Selective Ion Transport Device With Matrix Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for providing controlled ion fluxes to cells for studying complex ion signaling pathways, limiting understanding of molecular and physiological effects in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a source element, a target element, and a control element, all with ion-selective materials, where the control element adjusts the concentration of ions in an ion transport element to control the transport of ions between the source and target elements through electrochemical potentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device for controlled ion transport is designed with source and target elements, then ion transport capability is provided, but the ability to provide controlled ion fluxes and matrix addressing for a large number of channels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional elements: source elements, target elements, and control elements, each with specific ion-selective materials. This segmentation allows independent control and addressing of multiple channels through the control elements, enabling matrix addressing capability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
Control elements act as intermediaries between the source elements and target elements. These control elements, containing ion-selective materials, regulate ion flux by responding to electrochemical potentials, thereby providing controlled ion delivery to multiple channels without requiring direct complex interconnections between all source and target elements.
2Measurement precision
If ion selective materials are used in source and target elements, then ion selectivity is achieved, but control over ion transport rate and concentration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device controls ion transport by changing electrochemical potential parameters applied to the control elements. By varying the electrochemical potential, the concentration of ions in the control elements changes, which in turn regulates the ion flux through the ion transport medium between source and target elements, providing precise control over transport rate and concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements respond to applied electrochemical potentials by adjusting their ion concentration, creating a feedback mechanism that regulates ion flux. This feedback loop enables precise control of ion transport by automatically adjusting ion delivery based on the electrochemical conditions applied to the control elements.
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
Enables precise and controlled ion transport, facilitating the study of ion signaling pathways and allowing for the expansion to a large number of channels with matrix addressing, improving understanding of cellular processes.
Implementation Method 1
said ion selective material conducts only the selected class of ions, at least when it is subjected to an electrochemical potential
Implementation Method 2
said first control element, in use, is arranged to receive a first electrochemical potential which increases the concentration of ions of said second class in said ion transport element
Implementation Method 3
said first ion transport element, in use, is further arranged to receive ions of said first class from said first source element, to release ions of said first class to said first target element, and to provide an ionic connection for said ions of said first class between said first source element and said first target element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlled transport of ions is provided comprising an ion source element and an ion target element both conducting ions of a first class e.g. cations, and an ion selective element which conducts ions of a second class e.g. anions. The device further comprises a transport element, which receives ions from the ion source element and releases them to the ion target element in response to an electrochemical potential difference provided across the ion transport element. In use a first electrochemical potential is applied to the control element, which increases the concentration of ions of said second class, which increased concentration in turn increases the ion transport rate of ions of said first class in the ion transport element.