Removable Functionalized Electrodes for Contamination-Free Biosensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensor technologies face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively applying multiple bio-sensing materials to the same device without cross-contamination, particularly in narcotics detection, due to the complex and time-consuming immobilization process on a shared substrate.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves processing individually removable functionalized electrodes separately, using wafer or tape scale processes, allowing bulk immobilization of different sensing materials before assembly into a biosensor apparatus, and sealing them in a hermetically sealed structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bio-sensing materials are immobilised on the same substrate in parallel, then the sensor can detect multiple materials, but cross-contamination occurs and wet processing of the whole substrate is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into separate modules, with each gate electrode serving as an independent sensing unit. Multiple gate electrodes are fabricated on a single substrate, but each electrode can be separately functionalised with different bio-sensing materials. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple sensing materials without cross-contamination, as each electrode can be treated independently through the microfluidic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for multiple gate electrodes, integrates the microfluidic channel system for delivering analytes, and enables parallel processing of multiple sensing materials. The microfluidic system universally delivers analytes to multiple electrodes simultaneously, allowing one substrate to handle multiple detection functions without requiring separate processing for each sensing material.
2Manufacturing precision
If immobilisation is carried out in solution for high surface coverage, then sensing material coverage is maximised, but significant time (hours) is required for the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalising each gate electrode with specific bio-sensing materials before final assembly. The electrodes are prepared individually or in small batches with optimized immobilisation conditions, allowing high surface coverage to be achieved efficiently. This pre-preparation enables the electrodes to be stored and later assembled into the complete sensor array without requiring lengthy immobilisation processes at the final assembly stage.
3Device complexity
If only small numbers of different sensing materials are applied directly to gate electrodes on the same substrate, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fabrication process into independent electrode preparation steps that can be performed in parallel. Multiple gate electrodes are fabricated on a single substrate using standard semiconductor processing techniques, allowing wafer-scale production. Each electrode can then be separately functionalised and assembled, enabling high productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a substrate as a carrier that holds multiple gate electrodes during fabrication, then allows separation of individual electrodes for final assembly. The microfluidic system acts as an intermediary that delivers analytes to multiple electrodes simultaneously, enabling scalable production without proportionally increasing processing complexity.
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 enables efficient, scalable, and contamination-free assembly of biosensors with multiple sensing materials, enhancing sensitivity and discrimination capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The charge on the gate electrode 204 is transferred via the electrolyte 205 to the semiconductor surface, inducing charge carriers allowing a current flow in the device
Implementation Method 2
exposing the electrode structures to a binding material configured to immobilise the biological sensing material on a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A structure comprises multiple individually removable functionalised electrodes, each one of the multiple individually removable functionalised electrodes for use in at least one biosensor apparatus.