Multi-Gate OECT Sensor for Simultaneous Analyte Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OECT sensors face challenges in reducing production costs, improving reliability and durability, and increasing precision and compactness, while also being limited in their ability to detect multiple analytes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The development of an OECT sensor with multiple gate electrodes, each functionalized for specific analyte detection, using a shared set of source and drain electrodes, and incorporating a depolarization gate for rapid channel recovery, allows for simultaneous sensing of different analytes and simplified production through techniques like inkjet printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gate electrodes are used for detecting different analytes, then the sensor's versatility and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single OECT device with multiple gate electrodes that can detect different analytes simultaneously. Each gate electrode is functionalized with different recognition elements (enzymes, antibodies, aptamers) enabling the same transistor structure to perform multiple sensing functions for glucose, lactate, dopamine, DNA, proteins, and other analytes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensing function by dividing the gate electrode into multiple independently functionalized electrodes. Each gate electrode can be selectively functionalized with specific biorecognition elements to detect different analytes, allowing parallel measurement of multiple targets without interfering with each other's detection
2Measurement precision
If multiple gate electrodes are used for detecting different analytes, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision and production cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single OECT device structure, sharing the source, drain, and channel components. This consolidation reduces the overall number of components compared to using separate sensors for each analyte, simplifying fabrication processes and reducing production costs while maintaining high measurement precision through selective gate electrode functionalization
3Speed
If a depolarization gate is added for rapid channel recovery, then the speed of successive measurements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depolarization gate performs preliminary action by actively resetting the channel to its initial state between measurements. By applying a depolarizing potential that removes accumulated charges and restores the channel's conductivity, it prepares the sensor for the next measurement cycle, enabling rapid successive measurements without waiting for slow passive recovery
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 design enhances the sensor's accuracy, reliability, and miniaturization, enabling efficient detection of various analytes with reduced material usage and simplified electronics, suitable for medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A main working principle of an OECT as a sensor is based on charge transfer between an analyte of interest and the gate electrode or charge accumulation on the surface of gate electrode, which results in a change of the potential of the electrolyte, as described by the Nernst equation
Implementation Method 2
The current modulation is generated by a de-doping effect induced by a reduction of the conductive polymer to its neutral, non-conducting state. Since the amount of charge carriers in the conductive polymer is decreased, current between source and drain electrodes also decreases
Data Source
AI summary
An organo electro chemical transistor based sensor including at least one set of source and drain electrodes, a plurality of gate electrodes for this set, at least one channel connected to the source and drain electrodes of the at least one set; and at least two gate electrodes being differently functionalized.