Hydrogel Channel Device with Sensor for Label-Free Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogel channel type devices struggle to visualize the diffusion of target drugs or causative substances without modifying them with labeling agents, which can alter their permeability and diffusion rate.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel channel type device with a sensor is developed, featuring a solid substrate with adhered and non-adhered regions, a swellable gel thin film layer, a non-swellable gel layer, and a sensor section at the interface, allowing for the measurement of molecular diffusion without the need for labeling agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If labeling agents (fluorescent dyes, nanoparticles) are used to visualize analytes, then visualization capability is improved, but the permeability and diffusion rate of the target substance are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing mechanism where the sensor detects the presence and diffusion of analytes through their intrinsic properties (such as electrical conductivity, pH, or other biochemical characteristics) rather than requiring external labeling. This mediator approach allows visualization without direct modification of the target substance, preserving its natural permeability and diffusion behavior while enabling detection through the sensor section at the interface between the solid substrate and hydrogel laminate.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional microfluidic chip materials (glass, PMMA, PDMS) are used, then structural stability and ease of manufacture are improved, but substance permeability is insufficient for simulating biological environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a solid substrate (providing structural stability) with a hydrogel laminate (providing high substance permeability and biocompatibility). The hydrogel laminate includes a swellable gel thin film layer that can be separated in non-adhered regions to form hydrogel channels, creating a material system that simultaneously achieves both structural integrity and the required permeability for realistic drug and causative substance diffusion simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the device. The solid substrate provides mechanical strength where needed, while the hydrogel laminate provides high permeability in the channel regions. The interface between adhered and non-adhered regions creates localized structural variations that enable both stability and permeability in appropriate locations, with the sensor section positioned at the interface for optimal detection.
3Reliability
If hydrogel channel type devices are used to simulate biological environments, then substance permeability and biocompatibility are improved, but the ability to measure molecular diffusion without labeling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical visualization methods (mechanical/system-based labeling with fluorescent dyes) with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor section, positioned at the interface between the solid substrate and hydrogel laminate, directly measures molecular diffusion events through electrochemical or other non-optical means, eliminating the need for labeling agents while maintaining the hydrogel's natural permeability and biocompatibility properties.
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 device effectively simulates a tissue-like structure and measures molecular diffusion through a blood-vessel-like tubular structure, enabling visualization of substance diffusion without altering the target substances' properties.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrogel laminate includes a swellable gel thin film layer on the solid substrate and a non-swellable gel layer laminated on the swellable gel thin film layer, a hydrogel channel in which the swellable gel thin film layer is separated in the non-adhered region
Implementation Method 2
measuring molecular diffusion outside the structure through a blood-vessel-like tubular structure
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogel channel type device (1) with a sensor according to the present invention includes: a solid substrate (10) and a hydrogel laminate (20) located on the solid substrate (10), in which the solid substrate (10) has an adhered region that is adhered to the hydrogel laminate (20) and a non-adhered region that is not adhered to the hydrogel laminate (20) at an interface with the hydrogel laminate (20), the hydrogel laminate (20) includes a swellable gel thin film layer (21) on the solid substrate (10) and a non-swellable gel layer (22) laminated on the swellable gel thin film layer (21), a hydrogel channel (30) in which the swellable gel thin film layer (21) is separated in the non-adhered region is provided between the solid substrate (10) and the hydrogel laminate (20), and a sensor section is provided at the interface between the solid substrate (10) and the hydrogel laminate (20).