Laser-Synthesized Silicon Carbide for Biointerface Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for biological sensing and modulation are limited by the use of silicon semiconductors, which degrade under physiological conditions, are costly, and lack operational flexibility, while novel materials and devices are needed for advanced biointerface research.

Innovation Solution

Development of a laser-assisted method for two- and three-dimensional printing of silicon carbide (SiC) using polydimethylsiloxane as a precursor, incorporating nitrogen as a dopant, and employing additives or post-synthetic surface functionalization to create materials with tunable optoelectronic properties for biological modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silicon semiconductors are used for biological sensing and modulation, then electrical and photoelectrochemical modulation capabilities are achieved, but degradation under physiological conditions occurs and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by using silicon carbide (SiC) instead of traditional silicon, and further modifies the properties through nitrogen doping and surface functionalization with molecules like MOFs, cobalt phthalocyanine, and MnO2. These parameter changes enable stability under physiological conditions while maintaining electrical and photoelectrochemical modulation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining silicon carbide with various functional molecules including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), cobalt phthalocyanine, and manganese dioxide. These composites integrate the stability of SiC with the catalytic and optical properties of the functional molecules, achieving both reliability and desired functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional synthesis methods are used for silicon carbide, then material production is achieved, but manufacturing precision and quality control are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical and thermal synthesis methods with laser-assisted synthesis. The laser provides precise spatial and temporal control over the synthesis process, enabling accurate control of crystal structure (producing cubic 3C-SiC) while maintaining high production quality. This substitution of synthesis mechanism achieves both manufacturing precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If laser ablation is used for material synthesis, then ease of fabrication and low cost are achieved, but limited design principles are available for creating functional materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the silicon carbide surface with specific molecules (MOFs, cobalt phthalocyanine, MnO2) before biological application. This preliminary functionalization establishes predictable design principles for achieving desired optical and electronic properties, transforming laser ablation from a simple fabrication method into a versatile platform for creating functional biomaterials with controlled properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the production of stable, cost-effective SiC materials with pseudocapacitive and photothermal properties for electrical and optical stimulation of biological tissues, including muscle and neural networks, and generation of hydrogen peroxide for therapeutic or antibacterial applications.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating at least a portion of the substrate with a laser under conditions sufficient to produce silicon carbide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

laser-assisted method for two- and three-dimensional printing of silicon carbide (SiC) using polydimethylsiloxane as a precursor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto-oxidation: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 3

production of silicon carbide materials with pseudocapacitive and photothermal properties for electrical and optical stimulation of biological tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion:

Implementation Method 4

incorporating nitrogen as a dopant, making the electrode capable of exhibiting pseudocapacitive charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPseudocapacitance:

Data Source

PatentUS20230183075A1Method of preparation of silicon carbide composition and use thereof

Publication Date: 2023.06.15

AI summary

Compositions and methods directed to the synthesis and use of silicon carbide with, biomedical applications is provided. The method of synthesis includes providing a polydimethysiloxane (PDM'S) substrate, and irradiating at least a portion of the substrate with a laser under conditions sufficient to produce silicon carbide comprising 3C silicon carbide (3C-SiE). The composition can be used to modulate biological activity through electrical, chemical and heat stimuli.