Flexible Biosensor Display Integrating M13 Bacteriophage for VOC Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current display apparatuses lack the capability to easily test respiratory diseases using flexible and stretchable technologies that can effectively detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhalations.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and stretchable display apparatus with a substrate featuring a sensor area and display area, incorporating biosensors with M13 bacteriophages that change electrical resistance when exposed to target materials, allowing for the detection of VOCs through changes in electron movement paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional display apparatus structures are used, then the display function is maintained, but the capability to detect respiratory diseases through VOC detection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display apparatus is designed to perform both display functions and respiratory disease detection functions through integrated biosensors. The sensor area with M13 bacteriophage-based biosensors enables VOC detection while the display area provides visual feedback, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate diagnostic equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the display apparatus structure with biosensor integration by incorporating sensor areas alongside display areas on the same substrate. The biosensors are embedded within the display apparatus housing, merging two previously separate functions (display and detection) into a single integrated device that can both show information and detect respiratory conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid sensor structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but flexibility and stretchability required for wearable respiratory testing are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and stretchabilityVSAvoidsensor alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The biosensors are constructed using flexible substrate materials that allow the sensor array to be stretched and conform to curved surfaces such as the human body. This flexibility enables wearable application for respiratory testing while maintaining sensor functionality through the use of elastomeric materials and flexible conductive traces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor array is divided into multiple discrete biosensor elements arranged in an array format. Each biosensor unit can independently detect VOCs, and the segmented structure allows the overall array to be flexible while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized repeating units that can be precisely positioned on the flexible substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If biosensors are exposed to air through openings, then VOC detection capability is improved, but the structural integrity and protection of underlying layers is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVOC detection accuracyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulation layer is designed with porous structures or controlled permeability that allow volatile organic compounds to pass through to reach the biosensors while still providing mechanical protection and environmental barrier functions. This porous encapsulation maintains structural integrity while enabling the necessary gas exchange for VOC detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 accurate diagnosis of respiratory diseases by detecting VOCs in exhalations, utilizing genetically modified M13 bacteriophages that swell in response to specific compounds, facilitating intuitive diagnosis through electrical signal analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a display apparatus... of which electrical resistance changes when exposed to a target material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

when exposed to the target material, a surface protein of the M13 bacteriophage swells and an electron movement path changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron movement path change:

Data Source

PatentUS20240210344A1Display apparatus and sensing method using the same

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display apparatus includes: a substrate including a sensor area and a display area, a plurality of biosensors disposed on the substrate and of which electrical resistance changes when exposed to a target material, and an organic insulating layer defining a plurality of openings therein, which expose the plurality of biosensors to the outside, where the display area includes a plurality of first through-portions, and a plurality of display portions spaced apart from each other by the plurality of first through-portions, and the sensor area includes a plurality of second through-portions, and a plurality of base portions spaced apart from each other by the plurality of second through-portions.