Device for Deriving Electrophysiological Signals from Cells

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a specialized device for recording electrophysiological signals from cells, such as neurons or cardiac cells. The core advancement is a new layer structure on a chip: a tiny electrode is covered by a passivation layer (to isolate it), but this layer has an aperture (opening) above the electrode and a lateral nanogap (nano-scale gap) between the electrode and passivation layer. This arrangement dramatically increases the effective electrode-electrolyte contact area while keeping the actual exposed surface very small, resulting in high spatial resolution and low signal impedance. The patent also covers a reproducible manufacturing method for building arrays of such sensors.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High-resolution, low-noise measurement of electrical signals from individual cells, such as neurons or cardiac cells, for biomedical research.
• Screening the effects of pharmaceuticals on single cells or cellular networks in drug discovery.
• Developing advanced microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for long-term, non-invasive electrophysiological studies.
• Neuroprosthetics research and development by providing improved interface chips for neural signal acquisition.
• Single-cell analysis for diagnostics or fundamental biological studies.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High spatial resolution: ability to record signals from individual cells, not just cell groups.
• Low electrical impedance: improved signal quality and less noise, even with tiny electrode openings.
• Better signal-to-noise ratio enables clearer, more reliable measurements.
• Reproducible fabrication process: easier for mass production and commercial application.
• Stability and reliability: improved long-term performance over previous nanostructured electrodes.
• Versatility: compatible with various electrode and substrate materials and standard microfabrication techniques.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for deriving electrophysiological signals from cells, comprising a layer structure that comprises a substrate and an electrode arranged on the substrate for deriving the signals by means of a deriving track connected to the electrode, the layer structure being passivated by a passivation layer, characterized in that the passivation layer has an aperture extending through the passivation layer above the electrode, and a gap is arranged between the electrode and the passivation layer as a lateral undercut. The invention further relates to a method for producing the device and to a use of the device produced in this way.