Ion-Conductive Channel for Controlled Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ion transport to or from cells lack controlled and specific ion flux delivery, leading to unpredictable ion distribution and require expensive equipment, limiting understanding of ion signaling pathways in cells.
Innovation Solution
A device with ion-conductive channels and electrodes that allow for electrically controlled ion transport between source and target electrolytes, enabling precise, time- and space-resolved delivery of ions to cells, using a configuration with ion-conductive channels and electrodes formed from solid or semi-solid materials to maintain a potential difference for controlled ion transport.
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 can be achieved, but the delivery is unspecific and diffusion to cells is uncontrollable and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the ion delivery process into distinct functional zones: source reservoir, ion-conductive channel with blocking section, and target reservoir. The blocking section creates a controlled gate that segments the continuous ion flow, allowing precise temporal and spatial control of ion flux to specific cells rather than diffuse delivery to the entire medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-conductive channel with its blocking section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the source and target reservoirs. This intermediary structure enables controlled ion transport by allowing ions to pass through the channel while the blocking section regulates the timing and location of ion release, providing specificity that direct delivery methods cannot achieve.
2Productivity
If manual or automated pipettes, pumps or membranes are used for ion transport, then ion transport can be performed, but expensive equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs self-service mechanisms where applied voltage automatically drives ion migration through the ion-conductive channel. The system uses the inherent electrostatic properties of ions and electric fields to perform the transport work, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical pumps, automated pipetting systems, or complex membrane apparatus while maintaining high ion transport capability.
3Quantity of substance
If ions are delivered to cell culture medium, then ions reach the medium, but further diffusion to cells is uncontrollable and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking section in the ion-conductive channel creates a localized delivery point where ions are released at a specific position and time. This local quality approach ensures that ions are delivered precisely to the target cell or small group of cells rather than being dispersed throughout the entire culture medium, enabling cell-specific ion flux control for studying ion signaling pathways.
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 high specificity in ion flux delivery to cells, allowing for stimulation of single cells or specific portions of cells with spatial resolution, facilitating cell communication research and improving the understanding of ion signaling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first ion-conductive channel, arranged to receive ions from said source electrode, to release ions to said target electrode and to provide an ionic connection between said source and said target electrodes
Implementation Method 2
means for limiting an electronic current between said source and said target electrodes, such that at least after a voltage is applied across said channel a potential difference between said source and target electrodes is maintained, which effects ion transport from said source to said target electrode
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 1g~1i
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices for electrically controlled transport of ions between a source and a target electrolyte, comprising: a first source electrode (101) and a first target electrode (104), each capable of conducting ions and electrons, wherein said source electrode is arranged to receive ions from said source electrolyte (102) and said target electrode is arranged to release ions to said target electrolyte (105), and means for retaining one of said source and target electrolytes on the device, which means are arranged such that each electrolyte is in contact with one of said electrodes, and a first ion-conductive channel (103), arranged to receive ions from said source electrode, to release ions to said target electrode and to provide an ionic connection between said source and said target electrodes, wherein said electrodes (101, 104) and said ion-conductive channel are formed of solid or semi-solid materials which are directly or indirectly attached to a support (107), further comprising means for limiting an electronic current between said source and said target electrodes, such that at least after a voltage is applied across said channel a potential difference between said source and target electrodes is maintained, which effects ion transport from said source to said target electrode. The present invention further relates to arrangements of and methods using such devices.