Ion-Conductive Channel for Controlled Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ion transport between electrolytes lack controlled and specific delivery to cells, leading to unpredictable ion fluxes and requiring expensive equipment, limiting understanding of ion signaling pathways in cells.
Innovation Solution
A device with electrically controlled ion transport using electrochemically active materials and conductive polymers, allowing for time and space-resolved ion delivery through an ion-conductive channel with limited electron conductivity, enabling precise ion flux management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or automated pipettes, pumps or membranes are used for ion transport, then ion delivery to electrolyte is achieved, but delivery to cells is uncontrollable and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ion-conductive channel as an intermediary component between the electrolyte and cells. This channel is made of electrochemically active material that can be controlled by applied potential, serving as a mediator that translates electrical signals into controlled ion fluxes at the cellular level, thereby achieving both controllability and predictability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical ion delivery systems (pipettes, pumps) with an electrochemically controlled system. By applying potential to the ion-conductive channel, ion transport is controlled through electrochemical mechanisms rather than mechanical means, enabling precise spatiotemporal control of ion delivery to cells
2Quantity of substance
If conventional ion transport equipment is used, then ion transport between electrolytes is achieved, but expensive equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using electrochemical control instead of expensive mechanical or automated systems. The ion-conductive channel material and its electrochemical properties are optimized to achieve efficient ion transport at lower costs, replacing costly equipment with a chemically active, electrically controllable system
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemically active ion-conductive channel material serves multiple functions: it conducts ions, responds to electrical potential, and enables controlled release. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate expensive mechanical pumping or delivery systems, reducing overall equipment cost while maintaining ion transport functionality
3Ease of operation
If electrochemically active material is used in the ion-conductive channel, then controlled ion transport is achieved, but electron conductivity must be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting electrochemically active materials with specific properties for the ion-conductive channel. These materials are chosen to have appropriate electron conductivity characteristics that enable electrochemical control while preventing unwanted electron leakage, creating locally optimized material properties for the specific function of controlled ion transport
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 controlled and specific ion transport to or from cells, facilitating advanced cell communication research and reducing equipment costs by providing precise ion fluxes at the cellular or sub-cellular level.
Implementation Method 1
an ion-conductive channel which ionically connects the source electrode and the target electrode, said ion-conductive channel being made of a material having low electronic conductivity
Implementation Method 2
said ion-conductive channel being made of a material having low electronic conductivity, such that when a first potential is applied to said source electrode and a second potential is applied to said target electrode, a potential difference can be maintained across said ion-conductive channel
Implementation Method 3
a source electrode and a target electrode, each capable of conducting ions and electrons
Implementation Method 4
when a first potential is applied to said source electrode and a second potential is applied to said target electrode, a potential difference can be maintained across said ion-conductive channel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device for electrically controlled transport of ions between a source (2) and a target (4) electrolyte, comprising a source electrode (1) and a target electrode (3). The electrodes are each capable of conducting electrons and ions, and the source electrode (1) is arranged to receive ions from the source electrolyte (2) and the target electrode (3) is arranged to release ions to the target electrolyte (4). The device further comprises an ion-conductive channel (5), arranged to receive ions from the source electrode (1) and to release ions to the target electrode (3). Moreover, the ion-conductive channel (5) is arranged to provide an ionic connection between the source (1) and the target (3) electrodes. The electrodes (1,3) and the ion-conductive channel (5) are formed of solid or semi-solid materials which are directly or indirectly attached to a support. The device also comprises means for limiting an electronic current between said source (1) and said target (3) electrodes, such that at least after a voltage is applied across said channel (5) a potential difference between said source (1) and target (3) electrodes is maintained, which potential difference effects ion transport from said source (1) to said target (3) electrode. An apparatus for transporting ions to or from a cell. Use of the device for transporting ions to or from a cell. Methods of operating the device.