Flexible Microelectrode Array With On-Substrate CMOS Signal Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sensing technologies face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and integration with flexible electrodes that can conform to three-dimensional cell surfaces without the need for external amplifiers, leading to signal loss and complex packaging.
Innovation Solution
A CMOS-based ultra-flexible microelectrode array with ultrathin membranes and integrated sensors, utilizing meandered copper wires for interconnection, enabling direct contact with cells and incorporating instrumentation amplifiers for precise signal recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external amplifiers and complex integration are used, then signal sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and measurement bandwidth are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates amplifier circuits directly onto the flexible substrate alongside the microelectrode array, combining sensing and signal processing functions into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for external amplifiers and complex separate-component integration, thereby maintaining high signal sensitivity while reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid planar electrodes are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to three-dimensional cell surfaces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate with thin-film microelectrodes that can conform to three-dimensional cell and tissue surfaces. The flexible nature of the substrate allows the electrode array to adapt to curved biological surfaces while maintaining precise electrode geometry and positioning, thus achieving both manufacturing precision and adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple leads are used for signal recovery, then measurement capability is improved, but loss of sensitivity and increased device complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates amplifier circuits directly on the flexible substrate near the microelectrode array, combining signal acquisition and amplification functions in close proximity. This integration minimizes the length of external leads required, thereby reducing signal loss and sensitivity degradation while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple integrated electronics are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision and signal processing capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sophisticated amplifier and signal processing circuits directly onto the flexible substrate using standard fabrication techniques. This integration achieves high measurement precision and signal processing capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for complex post-fabrication assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A biological sensing system, comprising a microelectrode array having a plurality of islands that are thermally isolated from each other and are interconnected by flexible nano-scale wires. An embedded complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) instrumentation amplifier and wireless communication circuitry may be operatively connected to the microelectrode array and embedded within input/output pads connected to the wires at the periphery of the array.