and can be used as a disposable electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick membrane (about 100 μm) is used in immunochromatography, then the membrane provides sufficient mechanical strength and binding capacity, but the reactive species generated by electrode reaction become deactivated before reaching the electrochemiluminescent labeling substances, significantly reducing luminescence efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the membrane into two distinct layers: a thin porous membrane layer (10-50 μm) for electrochemiluminescence detection close to the electrode, and a separate nitrocellulose membrane layer for immunochromatographic separation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its optimal function while overcoming the thickness limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical layering structure where the thin porous membrane is positioned immediately adjacent to the electrode surface, creating a short diffusion path for reactive species. The immunochromatography function is achieved through a separate layer above it, effectively solving the thickness problem by utilizing the vertical dimension.
2Reliability
If conventional opaque electrodes are used in ECL immunoassay, then the electrode provides sufficient electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, but the device cannot be miniaturized and integrated with disposable immunochromatography for POCT applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin transparent conductive film (such as ITO, 50-200 nm thick) as the electrode, replacing conventional thick opaque electrodes. This thin film structure provides sufficient electrical conductivity while enabling light transmission for luminescence detection and allowing integration with disposable immunochromatography strips for miniaturized POCT devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a transparent conductive oxide film with a porous polymer membrane layer. This composite material integrates the electrical conductivity of the transparent film with the porous structure needed for reagent transport and binding, enabling both miniaturization and functional performance.
3Loss of energy
If a thin porous membrane is used to reduce the distance for reactive species diffusion, then the luminescence efficiency is improved, but the mechanical strength and binding capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional requirements into two separate layers: the thin porous membrane provides luminescence detection capability close to the electrode, while the separate nitrocellulose membrane layer provides sufficient binding capacity for immunochromatography. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between thickness and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate membrane functions (luminescence detection and immunochromatography) into a single integrated device structure, where each function is performed by a dedicated layer that works in conjunction with the other, achieving both thinness for efficiency and sufficient binding capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4E
Figure 4F~4G
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a transparent electroconductive film that can be supplied for use in quick and simple inspection equipment, and a biochip in which the transparent electroconductive film is used. In particular, to provide a transparent electroconductive film that can be used for immunoassay utilizing electrochemical light emission, and a biochip in which the transparent electroconductive film is used. [Solution] The present invention provides a laminate comprising a transparent electroconductive film and a porous film that is laminated on the transparent electroconductive film, wherein the porous film is permeable with respect to an electrolyte solution.