Carbon-Silver Chloride Reference Electrode Paste for Stable Biosensor Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biosensors face challenges in maintaining consistent signal measurement and mechanical stability due to electrode deterioration, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor reference electrode is developed using a paste comprising a mixture of silver chloride powder and carbon-based conductive materials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, or carbon black, which provides improved mechanical and electrical properties, replacing expensive solid silver and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrodes are used in biosensors, then the basic measurement function is achieved, but mechanical stability and signal measurement consistency deteriorate due to electrode deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal measurement consistencyVSAvoidelectrode lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining silver chloride particles with carbon-based conductive materials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, or carbon black) in a paste formulation. This composite structure provides both the electrochemical stability of silver chloride and the mechanical strength and conductivity of carbon materials, resolving the contradiction between measurement consistency and electrode durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrode material by using a paste formulation with specific particle size distributions, weight ratios (silver chloride: carbon material = 95:5 to 50:50), and binding agents. These parameter changes enhance both the mechanical stability and electrochemical performance, extending electrode lifespan while maintaining signal consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If solid silver is used in reference electrodes, then good electrical conductivity is achieved, but production cost increases due to expensive material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive solid silver with a cost-effective composite paste containing carbon-based conductive materials and silver chloride particles. This substitution significantly reduces material costs while maintaining adequate electrical conductivity through the synergistic combination of carbon materials (which provide base conductivity) and silver chloride particles (which provide electrochemical activity).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite paste formulation combines inexpensive carbon-based materials with a reduced amount of silver chloride to achieve the desired electrical conductivity at lower cost. The carbon matrix provides structural integrity and baseline conductivity, while silver chloride particles contribute to the electrochemical function, collectively replacing the need for expensive solid silver construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the reference electrode structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but mechanical stability and electrical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible paste formulation that can be applied as a thin film or coating onto substrate electrodes. This paste contains binding agents that form a cohesive matrix, providing mechanical stability despite the simplified structure. The flexible nature of the paste allows it to conform to various substrate shapes while maintaining structural integrity and electrical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The composite paste incorporates multiple components (silver chloride particles, carbon-based conductive materials, and binding agents) that work synergistically to provide both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity in a simplified structure. The carbon materials reinforce the matrix structure while the binding agents hold everything together, achieving mechanical stability without complex multi-layer constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 carbon-based conductive material enhances the mechanical stability and electrical conductivity of the reference electrode, extending its lifespan and maintaining consistent oxidation-reduction potential, while reducing the risk of silver chloride particle dispersion and oxidation.

Implementation Method 1

the carbon-based conductive material enhances the mechanical stability and electrical conductivity of the reference electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

maintaining consistent oxidation-reduction potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP4086617B1Paste for reference electrode, reference electrode, and biosensor including the same
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 I SENS INC
  • EP4086617B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present specification discloses a paste for a reference electrode including silver chloride powder and a carbon-based conductive material, and a reference electrode formed thereof. The reference electrode formed of the paste for a reference electrode according to an exemplary embodiment may provide improved mechanical properties and electrochemical properties.