Electrochemical Imaging Method for Multi-Substance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical measurement methods struggle to simultaneously image the density distributions of multiple kinds of chemical substances in a biological sample, limiting comprehensive analysis and imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The method involves arranging multiple working electrode groups in a measurement area, each with distinct voltage settings, molecular modifications, or electrode sizes, allowing for simultaneous measurement and imaging of multiple substances by generating images based on current distributions from each group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple working electrodes are arranged in an array to perform exhaustive analysis and imaging, then measurement coverage and imaging capability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of simultaneous multi-substance measurement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The working electrodes are divided into multiple groups (first working electrode group and second working electrode group) with different functions. The first group measures current for redox reactions of first substances, while the second group measures current for redox reactions of second substances. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple substances without requiring a completely separate electrode for each substance, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Both working electrode groups utilize the same basic electrochemical measurement principle and are integrated into a single measurement system. The groups can measure different substances simultaneously using the same apparatus infrastructure, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces device complexity compared to having dedicated separate measurement systems for each substance.
2Measurement precision
If separate electrode arrays are used for each substance to ensure dedicated measurement, then measurement precision for each substance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple working electrode groups into a single integrated measurement system where both the first and second working electrode groups can operate simultaneously. The measurement apparatus is designed to handle multiple groups through a unified control and signal processing system, achieving precise measurement of multiple substances without requiring completely separate electrode arrays and measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement apparatus dynamically switches between different measurement modes and controls different working electrode groups through a single system. The apparatus can selectively apply voltages to different electrode groups and process signals from multiple groups simultaneously, providing precise measurement capability while maintaining a simpler, more flexible system architecture compared to static separate arrays.
3Ease of manufacture
If working electrodes are arranged in a regular grid pattern, then ease of manufacture and alignment are improved, but ability to simultaneously measure multiple substances with different redox potentials decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the working electrode array are assigned different functions and properties. The first working electrode group is optimized for measuring first substances with specific redox potentials, while the second working electrode group is optimized for second substances. Each group can have tailored voltage ranges and measurement parameters suited to their specific substances, enabling simultaneous multi-substance measurement while maintaining manufacturability through systematic grouping.
4Area of stationary object
If exhaustive analysis is performed with many working electrodes, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus performs continuous simultaneous measurement of multiple substances across different working electrode groups without requiring sequential scanning. Both working electrode groups operate concurrently, and the apparatus continuously processes signals from multiple groups in parallel, maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage while significantly reducing total measurement time compared to sequential analysis 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
This approach enables simultaneous multi-item evaluation and imaging of multiple chemical substances, enhancing the capability for comprehensive analysis and contributing to the understanding of correlations among evaluation items.
Implementation Method 1
causing thereby the working electrode to perform a redox reaction that is one of giving electrons to and receiving electrons from one of the plurality of measurement target substances
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical measurement apparatus includes: a tank containing electrolytic solution and a sample that generates or consumes measurement target substances in the electrolytic solution; a plurality of uniformly mixed working electrodes; and a counter electrode; the apparatus adapted to simultaneously apply a voltage between each of the working electrodes and the counter electrode; and the apparatus configured to measure a current that flows between each of the working electrodes and the counter electrode; wherein any two working electrode groups are mutually different in at least any of the determined voltage, presence/absence of a molecular modification of an electrode surface, and a species of the molecular modification; and whereby a distribution in measurement area of the currents that flow through the working electrodes is acquired.