Solid Reference Electrode With Ionic-Liquid Membrane for Albumin Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reference electrodes used in electrochemical sensors suffer from contamination and clogging due to the movement of ions across the liquid junction, necessitating frequent replenishment of internal solutions, and are unstable when measuring biological specimens due to interference from components like albumin.

Innovation Solution

A solid-type reference electrode design incorporating an ionic-liquid-containing membrane and a hydrophilic membrane on an insulation substrate, which stabilizes the electrode potential by preventing direct contact with biological specimens and reducing the influence of albumin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional reference electrode with liquid junction is used, then ion conduction is achieved, but the specimen solution is contaminated and the liquid junction is clogged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode potential stabilityVSAvoidspecimen solution contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An ionic liquid layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the internal solution and the specimen solution. This ionic liquid layer acts as a mediator that enables ion conduction while preventing direct contact between the internal solution and specimen solution, thereby eliminating contamination and clogging issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and composition of the interface between internal solution and specimen solution by using ionic liquid with specific viscosity and electrochemical stability parameters, which prevents ion migration and contamination while maintaining electrode functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If ionic liquid is used in the electrode, then electrode potential stability is improved, but the potential varies due to albumin influence in biological specimens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode potential stabilityVSAvoidalbumin interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode uses a composite structure combining ionic liquid with specific additives or modifiers that create a resistant interface against protein adsorption, maintaining electrochemical stability while preventing albumin interference from biological specimens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If internal solution is used in reference electrode, then electrode function is maintained, but frequent replenishment and replacement are necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode functionVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode design incorporates a sealed structure with ionic liquid that eliminates the need for maintenance, effectively creating a disposable or long-life electrode that does not require replenishment or replacement of internal solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The ionic liquid-based electrode structure is designed to be self-contained and maintenance-free, where the ionic liquid layer continuously performs its function without requiring external intervention for replenishment or maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 electrode maintains a stable potential regardless of the specimen type or albumin concentration, eliminating the need for internal solution replenishment and reducing contamination, thus enhancing measurement reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an ionic liquid made into a gel is used for the liquid junction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic liquid:

Implementation Method 2

a hydrophilic membrane disposed on the ionic-liquid-containing membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilicity: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentUS12429448B2Reference electrode, electrode, and sensor including these

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 SYSMEX CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is a reference electrode comprising: an ionic-liquid-containing membrane; and a hydrophilic membrane disposed on the ionic-liquid-containing membrane.