Redox Detection Electrode Array Using Alternating Potentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting chemical or biological species using interdigital electrode arrays are limited by the need for complex semiconductor technology and the risk of short circuits, which increases production costs and reduces sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A method where at least one electrode position is repeatedly switched between two potentials near or below/above the redox potential of the species, allowing for the detection of redox reactions without interdigital electrodes, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and avoiding short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interdigital electrode arrays with sub-micron structures are used, then measurement sensitivity is significantly increased, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to complex semiconductor technology requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the interdigital electrode structure from the sensor design, retaining only the essential measurement function. By using a simple planar electrode configuration instead of complex interdigital arrays, the patent achieves comparable measurement sensitivity without requiring sub-micron fabrication technology or complex semiconductor manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameters by applying alternating potentials at different frequencies to the simple electrode structure. This frequency-based differentiation allows the system to achieve high measurement sensitivity through signal processing rather than through complex electrode geometry, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If interdigital electrode arrays with distances below 1 μm are used, then measurement signal is significantly increased, but risk of short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the measurement function from the electrode geometry. Instead of relying on closely spaced interdigital fingers to generate the measurement signal, the patent uses a simple electrode configuration where the measurement function is achieved through temporal segmentation (alternating potentials at different frequencies) rather than spatial segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces frequency as an intermediary parameter to differentiate between measurement signals and avoid short circuits. By modulating potentials at different frequencies and detecting the response at specific frequencies, the system can achieve high measurement signals without requiring physically close electrode spacing that would risk short circuits
3Ease of manufacture
If simple electrode structures (gold wire, printed circuit boards) are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement sensitivity is not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies periodic alternating potentials at different frequencies to the simple electrode structure. This periodic modulation allows the system to generate and detect measurement signals using basic electrode geometries, achieving high measurement sensitivity without complex electrode fabrication while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical complexity of interdigital electrode structures with an electrical solution based on frequency-modulated potentials. Instead of achieving sensitivity through physical electrode geometry, the patent uses frequency-based electrical signaling and detection, replacing mechanical complexity with electrical control
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 achieves sensitivity comparable to conventional redox cycling without the need for interdigital electrodes, allowing for reliable and cost-effective detection of species that can undergo redox reactions, including those bound to electrodes or in detection fluids.
Implementation Method 1
detecting one or more chemical or biological species which are either capable of undergoing a redox reaction or which can directly or indirectly release a molecule capable of undergoing a redox reaction, the current generated by said redox reaction is detected
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting one or more chemical or biological species which can either undergo a redox reaction or can directly or indirectly generate a molecule which can undergo a redox reaction, with current generated by said redox reaction being detected at at least one electrode, comprising the following steps: 1. positioning a temporally varying amount of the species or of the molecule on, or in the vicinity of, the at least one electrode within a time period t1-t2, 2. repeated switching of the at least one electrode during the time period t1-t2 between two different potentials such that it assumes potentials with respect to a reference electrode which lie within the range of the oxidation potential of said species or of said molecule or lie above or within the range of the reduction potential of said species or of said molecule or lie below it, as a result of which said species / said molecule is alternately reduced and oxidized, and 3. detecting of the current which is formed in the at least one electrode over the time period t1-t2 by repeated reduction and oxidation of the species / of the molecule. The invention also provides an electrode array for carrying out this method, comprising at least one measurement position and at least one measurement electrode per measurement position and also a reference electrode, with the electrode array being designed such that the measurement electrode can be switched, with respect to the reference electrode, alternately as a cathode and as an anode.