Bio-functional Electrode Storage Film for Controlled Compound Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bio-functional devices, such as bio-piles and biosensors, require continuous addition of chemical compounds to operate and lack the ability to release compounds in a controlled, homogeneous, and continuous manner, limiting their functionality and application in organic environments without external additives.

Innovation Solution

A storage film with a permeable shutter material layer that includes inclusions containing compounds of interest, allowing controlled release through a porous layer when in contact with a predetermined environment, eliminating the need for external compounds and enabling operation in organic environments without additional products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous addition of chemical compounds is used to operate biofuel cells, then the biofuel cell can function, but the device complexity and operation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation continuityVSAvoidexternal compound addition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates compounds of interest directly into the electrode structure during manufacturing, specifically within the porous layer or support material. This preliminary incorporation eliminates the need for continuous external addition of chemical compounds during operation, as the compounds are pre-loaded and released gradually through diffusion or electrochemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is designed to self-supply necessary chemical compounds through internal storage and controlled release mechanisms. The porous structure and support material act as reservoirs that automatically release compounds as needed, allowing the biofuel cell to function autonomously without external intervention for compound replenishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If macroscopic samples are used for compound storage and release, then the storage capacity increases, but the release control and homogeneity become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompound storage capacityVSAvoidrelease homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous layer with specific porosity characteristics and a support material with tailored properties to achieve uniform compound distribution and controlled release. The local structural features of the porous material ensure homogeneous release across the entire macroscopic electrode surface, while the support material provides structural integrity and additional storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode utilizes a porous layer as the active material structure, which provides high surface area and volume for compound storage while maintaining controlled diffusion pathways. The porous structure enables homogeneous compound distribution and consistent release rates across the macroscopic electrode, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and release uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If bio-functional devices are designed for direct use in organic environments, then the adaptability increases, but the requirement for external compound addition increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidexternal additive requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the structural component and as the compound storage and release system. The porous layer and support material collectively provide mechanical support, compound reservoir, and controlled release functionality, enabling the device to operate directly in various organic environments without requiring separate compound addition systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the storage and controlled release of compounds in a bio-functional device, allowing for direct use in organic environments without requiring external additives, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of bio-piles and biosensors.

Implementation Method 1

a wall of sealing material sealing the at least one inclusion, said wall of sealing material being capable of allowing the compound of interest to pass through or diffuse therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4260391B1Bio-functional electrode for storage and release of compounds by slow diffusion

Publication Date: 2025.02.05 CENT NAT DE LA RECH SCI (C N R S)

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Electrode (1) comprising a storage film (2). The storage film (2) comprises a layer (3) of a support material comprising at least one inclusion (4) in which a compound of interest is stored and a wall (5) of permeable sealing material sealing the at least one inclusion. The storage film (2) further comprises a porous layer (6) covering, at least in part, the wall of sealing material, at least a portion of a surface of the porous layer constituting an active surface of the electrode.