Thread-based potentiometric ion-sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional potentiometric ion-selective electrodes are bulky, delicate, expensive, and require large sample volumes, making them unsuitable for point-of-use detection in resource and cost-limited settings.
Innovation Solution
Development of thread-based ion-sensing electrodes with a conductive coating, ion-selective membrane, and barrier material, allowing for durable and cost-effective ion detection in small sample volumes, suitable for multiplexed analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional potentiometric ion-selective electrodes are used, then ion detection capability is achieved, but the electrodes are bulky, delicate, and require large sample volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional electrode structure is segmented into functional components (conductive coating, ion-selective membrane, barrier material) that can be applied to simple thread substrates, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable thread-based electrodes that are inexpensive to manufacture, eliminating the need for complex, expensive conventional electrodes while enabling single-use detection in resource-limited settings
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional potentiometric ion-selective electrodes are used, then ion detection is possible, but they are expensive and require skilled maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The thread-based electrodes are designed for self-service operation without requiring skilled maintenance. The barrier material automatically prevents solution penetration, and the electrodes can be easily disposed of after use, eliminating maintenance training requirements
Solution Approach 2:
By using inexpensive thread substrates with applied functional coatings, the invention creates disposable electrodes that are cheap to manufacture and eliminate the need for maintaining expensive conventional electrodes
3Device complexity
If thread-based electrodes are used, then device simplicity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but mechanical durability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode combines thread substrate with multiple functional coatings (conductive polymer, ion-selective membrane, barrier material) to create a composite structure that maintains mechanical durability while achieving simplified design and cost-effectiveness
4Ease of operation
If thread-based electrodes are used, then point-of-care detection is enabled, but multiplexing capabilities must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The thread-based electrode platform is designed with universal applicability by changing only the ion-selective membrane composition, enabling the same simple device structure to detect multiple different ions for multiplexed analysis at point-of-care settings
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 thread-based electrodes provide reliable, reusable, and cost-effective ion detection with Nernstian response, suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and resource-limited settings, offering advantages over paper-based sensors in mechanical durability and multiplexing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive coating covering at least a portion of the thread, wherein the conductive coating comprises a conducting polymer or a conducting material
Implementation Method 2
the ion selective membrane comprises a polymer, an ionophore that binds to the target ion to be sensed in the test solution
Implementation Method 3
an ionophore that binds to the target ion to be sensed in the test solution
Implementation Method 4
a barrier material covering at least a portion of the conductive coating, wherein said barrier material reduces passage of the test solution past the barrier material
Data Source
AI summary
Fabrication of a low-cost and miniaturized solid-contact thread-based ion sensing electrode (ISE) that is suitable for point-of-care applications is described. The fabrication process is simple and scalable. Different types of threads and a variety of different conductive ion-to-electron transducer inks can be used to fabricate the thread-based ISEs with Nernstian responses. Multiple thread-based sensors can be easily bundled with the reference electrode to fabricate a customized sensor for multiplexed ion-sensing in small sample volumes. The thread-based electrodes can be used in both single-use and reusable fashion. The thread-based multiplexed ion-sensor is used for detection of a wide array of ions in many different types of aqueous solutions.