Textured Biosensor Wells for Uniform Liquid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well structures for biosensor devices face challenges in achieving uniformity and accuracy in analyte detection due to issues with solution adhesion and membrane thickness.
Innovation Solution
The proposed biosensor structure includes a well structure with a first and second well, an electrode at the bottom, and a membrane positioned on the electrode and the well surface, featuring a textured surface to reduce solution adhesion and improve uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a smooth well surface is used, then solution adhesion is high, but uniformity of liquid distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface texturing that changes the physical parameters of the well surface by creating micro-scale features. This texturing modifies how the liquid interacts with the surface, reducing adhesion effects and promoting uniform distribution across the bottom surface while maintaining compositional stability of the solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by adding vertical surface features (texturing) to the otherwise flat well bottom. This third dimension (surface topology) allows the liquid to distribute more uniformly across the horizontal plane while the vertical features minimize adhesion, effectively solving the contradiction through dimensional enrichment.
2Reliability
If membrane is positioned only on electrode, then manufacturing is simpler, but liquid can bypass membrane and reach electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by extending the membrane only over the electrode area rather than covering the entire well bottom. The textured surface provides the necessary sealing property locally at the electrode-membrane interface, allowing the membrane to be thinner and simpler while still preventing liquid bypass, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The textured surface acts as an intermediary between the membrane and the well bottom. It provides a controlled interface that enhances sealing effectiveness through its micro-features, allowing the membrane to effectively seal around the electrode without requiring extensive coverage or complex positioning mechanisms.
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
This configuration enhances the uniformity of the liquid within the well structure, leading to more accurate analyte detection and improved performance in biosensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a surface energy reducing agent can be used during the formation of the well structure to reduce adhesion of the liquid to the well structure
Data Source
AI summary
A biosensor structure may include a well structure having a bottom surface, a side surface, and an open top. A biosensor structure may include a first membrane having a top surface and a bottom surface. A biosensor structure may include an electrode configured to sense an analyte in a solution in the well structure, wherein the electrode is disposed on the bottom surface of the well structure, wherein the bottom surface of the membrane is disposed on the electrode and on the bottom surface of the well structure, and wherein at least one of bottom surface and the side surface comprises a textured feature.