Measurement system

Abstract

A system for performing measurements on a biological subject, the system including: at least one substrate including a plurality of plate microstructures configured to breach a stratum corneum of the subject; at least one sensor operatively connected to at least one microstructure, the at least one sensor being configured to measure response signals from the at least one microstructure; and, one or more electronic processing devices configured to: determine measured response signals; and, at least one of: provide an output based on measured response signals; perform an analysis at least in part using the measured response signals; and, store data at least partially indicative of the measured response signals.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a system and method for performing measurements on a biological subject, and in one particular example, to performing measurements on a biological subject by breaching a functional barrier of the subject using microstructures.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.[0003]Biological markers, such as proteins, antibodies, cells, small chemicals, hormones and nucleic acids, whose presence in excess or deficiency may indicate a diseased state, have been found in blood serum and their levels are routinely measured for research and for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a coating that can interact with analytes, change its properties, modify surface properties, attract or repel substances, and provide a physical structure to help penetrate barriers or strengthen microstructures. The coating can dissolve to expose material and provide stimulation or selective release of materials. It can also act as a barrier to prevent substances from entering the microstructures. The coating can be made of materials like polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, zwitterions, peptides, hydrogels, or self-assembled monolayers.

Problems solved by technology

However, this is not suitable for all conditions as often blood does not contain key biological markers for diseases originating in solid tissues, and whilst this problem has been partially overcome by taking tissue biopsies, this is time-consuming, painful, risky, costly and can require highly-skilled personnel such as surgeons.

However, these systems suffer from a number of drawbacks.

Firstly, use of capillary or pumping actions can only be achieved using relatively largely structures, which typically pass through the dermis and consequently can end up sampling blood as opposed to interstitial fluid.

This can also cause discomfort and irritation to the subject being sampled.

Secondly, the requirement for capillary or pumping actions renders the arrays complex, in structure and requiring power sources resulting in arrays that are difficult and expensive to manufacture, liable to infection, making them unsuitable for general use.

Again, the fabrication of such systems is complex and expensive, again making these unsuitable for practical applications.

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