Interdigitated Microelectrode Biosensor Field Confinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interdigitated microelectrode biosensors face limitations in impedance detection width and accuracy due to the escape of electric fields and the use of conductive particles, leading to narrow detection limits and low reliability.
Innovation Solution
An interdigitated microelectrode biosensor design where receptors specifically reacting with target biomaterials are located between interdigitated microelectrodes without conductive particles, allowing the microelectrodes to face each other, thereby preventing electric field escape and enhancing impedance detection width and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conductive particles are used to allow electric current to flow between interdigitated microelectrodes, then electric current can flow between electrodes, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes conductive particles from the system entirely. The measurement is performed by applying voltage between adjacent interdigitated microelectrodes and measuring current flow directly through the solution, eliminating the need for conductive particles and their associated manufacturing complexity and reliability issues.
2Area of stationary object
If electric field escapes upward from interdigitated microelectrodes, then broader area coverage is achieved, but impedance detection width and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring impedance in the vertical direction (above electrodes) to measuring current flow in the horizontal direction (between adjacent interdigitated electrodes through the solution). This dimensional change confines the measurement field to the region between electrodes, improving detection accuracy while maintaining effective sensing area.
3Measurement precision
If receptors are immobilized on electrode surfaces, then detection capability is achieved, but detection width and limit of detection are narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the solution between electrodes serve multiple functions: it acts as both the medium for current flow and the environment for receptor-target interactions. This eliminates the need for complex electrode surface modifications and extends detection capability to various biomolecules in solution, broadening the detection width.
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 configuration increases impedance detection width by tens to hundreds of times and improves detection accuracy, particularly for monomers and oligomers, by focusing the electric field and reducing non-specific binding.
Implementation Method 1
configured to permit the adjacent interdigitated microelectrodes to face each other, so that the electric field is prevented from escaping upward from the interdigitated microelectrodes
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of receptors arranged in the space between the first interdigitated microelectrode and the second interdigitated microelectrode arranged interdigitatedly with each other so as to react specifically with target biomaterials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an interdigitated microelectrode biosensor using the reaction between receptors and target biomaterials, the interdigitated microelectrode biosensor comprising: an insulating layer formed so as to cover all of the sensor formation area of a substrate; a first interdigitated microelectrode formed such that a plurality of first protruding electrodes are arranged in a comb shape on the insulating layer of the substrate; a second interdigitated microelectrode, facing the first interdigitated microelectrode and formed such that a plurality of second protruding electrodes are arranged in a comb shape on the insulating layer of the substrate such that the plurality of second protruding electrodes are arranged to respectively interdigitate with the plurality of first protruding electrodes formed at the first interdigitated microelectrode; and a plurality of receptors arranged in the space between the first and second interdigitated microelectrodes, which are arranged to interdigitate with each other, so as to specifically react with the target biomaterial, thereby increasing an impedance detection width and detection limit, and improving detection accuracy according to the characteristics of each monomer and each polymer.