Printed Counter Electrode Layout for Uniform Nanopore Voltage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nanopore-based sequencing chips face issues with non-uniform voltage distribution among cells due to the proximity of sintered counter electrodes, leading to variations in current flow and impacting biological mechanisms, and the installation of these electrodes is labor-intensive and costly.

Innovation Solution

Positioning a counter electrode equidistant from each nanopore cell and its corresponding working electrode, using screen printing or ink jet printing techniques to create a metal plate or Ag—AgCl ink on a flexible printed circuit, ensuring uniform voltage distribution and reducing installation complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If sintered counter electrodes are positioned close to nanopore cells, then current flow is enhanced, but voltage distribution becomes non-uniform across cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent flowVSAvoidvoltage distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The counter electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes, each positioned to serve specific nanopore cells. This segmentation allows independent positioning and sizing of each electrode segment to optimize both current flow to individual cells and uniform voltage distribution across the array, resolving the contradiction between enhanced current and uniform voltage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each counter electrode segment is designed with local variations in size, shape, and positioning tailored to the specific requirements of the nanopore cells it serves. This local optimization ensures that each cell receives appropriate current flow while maintaining uniform voltage distribution across the entire array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If sintered counter electrodes are used, then electrical contact is achieved, but installation becomes labor-intensive and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The counter electrode segments are integrated with the substrate to form a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate installation steps. This merging of components simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable electrical contact, as the electrodes are formed as part of the substrate fabrication process rather than being added separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, fluidic pathways, and integrated electrical contacts through the formed counter electrode segments. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, making manufacturing easier while ensuring reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If counter electrodes are positioned non-equidistantly, then installation is simpler, but voltage distribution becomes non-uniform affecting biological mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidbiological mechanism consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The counter electrode segments are positioned and sized to create equipotential conditions across all nanopore cells. By ensuring that each cell experiences the same voltage potential difference, the system maintains uniform electrical conditions that are critical for consistent biological measurements, while the segmented design allows this to be achieved through systematic positioning rather than complex non-equidistant arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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

Achieves uniform voltage distribution across all cells, minimizing variations in current flow and simplifying electrode installation, thereby enhancing sequencing accuracy and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

using screen printing or ink jet printing techniques to create a metal plate or Ag—AgCl ink on a flexible printed circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScreen printing:

Implementation Method 2

using screen printing or ink jet printing techniques to create a metal plate or Ag—AgCl ink on a flexible printed circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInk jet printing:

Implementation Method 3

Positioning a counter electrode equidistant from each nanopore cell and its corresponding working electrode... ensuring uniform voltage distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (electrical): Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12566153B2Printed electrode

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 ROCHE SEQUENCING SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A nanopore based sequencing chip package is disclosed. The nanopore based sequencing chip package includes a reservoir defined by a plurality of surfaces. The chip package includes a nanopore cell array comprising a plurality of nanopore sensor cells enclosed by the reservoir. Each nanopore sensor cell has a working electrode. At least one surface of the reservoir is configured to be in contact with a conducting fluid when the conducting fluid is flowing through the reservoir. The chip package further includes a counter electrode disposed on the at least one surface of the reservoir.