Optrode Device Using Liquid Crystal Transduction for High-Density Neural Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for monitoring and visualizing electrical activity of biological tissue are invasive and limited by bulky wiring, constraining the number of interface channels and lacking in sensitivity for small electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor arrangement of conductive regions and a transducing element using liquid crystals to convert electric fields into optical properties, allowing for non-invasive, high-bandwidth monitoring of biological tissue without electrical connections or power sources, utilizing a semi-transparent reference electrode and high reflectivity sensing electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If classical electrodes with electrical conductors are used for monitoring biological tissue, then electrical activity can be recorded, but the device becomes bulky and the number of interface channels is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with an optical system. Electrical signals from biological tissue modulate optical properties (refractive index, absorption) of the sensor material, which are then detected by optical fibers. This substitution eliminates bulky electrical conductors while enabling high-channel-count parallel measurement through optical multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical sensing layer that converts electrical biological signals into optical signals. This intermediary layer (e.g., electro-optic material, plasma layer) acts as a mediator between the electrical activity of tissue and the optical detection system, enabling signal transduction without direct electrical wiring to each sensor element.
2Measurement precision
If more sensing electrodes are added to increase monitoring coverage, then measurement capability improves, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into multiple independent optical sensor elements that can be distributed across the tissue surface. Each sensor element operates independently, allowing high spatial resolution and comprehensive monitoring coverage. The segmented optical sensors can be integrated into a flexible array that conforms to tissue geometry, minimizing invasiveness while maximizing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical sensor platform that can monitor multiple physiological parameters simultaneously (electrical activity, pH, oxygen) using the same basic optical sensing architecture. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive tissue monitoring with a single device type, reducing the need for multiple specialized invasive probes.
3Ease of operation
If electrical conductors and electronics are integrated with electrodes, then signal recording is enabled, but the device becomes bulkier and less suitable for minimally invasive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy electrical conductors and electronics with lightweight optical fibers and optical detection components. Optical signals carry the same information as electrical signals but with much lower mass and energy requirements. The optical detection system can be implemented with minimal bulk, enabling portable or implantable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the electrical signal information. Instead of directly transmitting electrical signals through conductors, the electrical activity modulates optical properties that are then detected and converted back into electrical signals for processing. This copying approach preserves signal integrity while eliminating the need for heavy electrical wiring.
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
Enables continuous, passive transduction of small electrical signals into the optical domain, facilitating high-bandwidth, real-time monitoring of biological signals with improved diagnostic capabilities for neurological and biomedical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a transducing element arranged to transduce the electric field sensed by the plurality of sensitive regions into a variation of an optical property of a respective region of the transducing element
Implementation Method 2
The transducing element comprises a layer of liquid crystals disposed between the sensing electrodes and the reference electrode. In these embodiments, the variation of the optical property of a region of the transducing element comprises a variation of birefringence of the liquid crystals at the region.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a device for monitoring and visualising electrical activity of biological tissue. The device uses a sensor arrangement comprising a matrix of conductive sensors and a transducing element for transducing electric fields in a variation of an optical property. In use, electric fields generated by the biological tissue are sensed by the sensor arrangement and transduced by the transducing element for optical imaging.