Edible Conductive Composition With Self-Standing Adhesive Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edible electronic materials lack self-standing consistency, adhesion properties, and stable electrical conductivity in both air and water-based liquids, which are essential for applications like food quality monitoring and edible diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An edible electrically conductive composition comprising a matrix of at least one wax and one oil, combined with activated carbon (AC) as the conductive material, which provides self-standing consistency, adhesion, and stable electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pure activated carbon powder is used as conductive material, then electrical conductivity and edibility are achieved, but self-standing consistency and adhesion properties are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines activated carbon powder with a matrix comprising at least one polymer and at least one wax to create a composite material. The polymer provides structural integrity and self-standing consistency, while the wax enhances adhesion properties. The activated carbon particles are dispersed within this matrix, maintaining electrical conductivity while gaining mechanical strength from the composite structure.
2Reliability
If metallic conductive materials are used, then electrical conductivity is improved, but edibility and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses activated carbon, a biodegradable and edible material, as the conductive component instead of permanent metallic conductors. This allows the electronic device to be safely ingested and degraded in the body, eliminating toxicity concerns associated with metals like silver, gold, or aluminum while maintaining adequate electrical conductivity for the application.
3Reliability
If conventional conductive materials are used, then electrical performance is achieved, but adhesion to substrates is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates wax into the polymer matrix to create a composite with enhanced adhesion properties. The wax components improve the material's ability to bond to substrates such as fruit surfaces or packaging materials, while the polymer provides structural support and the activated carbon maintains electrical conductivity. This multi-component composite addresses all three requirements simultaneously.
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 composition achieves tunable rheology, adhesion, and electrical conductivity, maintaining stability even in contact with water-based liquids, making it suitable for various edible electronic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an edible electrically conductive material... In one or more embodiments, the edible electrically conductive material is activated carbon (AC)
Implementation Method 2
a matrix comprising at least one wax and at least one oil... showing adhesion properties
Data Source
AI summary
Edible electrically conductive composition comprising a) a matrix comprising at least one wax and at least one oil, b) an edible electrically conductive material.