Electronic Gate Sensor Array for Low-Voltage Biomarker Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for sensing applications face challenges in balancing size, target analyte concentration, biocompatibility, fabrication, and cost, particularly in faradaic mode, which affects sensitivity and power consumption, and bio-recognition elements degrade due to high voltages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly[2-5-bis(3-dode-cylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene)] (PBTTT-C12) polymers with redox molecules in the gate electrode, aligned to minimize operating voltage and enhance transconductance, using a Marcus-Gerischer perspective for electrochemical events, and incorporating redox-based modifiers in the electrolyte to prevent degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OECTs are operated in faradaic mode to achieve high amplification and ultralow level analyte detection, then sensitivity is improved, but power consumption increases due to higher gate voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrochemical parameters by selecting redox couples with specific potentials that match the polymer oxidation potential. This parameter optimization allows the device to achieve maximum transconductance at minimized gate voltage, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-powered operation where the redox reaction at the gate electrode spontaneously generates the necessary gate voltage without external power supply. The electrochemical energy from the redox couple directly drives the polymer doping process, eliminating the need for separate power sources while maintaining high sensitivity detection
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced to enable wearable and implantable applications, then biocompatibility and portability are improved, but detection sensitivity deteriorates due to smaller electrode surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the local electrochemical activity at the gate electrode by selecting highly active redox couples. This localized optimization of electrochemical properties compensates for the reduced electrode surface area, maintaining high sensitivity in miniaturized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining conductive polymers with redox-active species. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the polymer provides electronic conduction while the redox species provide electrochemical activity, achieving high sensitivity in small device volumes
3Reliability
If multiple power supplies are used to achieve stable operation and high transconductance, then device performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gate voltage generation function with the electrochemical detection function. The redox reaction that provides the driving force for detection also generates the gate voltage needed for stable operation, combining multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism that reduces device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device generates its own operating voltage through the redox reaction at the gate electrode. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power supplies while maintaining stable operation and high transconductance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
4Use of energy by moving object
If redox reactions are implemented at the gate electrode to minimize gate voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but irreversible faradaic stripping reactions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects redox couples whose reaction products are stable and non-destructive to the electrode and polymer. By carefully choosing the redox chemistry, the potentially harmful faradaic reactions are converted into beneficial processes that minimize gate voltage without causing electrode degradation or polymer damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electrochemical parameters by selecting redox couples with potentials that match the polymer oxidation potential. This precise parameter matching ensures that the redox reactions proceed at the minimal necessary gate voltage while avoiding conditions that would lead to irreversible stripping reactions, maintaining both low power consumption and electrode stability
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 lowers power consumption, enhances sensor stability, and enables high amplification with chemical selectivity, allowing for compact, efficient determination of biomarker measurements with reduced power requirements and simplified electronics.
Implementation Method 1
OECTs exhibit a hybrid electrical-ionic conduction mechanism, where electrochemical doping/dedoping of the channel yields a significant modulation of conductivity at low operating voltages
Implementation Method 2
A second mode, termed the faradaic mode, is achieved via electron transfer (i.e., redox reactions) at the gate electrode
Implementation Method 3
The device architecture enables simple electrical readout, convenient fabrication, fast manufacturing on flexible substrates
Implementation Method 4
hybrid electrical-ionic conduction mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to devices for measuring reactions between a recognition element and a biological fluid (biomarker) to determine user well-being. The present invention features a sensor for analyzing a plurality of features of a reaction between an enzyme and a biomarker to measure a user's health. The sensor may comprise a substrate with an enzyme source and a drain. The enzyme source may comprise an enzyme path leading to a substrate surface to direct the enzyme to react with the biomarker to become a post-reaction mixture. The drain may comprise a drain path. The post-reaction mixture may travel from the substrate surface through the drain path to the drain. The sensor may further comprise an electronic gate disposed above the surface of the substrate for measuring the plurality of features. The sensor may be wearable on a skin surface of the user.