Field-Effect Transistor Parameter Selection for Analyte Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for determining analyte concentration face challenges such as complex data processing, limited multiplexing capabilities, and laborious setup changes for varying measurement situations, necessitating a method that offers high performance, reproducibility, and adaptability with resource-saving measures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sensor device with a field effect transistor that utilizes a control device to apply optimized operation parameters, including a processing unit to select parameters based on an optimization criterion, enabling high time resolution measurements and efficient multiplexing through evaluation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field effect transistor based measurements are used for analyte concentration determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple electrodes and functionalization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into functionally independent electrodes (gate, source, drain, reference) that can be independently controlled and optimized. This allows complex measurement protocols to be broken down into simpler, manageable electrode interactions while maintaining high measurement precision through selective electrode engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The field effect transistor structure serves multiple functions: the gate electrode detects analyte concentration through field effect, the source and drain provide current pathways, and the reference electrode enables differential measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement task.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement configurations are used for different measurement situations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to laborious setup changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device employs dynamic control of electrode potentials and measurement configurations through the control device. Different measurement situations are handled by dynamically adjusting which electrodes are active and at what potentials, rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors measurement conditions and automatically adjusts electrode configurations and potentials based on feedback from the measurement process. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to different measurement situations without manual intervention, maintaining precision while simplifying operation.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive data processing is performed to optimize measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to complex parameter selection
Solution Approach 1:
Optimal measurement parameters and electrode configurations are predetermined and stored based on different measurement situations. When a measurement is initiated, the control device selects from these pre-optimized parameters rather than performing comprehensive real-time optimization, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system efficiently manages multiple parameters (electrode potentials, measurement modes, analysis protocols) by implementing structured parameter selection based on measurement conditions. This systematic parameter management reduces the computational complexity of data processing while preserving the benefits of comprehensive optimization.
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 method achieves high performance and reproducible analyte concentration determination with efficient multiplexing and adaptability to varying measurement situations, reducing complexity and resource requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of an analyte results in a change in the electric field and consequently in a change in the charge carrier density within the conducting channel of the field effect transistor. This again induces a measurable change in a current or a potential between source and drain of the field effect transistor.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 3C~4A
AI summary
A method of determining the concentration of at least one analyte in a sample (112) is proposed. The method comprises: i. providing at least one sensor device (110), the sensor device (110) comprising - at least one field effect transistor (114) having at least one source electrode (116), at least one drain electrode (118) and at least one gate electrode (120), • - at least one sensing electrode (132) configured for being in contact with the sample (112), the sensing electrode (132) being at least one of electrically connected to the gate electrode (120) of the field effect transistor (114) or integrated into the gate electrode (120) of the field effect transistor (114), and • - at least one control device (146), the control device (146) being configured for applying operation parameters to the field effect transistor (114) and for monitoring at least one signal value with the field effect transistor (114); • ii. at least one parameter selection step comprising selecting a set of operation parameters of the field effect transistor (114) for at least one subsequent measurement step, the parameter selection step comprising performing a plurality of evaluation measurements with the field effect transistor (114) by using various sets of operation parameter candidates and by selecting the set of operation parameters in accordance with at least one optimization criterion monitored during the evaluation measurements; and • iii. at least one measurement step comprising detecting the concentration of the analyte by applying the set of operation parameters selected in step ii. to the field effect transistor (114) and by determining at least one signal value with the field effect transistor (114). Further, a sensor device (110) for determining the concentration of at least one analyte in a sample (112) is proposed.