Multiplexed Electrochemical Detector with Shared Leads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical detection systems face challenges in minimizing chip size and manufacturing costs due to the need for numerous independently addressable electrodes, leading to increased complexity and electrical cross-talk, which reduces sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiplexed sample analysis with shared electrical connections between electrodes, combined with liquid switching channels, allows for higher levels of multiplexing and reduced electrical cross-talk by applying a fixed potential to non-active leads, enabling detection of small analyte concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each electrode is coupled to an external contact for independent addressing, then each sensor can be independently controlled, but chip size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes share common external contacts through multiplexing, merging the electrical connection requirements of multiple sensors into fewer physical contacts. This allows independent addressing of multiple electrodes using a reduced set of external connections, thereby decreasing chip size while maintaining operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
External contacts serve multiple functions by being shared across different electrodes through multiplexing. Each contact can be dynamically assigned to different electrodes at different times, allowing a small number of contacts to control a large array of sensors, reducing the overall contact requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If highly multiplexed arrays use active multiplexing strategy, then more electrodes can be addressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive switching mechanisms that leverage the inherent electrical properties of the circuit rather than requiring active control electronics. The multiplexing is achieved through passive switching elements that automatically route signals based on circuit configuration, eliminating the need for complex active electronics while maintaining high multiplexing capability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple electrodes share electrical contacts, then chip size is reduced, but electrical cross-talk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into groups that share common contacts, with isolation mechanisms implemented between groups. This segmentation allows electrical cross-talk to be confined to specific regions while maintaining overall system functionality, effectively managing interference in a multiplexed architecture.
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 highly multiplexed electrochemical sensing on passive integrated circuits with reduced electrical cross-talk, improving sensitivity and specificity, and allowing for the detection of multiple analytes with fewer external contacts.
Implementation Method 1
The sample wells can be configured as isolated columns of connected biosensors aligned substantially perpendicular to channels containing liquid sample, which can serve to connect the biosensors to counter electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The substantially fixed potential can be selected so as to reduce current flow from the remaining leads to the counter electrode at which a response signal is being measured
Data Source
AI summary
Contemplated methods and devices comprise performing electrochemical sample analysis in a multiplexed electrochemical detector having reduced electrical cross-talk. The electrochemical detector includes electrodes that share a common lead from a plurality of leads. The sample, which may be a liquid sample, is introduced into one or more sample wells and a signal is applied to at least one of the electrodes. A response signal is measured while simultaneously applying a substantially fixed potential to each of a remainder of the plurality of leads.