In Vitro Sensor With Partially Unbounded Sample Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical sensors face challenges in filling small volume sample chambers, making it difficult to analyze biological analytes effectively, especially with the trend towards smaller sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
The design of electrochemical sensors with a sample chamber that is partially unbounded, utilizing capillary forces to facilitate filling by having multiple open sides and a cantilevered substrate configuration, allowing for easy sample introduction and analysis in volumes as low as 0.03 μL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the sample chamber volume is reduced to enable small volume analysis, then the sample volume required is reduced, but the difficulty of filling the sample chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample chamber is designed with multiple open sides (at least two, preferably three) rather than a single opening, segmenting the filling process into multiple accessible entry points. This segmentation allows capillary forces to act from multiple directions simultaneously, facilitating complete filling of small volume chambers (≤1 μL) without requiring precise single-point application
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor design utilizes capillary forces inherent to the chamber structure to automatically draw sample into the chamber without requiring external pumping or complex filling mechanisms. The unbounded sides enable the sample to self-fill the chamber through capillary action, making the filling process passive and self-service
2Ease of operation
If the sample chamber is made completely open to facilitate filling, then the ease of filling improves, but the structural integrity and containment of the sample deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample chamber employs a hybrid boundary structure where specific sides are unbounded (open) to facilitate filling, while other sides are bounded (closed) to ensure sample containment during analysis. This local differentiation of boundary properties allows simultaneous achievement of easy filling through open sides and reliable containment through closed sides
Solution Approach 2:
The sample chamber design features asymmetric boundary configuration with at least two unbounded sides and at least two bounded sides, creating an asymmetric structure that optimizes both filling accessibility and sample containment. This asymmetric design breaks the symmetry of traditional fully enclosed chambers, enabling directional filling while maintaining containment
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 efficient detection and quantification of analytes like glucose in small sample volumes, improving the ease of filling and analysis while maintaining accurate results.
Implementation Method 1
Capillary forces pull or otherwise facilitate filing of the sample chamber
Data Source
AI summary
In vitro electrochemical sensors that provide accurate and repeatable analysis of a sample of biological fluid are provided. Embodiments include sensors that include a sample chambers having overhangs extending therefrom.