Multichannel Biosensor with Common Reference Electrode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors face limitations in conducting parallel multichannel measurements, leading to increased measurement time and reduced accuracy due to separate electrode systems and inability to compensate for measurement errors, as each channel operates independently and under different conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a common reference electrode and multiple working electrodes, arranged in identical segments with sensory materials, allows for simultaneous multichannel measurements using impedance spectroscopy, enabling efficient error compensation and reduced measurement time through reversible electrode configurations and optimized electrode geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate independent electrode systems are used for each measurement channel, then each channel can operate independently, but the measurement time increases and measurement errors cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent electrode systems into a single integrated sensor structure with multiple working electrodes (WEn) sharing common reference (RE) and counter electrodes (CE). This integration allows simultaneous multichannel measurements to be conducted in parallel, reducing total measurement time while maintaining independent measurement capabilities through the modular electrode arrangement where each WEn-RE-CE triplet forms a functional measurement unit
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is segmented into multiple identical measurement segments, each consisting of a working electrode (WEn), reference electrode (RE), and counter electrode (CE) triplet. These segments are arranged in parallel and can be independently configured with different sensory materials, enabling simultaneous multichannel measurements while allowing selective activation of specific segments for error compensation studies
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate independent electrode systems are used for each measurement channel, then each channel can operate independently, but the measurement accuracy decreases due to inability to compensate errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by conducting measurements across multiple identical segments and using the collected data to identify and compensate for systematic errors. The common reference and counter electrodes enable cross-validation of measurements, where results from one segment can be used to correct anomalies in other segments, thereby improving overall measurement accuracy through iterative error compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs homogeneous measurement segments with identical electrode geometries, materials, and configurations. This homogeneity ensures that all segments operate under the same conditions, allowing for reliable comparison and statistical analysis of measurements across channels, which is essential for identifying and compensating systematic errors while maintaining independent channel operation
3Productivity
If multiple working electrodes with common reference and counter electrodes are used, then simultaneous multichannel measurements are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference and counter electrodes serve universal functions across all measurement channels simultaneously. The common RE and CE electrodes can support multiple working electrodes (WEn) at the same time, enabling each RE-CE pair to function with multiple WEn electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of electrodes needed compared to fully independent systems while maintaining simultaneous multichannel measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges electrodes in a three-dimensional configuration where multiple working electrodes are positioned around common reference and counter electrodes. This spatial dimensionality allows multiple measurement paths to coexist without interfering with each other, enabling simultaneous multichannel measurements while managing electrode complexity through optimized geometric arrangement rather than simple linear scaling
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 approach enables simultaneous multichannel measurements across multiple segments, significantly reducing measurement time and improving accuracy by using a common reference electrode and reversible electrode configurations, while maintaining identical measurement conditions across all channels.
Implementation Method 1
The subject of the invention is the sensor for the impedance measurements of the biological or chemical factor sample in the potentiostat system
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the present invention is the sensor for the impedance measurements of the biological or chemical factor sample in the potentiostat system comprising the reference electrode RE and counting electrode CE with the electric contacts leading to the edge of the sensor in the form of the edge connector characterised in that it contains n working electrodes WEn, wherein n>2 and preferably n is in the range 2 to 256, and the reference electrode RE is common for all working electrodes WEn and the fragment thereof present by the working electrode WEn forms the measuring segment RE-CE-WEn. The subject of the invention is also the detection method of the chemical or biological factor in the sample using such a sensor.