Ink Composition for Biomolecule Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing of biomolecules in molecular biology faces challenges such as denaturalization and loss of function due to inadequate viscosity and surface tension in existing ink compositions, which affect the stability and binding of molecules to substrates, and existing surfactants like Tween 80 require additional components to achieve optimal printing parameters.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a molecular weight between 20-50 K and a non-ionic surfactant of the Triton X series, which adjusts viscosity and surface tension within optimal ranges for inkjet printing, minimizing the 'coffee-ring effect and ensuring stable molecule binding without the need for additional surfactants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surfactants like Tween 80 are used in inkjet printing compositions, then surface tension can be adjusted, but additional components are required to achieve optimal printing parameters and the composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a non-ionic surfactant that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it adjusts surface tension to optimal ranges for inkjet printing, prevents denaturalization of biomolecules, and eliminates the need for additional surfactant components. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable printing parameters while simplifying the overall composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant from conventional options like Tween 80 to a specific non-ionic surfactant with controlled hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. This parameter change allows the surfactant to achieve optimal surface tension values and printing performance without requiring additional components, thus reducing composition complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Speed
If ink viscosity is reduced to allow rapid channel filling (approximately 100 μs), then printing speed improves, but the ink may drip from the nozzle due to insufficient surface tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity and surface tension parameters of the ink composition by selecting specific biomolecule concentrations and using a non-ionic surfactant. This allows the ink to achieve low viscosity for rapid channel filling while maintaining sufficient surface tension to prevent nozzle dripping, thus resolving the contradiction between printing speed and preventing harmful dripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-ionic surfactant acts as an intermediary that mediates between the conflicting requirements of low viscosity and high surface tension. It modifies the ink properties to achieve an optimal balance, enabling fast printing speed while preventing nozzle dripping through its surfactant properties.
3Productivity
If existing ink compositions are used for biomolecule printing, then printing can be performed, but denaturalization and loss of function occur due to inadequate viscosity and surface tension control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using a non-ionic surfactant with specific molecular structure and controlling biomolecule concentration. This maintains optimal viscosity and surface tension throughout the printing process, preventing denaturalization and maintaining biomolecule function while enabling productive printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies prior cushioning by incorporating a non-ionic surfactant that preemptively protects biomolecules from denaturation during the printing process. The surfactant creates a protective environment that cushions against harmful effects of inadequate viscosity and surface tension control, ensuring biomolecule stability while maintaining printing productivity.
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 composition achieves homogeneous droplet formation, increased drying kinetics, and maintains the stability and binding activity of biomolecules like fluorescein-5-thiosemicarbazide on substrates, preventing denaturalization and aggregation, thus enhancing the efficiency and quality of inkjet printing in biotechnology.
Implementation Method 1
The surface tension, however, needs to be high enough to keep the ink in the nozzle without dripping
Implementation Method 2
The ink viscosity must be low enough to allow the channel through which it is injected to fill in approximately 100 μs
Implementation Method 3
minimizing the 'coffee-ring effect
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The composition of the invention comprises: (a) polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight comprised between 20000 (20 K) and 50000 (50 K), at a weight/volume concentration comprised between 0.5 and 15 %; (b) a non-ionic surfactant of general formula (I) where n is comprised between 5 and 40, and said surfactant being at a volume/volume concentration comprised between 0.1 % and 2.0 %; and (c) one or more ingredients selected from a liquid carrier, a binder and an additive suitable for printing. The composition of the invention is used for printing molecules of biological interest.