Microfluidic equipment for monitoring chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a microfluidic device for monitoring chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid. The microfluidic device integrates a micro sensor, an automatic fluid management system and a data analysis platform. According to the equipment, a cerebrospinal fluid sample is guided to flow through a micro-fluidic chip, the chloride ion concentration is detected by adopting an ion selective electrode technology, and the range is 0.01 mM; the glucose sensor adopts a glucose oxidase electrode, and the detection range is 0.1 mM. A micro pump and a valve system control fluid inlet and outlet speed and flow division, and automatic monitoring is achieved. The data acquisition system improves signal strength and precision, and the micro-control unit controls and transmits data to a computer or a mobile terminal in real time. The device is suitable for intensive care units, neurosurgery and hydrocephalus patient management, supports remote monitoring and anomaly detection, and provides powerful support for brain disease monitoring and diagnosis. The system has the remarkable advantages of being high in precision, minimally invasive, intelligent, wide in clinical application and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microfluidic device for monitoring chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid. Background Art

[0002] In clinical medicine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an important fluid around the brain and spinal cord, and changes in its composition and concentration are of vital importance for the diagnosis of brain diseases. In particular, changes in the levels of these two key components, chloride ions (Cl-) and glucose, can often reflect the patient's brain health. Traditional monitoring methods often require the collection of a large number of samples, which are complex and time-consuming to operate, and may cause greater invasive damage to patients. Therefore, the development of a device that can monitor the levels of chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid in real time, minimally invasively, and with high sensitivity is of great significance for improving the diagnostic efficiency of brain diseases and the quality of life of patients.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant proposed a microfluidic device for monitoring chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a XX to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a microfluidic device for monitoring chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid, comprising a microfluidic chip, a microsensor, a fluid management system and a data acquisition and processing system, wherein the device is specifically used for real-time measurement of chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

[0006] Optionally, the microfluidic chip contains a micrometer-scale flow channel, which adopts a Y-shaped or tree-like structure to guide the cerebrospinal fluid sample to flow to different sensor areas, and the chip material adopts biocompatible materials such as PDMS or glass.

[0007] Optionally, the microsensor includes a chloride ion sensor and a glucose sensor. The chloride ion sensor is based on ion selective electrode technology and has a chloride ion selective membrane coated on its surface for detecting the concentration of chloride ions in cerebrospinal fluid; the glucose sensor uses a glucose oxidase electrode for generating an electrical signal proportional to the glucose concentration during the glucose oxidation process.

[0008] Optionally, the response range of the chloride ion sensor is 0.01200 mM, which is adapted to the normal concentration range of cerebrospinal fluid; the detection range of the glucose sensor is 0.110 mM, which is suitable for monitoring the glucose concentration in cerebrospinal fluid.

[0009] Optionally, the fluid management system includes a micropump, a valve system and a sampling unit. The micropump is used to control the inlet and outlet speeds of cerebrospinal fluid samples. The valve system can realize automatic diversion and channel switching and support multiple measurements and multi-channel sensor monitoring. The sampling unit is connected to the ventricles or spinal cord and uses a microcatheter to collect low-flow rate samples.

[0010] Optionally, the data acquisition and processing system includes an electrochemical amplifier, a microcontroller unit and a data analysis platform. The electrochemical amplifier is used to amplify and filter sensor signals. The microcontroller unit controls the fluid management system and sensor readings in real time and transmits data to a computer or mobile terminal. The data analysis platform cooperates with an algorithm to monitor the changing trends of chloride ion and glucose levels.

[0011] Optionally, the data analysis platform supports abnormality detection and can monitor sudden changes in chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid during brain injury and infection, and transmit data via Bluetooth or WiFi, synchronize with the doctor's terminal, and support remote monitoring.

[0012] Optionally, the device also has high sensitivity and can accurately measure chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

[0013] Optionally, the device is a minimally invasive device, which is less invasive to patients and is suitable for monitoring and diagnosing clinical brain diseases.

[0014] Optionally, it is characterized in that the application scenarios of the device include intensive care units, intraoperative monitoring of neurosurgery, and management of hydrocephalus patients.

[0015] Beneficial effects: 1. This device integrates micro sensors that can monitor the chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid in real time. Its high-precision measurement capability ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data.

[0016] The chloride ion sensor is based on ion-selective electrode technology and has a response range of 0.01200mM, covering the normal concentration range of chloride ions in cerebrospinal fluid; the glucose sensor uses a glucose oxidase electrode with a detection range of 0.110mM, which is suitable for monitoring glucose concentration in cerebrospinal fluid.

[0017] 2. The device design uses a microcatheter for low-flow sample collection, which reduces the invasiveness to the patient, reduces the risk of infection and patient discomfort.

[0018] The combination of microfluidic chips and fluid management systems makes the entire monitoring process more minimally invasive and safer.

[0019] 3. The device integrates an automatic fluid management system, including a micro pump and valve system, which can automatically control the inflow and outflow speed and diversion of cerebrospinal fluid, and support multiple measurements and multi-channel sensor monitoring.

[0020] The data acquisition and processing system uses an electrochemical amplifier, a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a data analysis platform to achieve real-time data control, transmission and analysis, improving monitoring efficiency and accuracy.

[0021] 3. This device is suitable for cerebrospinal fluid monitoring of patients with cerebral hemorrhage, brain injury or meningitis in the intensive care unit (ICU), providing doctors with timely and accurate diagnosis basis.

[0022] During neurosurgery, the device can monitor cerebrospinal fluid parameters in real time, helping doctors make more accurate decisions.

[0023] For the management of hydrocephalus patients, the device can be used for daily monitoring of drainage devices, timely detection of infection risks, and ensuring patient safety.

[0024] 4. Data is transmitted to the doctor's terminal via Bluetooth or WiFi, supporting remote monitoring and data analysis, improving the convenience and efficiency of medical services.

[0025] The data analysis platform cooperates with algorithms to monitor the changing trends of chloride ion and glucose levels, support abnormality detection, and provide doctors with more comprehensive patient information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the CL-sensing principle of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 The test data and the first-order derivative curve of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the concentration calibration curve and linear fitting curve of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a sensor test data diagram of an embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings in the specification, so that the technical content is clearer and easier to understand. The present invention can be embodied in many different forms of embodiments, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned in the text.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] The present invention aims to propose an intelligent monitoring device based on microfluidics technology, which can measure the chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid in real time and is suitable for monitoring and diagnosing clinical brain diseases. By integrating microsensors, automatic fluid management systems and data analysis platforms, the device can achieve high sensitivity, minimally invasive and real-time analysis functions, providing doctors with accurate monitoring data to assist them in diagnosing and treating diseases.

[0034] The microfluidic device for monitoring chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid proposed in this technical solution is an intelligent monitoring device based on microfluidic technology. The device guides the flow of cerebrospinal fluid samples through a microfluidic chip and uses microsensors to detect the levels of chloride ions and glucose in the samples. At the same time, the device is also equipped with an automatic fluid management system and a data analysis platform to achieve real-time collection, processing and analysis of monitoring data.

[0035] The microfluidic chip is one of the core components of the device, which contains micron-scale flow channels to guide the flow of cerebrospinal fluid samples. The flow channel is designed with a Y-shaped or tree-like structure, which can guide the fluid to different sensor areas, thereby achieving multi-point monitoring.

[0036] Microfluidic chips are mostly made of biocompatible materials such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) or glass. These materials have good biocompatibility and chemical stability, which can ensure that the samples in the microfluidic channel are free of contamination and avoid chemical reactions.

[0037] In order to improve the fluidity of the microchannel and reduce sample retention, the inner surface of the microchannel has been adjusted for hydrophobicity / hydrophilicity. By adjusting the wettability of the surface, the flow rate of the fluid in the channel can be controlled, thereby improving the accuracy of monitoring.

[0038] The microsensor is another key component of the device, which is used to detect chloride and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid. The sensor uses advanced ion selective electrode (ISE) technology and glucose oxidase (GOx) electrode technology to achieve high-sensitivity detection of these two components.

[0039] The chloride ion sensor is based on ion selective electrode technology, and its surface is coated with a chloride ion selective membrane. When the cerebrospinal fluid sample flows through the sensor, the chloride ions bind to the ion selective sites on the membrane, thereby generating an electrical signal. The strength of the electrical signal is proportional to the concentration of chloride ions, and the concentration of chloride ions can be obtained by measuring the strength of the electrical signal.

[0040] The glucose sensor uses glucose oxidase electrode technology. The sensor contains glucose oxidase. When the cerebrospinal fluid sample flows through the sensor, glucose reacts with the enzyme to generate an electrical signal. The strength of the electrical signal is proportional to the concentration of glucose. The concentration of glucose can be obtained by measuring the strength of the electrical signal.

[0041] The fluid management system is responsible for controlling the speed of cerebrospinal fluid samples in and out, ensuring that the fluid enters the sensor area at a stable flow rate. The system mainly consists of a micro pump, a valve system, and a sampling unit.

[0042] The micro pump is used to control the speed of cerebrospinal fluid in and out. By precisely controlling the speed and flow rate of the pump, it can ensure that the cerebrospinal fluid enters the sensor area at a stable flow rate. This helps to improve the accuracy and stability of monitoring.

[0043] The valve system can realize automatic flow diversion and channel switching, and supports multiple measurements and multi-channel sensor monitoring. By accurately controlling the opening and closing and switching sequence of the valve, different sensor areas can be monitored in sequence, thereby improving monitoring efficiency.

[0044] The sampling unit is connected to the ventricle or spinal cord and uses a microcatheter to collect samples at a low flow rate. The microcatheter has a small diameter and soft material, which can reduce invasive damage to the patient. By accurately controlling the collection speed and volume of the sampling unit, it can ensure that the collected cerebrospinal fluid samples are representative, thereby improving the accuracy of monitoring.

[0045] The data acquisition and processing system is responsible for real-time acquisition of sensor signals, and amplification, filtering and data processing. The system is mainly composed of an electrochemical amplifier, a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a data analysis platform.

[0046] Electrochemical amplifiers are used to amplify and filter sensor signals. By amplifying the weak signal of the sensor, the signal strength can be increased; by filtering, noise interference can be removed and the signal accuracy can be improved. This helps to achieve accurate collection and transmission of monitoring data.

[0047] The microcontroller unit (MCU) is the control center of the device, responsible for real-time control of the fluid management system and sensor readings, and transmitting data to a computer or mobile terminal. The MCU achieves automation and intelligence of the device by precisely controlling the operation of micropumps, valve systems, and sensors. It can monitor the working status of the fluid management system in real time, ensure that cerebrospinal fluid samples enter the sensor area at a stable flow rate, and accurately read the sensor data.

[0048] MCU also has powerful data processing capabilities and can perform preliminary processing and analysis on the collected data. It can transmit the processed data to a computer or mobile terminal for doctors to conduct further analysis and diagnosis. At the same time, MCU also supports remote monitoring function. Doctors can remotely access the data of the device through the network to achieve real-time monitoring and remote management of patients.

[0049] The data analysis platform is an important part of the device. It cooperates with the algorithm to monitor the changing trends of chloride ion and glucose levels and supports abnormality detection. By analyzing and comparing historical data, the algorithm can identify abnormal changes in chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid, and issue an alarm in time to remind doctors to intervene.

[0050] The data analysis platform also has powerful data processing and visualization capabilities, which can display monitoring data in the form of charts, curves, etc., helping doctors to intuitively understand the patient's brain health status. At the same time, the platform also supports data export and sharing functions, making it easier for doctors to communicate and cooperate with other medical institutions.

[0051] How it works

[0052] The working principle of this microfluidic device is based on microfluidic technology and electrochemical sensing principles. First, the cerebrospinal fluid sample enters the microfluidic chip through the sampling unit and flows along the micron-level flow channel. During the flow process, the sample will flow through the chloride ion sensor and the glucose sensor respectively. The sensor generates electrical signals proportional to the concentrations of chloride ions and glucose in the sample through electrochemical reactions. These electrical signals are amplified and filtered by the electrochemical amplifier and then collected and processed by the MCU. The MCU transmits the processed data to the data analysis platform for further analysis and diagnosis.

[0053] Operation process

[0054] Connect the sampling unit to the patient's ventricle or spinal cord, ensuring that the microcatheter is properly inserted and secured.

[0055] Start the device, and the MCU will automatically control the micropump and valve system to allow the cerebrospinal fluid sample to enter the microfluidic chip at a stable flow rate.

[0056] When the sample flows through the sensor, the sensor generates an electrical signal, which is amplified and filtered by the electrochemical amplifier and then transmitted to the MCU.

[0057] The MCU processes and analyzes the sensor data and transmits the results to the data analysis platform.

[0058] Doctors access the data analysis platform through computers or mobile devices to view monitoring data and analysis results, and perform interventions and treatments as needed.

[0059] Application Scenario

[0060] Intensive Care Unit (ICU): This device can be used to monitor cerebrospinal fluid chloride and glucose in patients with cerebral hemorrhage, brain injury or meningitis, providing doctors with real-time monitoring data to assist them in diagnosing and treating diseases.

[0061] Intraoperative monitoring: During neurosurgery, the device can monitor cerebrospinal fluid parameters in real time, helping doctors understand the patient's brain health and adjust the surgical plan in a timely manner.

[0062] Management of patients with hydrocephalus: The device can be used for daily monitoring of drainage devices, timely detection of infection risks, and provide strong support for the management of patients with hydrocephalus.

[0063] High sensitivity: Using advanced ion selective electrode technology and glucose oxidase electrode technology to achieve high sensitivity detection of chloride ions and glucose.

[0064] Minimally invasive: The sampling unit uses a microcatheter to collect samples at a low flow rate, reducing invasive harm to patients.

[0065] Real-time analysis: The MCU controls the fluid management system and sensor readings in real time, and transmits the data to the data analysis platform, realizing real-time collection, processing and analysis of monitoring data.

[0066] Remote monitoring: supports Bluetooth or WiFi transmission, and data can be synchronized with the doctor's terminal, making it convenient for doctors to conduct remote monitoring and management.

[0067] Intelligence: The equipment integrates automation and intelligence functions, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of monitoring and reduces the difficulty of operation for doctors.

[0068] In order to ensure the performance and accuracy of the microfluidic device, a series of performance tests and optimization work are required. This includes but is not limited to the following aspects:

[0069] Sensor performance test: Perform performance tests on chloride ion sensors and glucose sensors, including testing and optimization of indicators such as sensitivity, linear range, and response time.

[0070] Fluid Management System Test: Testing of micro pumps, valve systems and sampling units ensures that fluids enter the sensor area at a stable flow rate and reduces the risk of sample retention and contamination.

[0071] Data acquisition and processing system test: Test the electrochemical amplifier, MCU and data analysis platform to ensure accurate data acquisition, transmission and processing.

[0072] Overall performance test: After assembling all components into a complete device, the overall performance test is carried out. By simulating the actual use environment, the stability and accuracy of the equipment are tested, and optimization and improvement are carried out based on the test results.

[0073] This technical solution proposes an intelligent monitoring device based on microfluidics technology for real-time measurement of chloride and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid. The device integrates microsensors, automatic fluid management systems, and data analysis platforms to achieve high sensitivity, minimally invasive, and real-time analysis. Through performance testing and optimization work, the device has achieved high accuracy and stability, and is suitable for clinical brain disease monitoring and diagnosis.

[0074] Looking to the future, we will continue to optimize and improve the device to improve its performance and accuracy. At the same time, we will also explore the application possibilities of the device in more fields and make greater contributions to the development of clinical medicine. In addition, we will also pay attention to the development of new technologies, apply advanced technologies to the research and development and production of the device, and continuously improve its intelligence.

[0075] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic features of the present invention. Therefore, no matter from which point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the attached claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are included in the present invention. Any figure mark in the claims should not be regarded as limiting the claims involved.

[0076] In addition, it should be understood that although the present specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device for monitoring chloride ions and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid, characterized in that: The device comprises a microfluidic chip, a microsensor, a fluid management system and a data acquisition and processing system, and is specifically used to measure chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid in real time.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The microfluidic chip contains a micron-scale flow channel, which adopts a Y-shaped or tree-like structure to guide the cerebrospinal fluid sample to flow to different sensor areas, and the chip material is made of biocompatible materials such as PDMS or glass.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The microsensor includes a chloride ion sensor and a glucose sensor. The chloride ion sensor is based on ion selective electrode technology, with a chloride ion selective membrane coated on its surface, and is used to detect the concentration of chloride ions in cerebrospinal fluid; the glucose sensor uses a glucose oxidase electrode, and is used to generate an electrical signal proportional to the glucose concentration during the glucose oxidation process.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The response range of the chloride ion sensor is 0.01200 mM, which is adapted to the normal concentration range of cerebrospinal fluid; the detection range of the glucose sensor is 0.110 mM, which is suitable for monitoring the glucose concentration in cerebrospinal fluid.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fluid management system includes a micropump, a valve system and a sampling unit. The micropump is used to control the inlet and outlet speeds of cerebrospinal fluid samples. The valve system can realize automatic diversion and channel switching, support multiple measurements and multi-channel sensor monitoring, and the sampling unit is connected to the ventricle or spinal cord, and a microcatheter is used to collect low-flow rate samples.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The data acquisition and processing system includes an electrochemical amplifier, a microcontroller unit and a data analysis platform. The electrochemical amplifier is used to amplify and filter sensor signals. The microcontroller unit controls the fluid management system and sensor readings in real time and transmits data to a computer or mobile terminal. The data analysis platform cooperates with an algorithm to monitor the changing trends of chloride ion and glucose levels.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The data analysis platform supports abnormality detection and can monitor sudden changes in chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid during brain injury and infection. It can also transmit data via Bluetooth or WiFi, synchronize with the doctor's terminal, and support remote monitoring.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The device also has high sensitivity and can accurately measure chloride ion and glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The device is a minimally invasive device with low invasiveness to patients and is suitable for monitoring and diagnosing clinical brain diseases.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Application scenarios of the device include intensive care units, intraoperative monitoring of neurosurgery, and management of hydrocephalus patients.

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