Multiplexed Electrode Bioprofiling for Spatial Tissue Impedance Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TEER measurement devices cannot accurately determine local differences or identify the location of damage in biological tissues due to limitations in spatial resolution, repeatability, and reproducibility, and are prone to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
An impedance measurement device with multiple electrodes, a multiplexing circuit, and a controller that allows for selective connection of electrodes to measure impedance at different positions, providing spatial resolution and enabling multidimensional electrical characteristic measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single electrode configuration is used for TEER measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but spatial resolution and ability to identify local damage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple discrete electrodes (at least three: first, second, and third electrodes) that can be independently positioned at different locations on the cell layer. This segmentation enables localized impedance measurements at specific regions, providing spatial resolution to identify local damage or heterogeneity in the cell layer that would be invisible with a single bulk measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-electrode bulk measurements to a multi-electrode array configuration that adds spatial dimensionality to the measurement. By arranging electrodes at different positions and measuring impedance between various electrode pairs, the system creates a two-dimensional measurement map of the cell layer, enabling localization of damage and assessment of spatial heterogeneity.
2Reliability
If multiple electrodes are used for spatially resolved measurement, then local damage identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system with multiple electrodes that can serve multiple functions: individual electrodes can be used for localized measurements, combinations of electrodes can measure different regions, and the same electrode array can assess both overall integrity and local damage. This multi-functionality improves reliability by enabling repeated measurements with consistent geometry while reducing protocol complexity through a unified measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies measurement parameters including electrode selection (which electrodes to use), electrode pairing (which electrodes to measure between), and measurement frequency to extract comprehensive information from the cell layer. These controlled parameter changes enable repeated, standardized measurements that improve reliability while the systematic approach prevents protocol complexity from becoming unmanageable.
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
The device can analyze electrical characteristics with spatial resolution, accurately identifying local changes and damage in biological tissues, improving measurement precision and reproducibility.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an impedance of the biological tissue by measuring an electrical signal between the first terminal and the second terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An impedance measurement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes three or more electrodes electrically connected to biological tissue; a power supply unit including a first terminal and a second terminal, and supplying power through the first terminal and the second terminal; a multiplexing circuit selecting at least some of the electrodes and connecting to the first terminal and the second terminal; and a controller providing an electrode selection signal to the multiplexing circuit, the electrode selection signal including information on the electrodes to be connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein an impedance of the biological tissue is measured by measuring an electrical signal between the first terminal and the second terminal.