Analysis device with transducer stiffening elements

1. An analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample, the device comprising:

a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer; and

first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements, each of the stiffening elements defining a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition,

wherein each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external testing apparatus, the exposed portions being laterally offset from each other such that the exposed portions are each supported across the whole of their area by the stiffening element on the opposite side of the transducer.

2. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the exposed portions of the first and second electrode layers are defined by cut outs in the respective first and second stiffening elements.

3. An analysis device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the cut outs are laterally spaced apart such that an area of the transducer between the cut outs is supported by both of the first and second stiffening elements.

4. An analysis device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the cut outs are arranged along one straight edge of the transducer.

5. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the transducer and at least one of the stiffening elements are rectangular in shape.

6. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the whole of the area of the transducer is supported by at least one of the stiffening elements.

7. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer of the transducer comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

8. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second electrode layers of the transducer covers at least 90% of the area of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer.

9. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrode layers are formed of indium tin oxide (ITO).

10. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising at least one reagent arranged in the proximity of the transducer.

11. An analysis device as claimed in claim 10 , further comprising a spacing element arranged between the transducer and the first stiffening element, and wherein the spacing element is provided with at least one aperture defining an analytical chamber, the at least one reagent being provided therein.

12. An analysis device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the spacing element is thinner than either of the first and second stiffening elements.

13. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second stiffening elements is formed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

14. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first stiffening element is part of a main body, the main body defining a recess, the transducer and the second stiffening element being arranged inside the recess such that the exposed portions of the first and second electrode layers of the transducer remain exposed.

15. An analysis device as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the main body defines fluidic channels for receiving the test sample.

16. An analysis device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second stiffening elements are adhered to the transducer.

17. A biochemical analysis device comprising an analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample, the analysis device comprising:

a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer; and

first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements, each of the stiffening elements defining a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition,

wherein each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external testing apparatus, the exposed portions being laterally offset from each other such that the exposed portions are each supported across the whole of their area by the stiffening element on the opposite side of the transducer.

18. A biochemical analysis system comprising:

a biochemical analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample, the analysis device comprising:

a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer; and

first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements, each of the stiffening elements defining a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition,

wherein each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external testing apparatus, the exposed portions being laterally offset from each other such that the exposed portions are each supported across the whole of their area by the stiffening element on the opposite side of the transducer; and

a testing apparatus electrically connected to the exposed portions of the first and second electrode layers of the transducer, the testing apparatus having a microprocessor for processing electrical signals received from the first and second electrode layers.

19. A method of manufacturing an analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample, the method comprising:

forming a transducer by forming first and second electrode layers over opposite surfaces of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer; and

providing first and second stiffening elements over respective electrode layers of the transducer, each of the stiffening elements defining a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition,

wherein the stiffening elements are arranged such that each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external testing apparatus, the exposed portions being laterally offset from each other such that the exposed portions are each supported across the whole of their area by the stiffening element on the opposite side of the transducer.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 , wherein the step of forming the transducer comprises poling the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer prior to forming the electrode layers.