Screen Printed Hydrophobic Ink Membrane Sensor Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing multiple-diagnosis membrane sensors are limited by the complexity and cost of producing microfluidic channels, particularly with inkjet printing technologies, which require optimized ink compositions and are not suitable for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving screen printing hydrophobic ink, such as silver paste or wax, onto membranes made of nitrocellulose, nylon, or polyvinylidene fluoride, with organic solvents like alcohols or DMF, to form multiple channels, enabling the creation of a membrane sensor with a sample pad, conjugation pad, and absorption pad for efficient analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inkjet printing technology is used to manufacture microfluidic channels, then channel formation is achieved, but ink composition optimization is required and mass production is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inkjet printing (a complex, precision-dependent mechanical system requiring ink optimization) with screen printing (a simpler, more robust mechanical system). Screen printing uses a mesh screen and squeegee to deposit hydrophobic material, eliminating the need for complex ink formulation while maintaining channel formation capability. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by simplifying the manufacturing process without sacrificing functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If inkjet printing technology is used to manufacture microfluidic channels, then channel formation is achieved, but mass production is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inkjet printing with screen printing, which is inherently more suitable for mass production. Screen printing can process multiple substrates simultaneously, has faster deposition rates, and requires less precision alignment. The hydrophobic screen printing process creates channels through a straightforward deposit-dry pattern that scales easily, directly improving productivity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are printed on a membrane, then multiple-diagnosis capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the membrane surface into multiple independent channel regions, each capable of performing a separate diagnosis function. The screen printing process naturally supports this segmentation by allowing independent pattern definition for each channel. This modular approach enables multiple-diagnosis capability while keeping manufacturing simple, as each channel can be designed and printed independently using the same basic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform where a single screen printing process can produce membranes with multiple channels serving different diagnostic functions. The hydrophobic channel structure is universal across all channels, allowing the same manufacturing methodology to be applied regardless of the number or purpose of channels. This multi-functionality approach enables versatile multiple-diagnosis capability without increasing manufacturing 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 simplifies the mass production of multiple-channel membrane sensors, enhancing detection reliability and allowing for simultaneous analysis of various diseases through independent measurement channels, while reducing production costs and improving sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
screen printing hydrophobic ink onto a membrane in which a water soluble sample flows to form multiple channels
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for manufacturing a multiple-diagnosis membrane sensor provided with multiple channels by using screen printing, and more specifically, to a method for manufacturing a membrane sensor capable of performing multiple-diagnosis by screen-printing hydrophobic ink on a membrane to form multiple channels.The membrane sensor according to the present invention may enable mass-production of sensors and secure reliability of detection by forming the plurality of channels on the membrane by a simple method.