Self-Disinfecting Biosensor With Polarized Heated Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing life-form sensors are inadequate for in-situ decontamination and often require complex, expensive arrangements that can damage the device or are not effective for rapid detection and disinfection of biohazards.
Innovation Solution
A sensor incorporating a composite material with needle-like particles and electrically conductive platelets, coupled with electrodes and a heating device, uses electrical polarization and controlled heating to simultaneously detect and disinfect target life-forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disinfection methods are applied to biosensing devices, then disinfection is achieved, but the devices are damaged or require complex arrangements that are expensive and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensing function and disinfection function into a single integrated device. The sensing electrode and heating element are merged into one component that can both detect life-forms and deliver thermal energy for disinfection, eliminating the need for separate disinfection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensing device is designed to perform multiple functions: detection of target life-forms, heating for disinfection, and self-protection. The same device that senses biological material also serves as the disinfection apparatus, making the system universal and reducing the number of components needed.
2Reliability
If conventional disinfection methods are applied to biosensing devices, then disinfection is achieved, but the treatment is time-consuming and does not enable rapid detection and disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic heating cycles with controlled temperature profiles. The heating element delivers thermal energy in specific time intervals at temperatures sufficient for disinfection (e.g., 60-100°C for specified durations), enabling rapid treatment while preserving the sensing capability for subsequent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled changes in temperature parameters to achieve disinfection. By adjusting the heating temperature and duration parameters, the device can rapidly disinfect between sensing operations, reducing the time loss compared to conventional methods while maintaining effective disinfection.
3Reliability
If complex arrangements are used for in-situ sterilization, then disinfection is achieved, but the arrangements are expensive and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing electrode serves dual purposes as both the detection element and the heating element for sterilization. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate sterilization components, simplifying the device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensing device performs its own sterilization function without requiring external complex equipment. The integrated heating capability allows the device to autonomously conduct in-situ sterilization, eliminating the need for expensive external sterilization systems and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 sensor achieves rapid detection and disinfection of target life-forms within 20 minutes, effectively deactivating organisms like yeast, bacteria, and viruses, while maintaining sensor integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
activate the heating device to a predetermined temperature range
Implementation Method 2
polarize the matrix member
Data Source
AI summary
A life-form sensor and a method of detecting a life-form and disinfecting the sensor is provided. The sensor includes a matrix member made from a composite material having needle-like particles, electrically conductive platelets and a spacer material. A pair of electrodes are electrically coupled to opposing ends of the matrix. A heating device is arranged in thermal communication with the matrix member. A controller is operably coupled to the sensing device, the heating device, and the electrode, the controller being configured to receive a signal from the pair of electrodes and to polarize the matrix member and activate the heating device to a predetermined temperature range in response to placing a sample in the specimen container to simultaneously detect the presence of a target life-form and to disinfect the matrix member.