Integrated Electrode Chip for Multi-Analyte HECL Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic technologies face challenges in achieving fast, sensitive, and cost-effective analysis, particularly in point-of-care settings, due to complexity, high costs, and limitations in handling biological samples in aqueous solutions, which restricts the use of anodic electrochemiluminescence methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of multipurpose Integrated Electrode Chips (EChips) for disposable bioaffinity cartridges, allowing for single or multi-analyte determinations using a single light detection unit, which simplifies the measurement process and reduces costs by eliminating the need for separate working and counter electrodes, and enabling the use of internal standards or standard additions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If anodic electrochemiluminescence methods are used to achieve sensitive detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to complicated instruments and repeated washes requiring expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the working electrode and counter electrode into a single integrated electrode chip structure. The electrode chip includes a substrate with a working electrode layer and a counter electrode layer formed on opposite sides of the substrate, eliminating the need for separate electrode components and complex assembly procedures while maintaining sensitive detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electrode chip serves multiple functions: it acts as both the working electrode for electrochemiluminescence generation and the counter electrode for completing the electrical circuit. This multi-functional design simplifies the instrument structure and reduces operational complexity while preserving measurement precision
2Productivity
If multiple analytes are measured simultaneously using different labels, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to need for multiple detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode chip into multiple distinct measurement zones, each capable of detecting different analytes. The substrate contains multiple working electrode areas and counter electrode areas that can be independently addressed, allowing simultaneous multi-analyte measurement using a single integrated detection system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a spatially distributed detection system. By arranging multiple electrode pairs in different zones on the substrate, the system can simultaneously measure multiple analytes at different locations, adding a spatial dimension to the detection capability
3Reliability
If disposable cartridges are used to eliminate carry-over, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the working electrode, counter electrode, and substrate into a single monolithic electrode chip structure. The electrodes are formed as thin films deposited directly onto the substrate, ensuring precise alignment and eliminating the need for separate component assembly. This integrated design maintains reliability through disposability while reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to assembling multiple separate components
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
This solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and reproducible analysis of multiple analytes in a single assay, reducing the complexity and cost of diagnostic instruments and eliminating carry-over issues, making it suitable for point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
The hot electron-induced ECL (HECL) is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,690. electroluminescence is considered to include both anodic as well as hot electron-induced (cathodic) electrochemiluminescence (ECL)
Implementation Method 2
The use of porous film in combination with integrated electrode chips is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,998,421, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to electrode chip (EChip) cartridge devices which are used in hot electron-induced electro-chemiluminescence (HECL) and electroluminescence (EL) methods and instrumentation based on the electrical excitation of label molecules with subsequent measurement of the luminescence in order to quantitate analyte concentrations in bioaffinity assays, especially outside of central laboratories, but also in rapid screening tests.