Sensor Array Anti-Diffusion Regions for Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor arrays face challenges in maintaining a prolonged shelf life and requiring minimal sample volume for testing multiple analytes, as diffusion of membrane chemistry components through dielectric layers can lead to electrochemical connections between wells, reducing their independent behavior and shortening their usable life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating anti-diffusion regions between reaction wells to block diffusion paths and prevent the diffusion of membrane chemistry components, thereby maintaining the independence of each well and extending the sensor array's shelf life, while allowing for a reduced sample volume and increased sensor density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If membrane chemistry components are allowed to diffuse through dielectric layers between wells, then electrochemical connections form between wells, but this reduces the independent behavior of each well and shortens shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anti-diffusion regions that segment the dielectric layer into isolated zones between reaction wells. These regions physically divide the continuous dielectric material into separate segments, preventing diffusion paths between adjacent wells while maintaining the structural integrity of the sensor array. This segmentation ensures each well operates independently without electrochemical interference from neighboring wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-diffusion regions act as intermediary barrier structures positioned between the reaction wells. These intermediary elements block the direct diffusion path through the dielectric layer, serving as a mediating structure that prevents harmful interactions between adjacent wells while allowing each well to maintain its own electrochemical environment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If anti-diffusion regions are added to block diffusion paths, then shelf life is extended and well independence is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-diffusion regions are merged with the existing dielectric layer structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate addition. The anti-diffusion regions are created by modifying the dielectric layer itself (through deposition or formation processes), combining the barrier function with the existing structural layer, thereby minimizing overall device complexity while achieving the desired diffusion blocking effect.
3Quantity of substance
If reaction wells are positioned closer together to reduce sample volume, then sample efficiency increases, but diffusion between wells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying properties in the dielectric layer. The anti-diffusion regions introduce localized variations in the dielectric material's properties, creating zones with different diffusion characteristics. Areas with anti-diffusion regions have blocked diffusion paths, while areas without such regions maintain normal dielectric properties, allowing close well spacing without compromising overall diffusion barrier effectiveness.
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 use of anti-diffusion regions optimizes sensor array design for reduced sample volumes, extending shelf life and maintaining the independent behavior of each well, allowing for concurrent testing of multiple analytes with minimal sample usage.
Implementation Method 1
the anti-diffusion region blocking at least one diffusion path extending between the first reaction well and the second reaction well, the at least one diffusion path being a route along which diffusible elements of the membrane chemistry of at least one of the first reaction well or the second reaction well diffuse through the respective dielectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive concepts disclosed herein are generally directed to a sensor array device that has a prolonged shelf life but requires only a minimal amount of sample volume in order to test two or more analytes concurrently. In order to ensure the sensor array has a sufficient shelf life, anti-diffusion regions are positioned among the reaction wells in order to slow the processes of diffusion. The use of anti-diffusion regions, as described herein, can be used to optimize the number of sensors that can be fit into a sensor array designed for reduced sample liquid volumes (e.g., less than 100 μL) as well as extending the test strip's shelf life.