Current-Based Stimulator for Electrogenic Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrogenic cell stimulators lack precision in controlling electric current delivery, often causing harm to cells due to large current outputs, and are limited in size, making it difficult to integrate multiple stimulators on a single circuit for stimulating large networks of cells.

Innovation Solution

The development of a current-based stimulator apparatus and method that includes an impedance element with a switched capacitor and a voltage follower, allowing precise control of current delivery through a frequency tuner, and a control circuit to manage the stimulation circuit without operational amplifiers, enabling the integration of multiple stimulators on a single circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional electrogenic cell stimulators are used, then cell stimulation function is provided, but current control precision is poor causing cell damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent control precisionVSAvoidcell damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional voltage-based stimulation circuits with a current-based stimulation circuit. The current stimulator generates precise control currents that are delivered to the electrogenic cell, substituting the traditional voltage control mechanism with direct current control. This substitution enables precise current delivery (on the order of picoamperes) while preventing cell damage through accurate current limiting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control circuit monitors the current delivered to the cell and adjusts the stimulation parameters accordingly. The system measures the actual current flow and uses this information to maintain precise current control, preventing excessive current delivery that could damage the cell while ensuring effective stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If conventional stimulator designs are used, then stimulation function is provided, but device size is large preventing integration of multiple stimulators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulator sizeVSAvoidintegration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the stimulator functionality into modular components that can be integrated on a single circuit. The current stimulator circuit is designed as a compact, self-contained module that can be replicated multiple times on the same integrated circuit substrate. This segmentation enables the integration of multiple stimulators to simultaneously stimulate large networks of electrogenic cells while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If precise current control is implemented, then cell damage is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell safetyVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex voltage control circuits with a simplified current-based architecture. By using a current stimulator that directly generates controlled currents, the system achieves reliable cell-safe operation with a more straightforward circuit design. The current control mechanism inherently limits maximum current delivery, providing built-in safety without requiring additional complex protection circuits.

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 solution allows for precise control of current delivery to electrogenic cells, preventing cell damage and enabling the stimulation of large networks by reducing the size of stimulators, thus facilitating the integration of multiple units on a single circuit for efficient electrogenic cell stimulation and monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage follower coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal of the impedance element, the voltage follower being configured to maintain a substantially constant voltage between the input terminal and the output terminal of the impedance element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage follower:

Implementation Method 2

the impedance element comprises a switched capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240219370A1Current-based stimulators for electrogenic cells and related methods

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 PRESIDENT & FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE

AI summary

Methods and systems for stimulating and monitoring electrogenic cells are described. Some systems for stimulating electrogenic cells are based on the injection of electric currents into the cells via electrodes connected to the cells. Such stimulators may comprise an impedance element having an input terminal and an output terminal coupled to an electrode, and a voltage follower coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal of the impedance element, the voltage follower being configured to maintain a substantially constant voltage between the input terminal and the output terminal of the impedance element. The impedance element may comprise one or more switched capacitors at least in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the voltage follower may be implemented using a source follower.