Metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device
By combining screen-printed electrode sensors and molecularly imprinted polymers, rapid and accurate detection of metformin hydrochloride is achieved, solving the problems of high cost and complexity of existing detection methods. This provides a portable detection platform suitable for scenarios such as medical settings and drug quality control.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520345165.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for detecting metformin hydrochloride are characterized by high costs, complex operations, reliance on professional technicians, and long testing times, making it difficult to meet the demand for rapid and convenient on-site testing.
This invention employs a screen-printed electrode sensor combined with a flexible electrode substrate and a molecularly imprinted polymer to achieve rapid and accurate detection of metformin hydrochloride through electrochemical detection technology. It integrates a signal processing unit and a display module, providing a portable detection platform.
It achieves low-cost, high-sensitivity detection of metformin hydrochloride, with a detection limit down to the nanomolar level. It is suitable for real-time detection in medical settings and drug quality control, and features voice broadcast functionality, making it highly versatile.
Smart Images

Figure CN223940856U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to an analytical device, and more particularly to an electrochemical analytical device for metformin hydrochloride. Background Technology
[0002] Metformin hydrochloride is a first-line drug for treating type 2 diabetes. Monitoring its blood concentration is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of clinical use. Accurate monitoring of patients' blood drug concentrations helps optimize treatment regimens, avoid potential side effects, and improve treatment outcomes. However, currently widely used traditional detection methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) have significant limitations. Although these two methods excel in accuracy and sensitivity, they rely on expensive and bulky instruments, which not only increases detection costs but also limits their application in resource-constrained environments. Furthermore, these methods typically require complex sample pretreatment steps and specialized operating skills, leading to prolonged analysis times and making it difficult to meet the needs of rapid diagnosis.
[0003] In addition to the issues mentioned above, the operational complexity of HPLC and MS methods also means that they require specially trained technicians to perform the tests and maintain the equipment. This is a significant obstacle for many medical institutions, especially in emergency situations or remote areas, where the lack of readily available specialists can delay important medical decisions.
[0004] In recent years, although electrochemical sensing technology has attracted increasing attention due to its high sensitivity, low cost, and relatively simple operation, existing electrochemical sensors still face challenges. Most electrochemical sensors use traditional electrode materials such as glassy carbon electrodes, which have complex fabrication processes and are difficult to guarantee good repeatability and stability. In addition, these sensors have low integration and usually cannot directly provide digital results, often requiring additional external equipment for data analysis, further increasing the complexity of the system and the inconvenience of use.
[0005] In summary, although various methods exist for the detection of metformin hydrochloride, each method has inherent limitations, including high cost, complex operational requirements, long analysis times, and reliance on specialized technical personnel. These issues collectively restrict the widespread adoption of existing technologies in practical applications, particularly in scenarios requiring efficient, convenient, and cost-effective on-site testing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new solution to overcome these shortcomings and achieve a faster, more accurate, and easier-to-use method for the detection of metformin hydrochloride. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrochemical analysis device for metformin hydrochloride, which can quickly and accurately detect metformin hydrochloride and is relatively convenient to use.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an electrochemical analysis device for metformin hydrochloride, comprising:
[0008] The housing has an electrical sensor interface on one side;
[0009] The power supply unit disposed within the housing is used to generate polarization voltage;
[0010] A screen-printed electrode electrical sensor electrically connected to the power supply unit includes a flexible electrode substrate, a working electrode, a counter electrode, a reference electrode, an insulating layer, terminals, and electrode wires disposed on the flexible electrode substrate. The surface of the working electrode is modified with an imprinted polymer that selectively recognizes metformin hydrochloride. The terminals are electrically connected to the working electrode, the counter electrode, and the reference electrode respectively through the electrode wires. The insulating layer covers the surfaces of the working electrode, the counter electrode, and the reference electrode.
[0011] The signal processing unit disposed within the housing includes a shunt resistor, an operational amplifier, a signal converter, a data storage chip, and a microprocessor connected in sequence. The shunt resistor is used to convert a current signal into an initial voltage signal. The operational amplifier is used to amplify the initial voltage signal. The signal converter is used to process the amplified voltage signal. The data storage chip stores standard curve data and is electrically connected to the microprocessor to save multiple measurement data. The microprocessor is used to convert the voltage signal into a concentration value according to the standard curve data.
[0012] A display screen electrically connected to the microprocessor is used to display the converted concentration value.
[0013] Preferably, the flexible electrode substrate has three independent electrode regions: a working electrode region, a counter electrode region, and a reference electrode region. The working electrode is fixed in the working electrode region, the counter electrode is fixed in the counter electrode region, and the reference electrode is fixed in the reference electrode region.
[0014] Preferably, the electrical sensor interface is provided with metal contacts, which are electrically connected to the signal processing unit.
[0015] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a voice broadcasting unit for broadcasting the converted concentration value, and the voice broadcasting unit is electrically connected to the microprocessor.
[0016] Preferably, the voice broadcasting unit includes a speaker, a digital-to-analog converter, and an audio amplifier circuit disposed within the housing. The input terminal of the digital-to-analog converter is electrically connected to the microprocessor, the output terminal of the digital-to-analog converter is electrically connected to the input terminal of the audio amplifier circuit, and the output terminal of the audio amplifier circuit is electrically connected to the speaker.
[0017] Preferably, the power source is a rechargeable lithium battery, and the housing is provided with a charging interface for connecting the power source unit.
[0018] Preferably, the housing is further provided with operation buttons for controlling the start and stop of the device, and the operation buttons are electrically connected to the microprocessor.
[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: This metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device achieves highly efficient and sensitive detection through integrated design and functional optimization. Its working principle and advantages are mainly reflected in the following aspects: The device uses a screen-printed electrode sensor as the core detection unit. The flexible electrode substrate is combined with a molecularly imprinted polymer modified on the surface of the working electrode. Through a template molecule-specific recognition mechanism, it selectively captures the target analyte, metformin hydrochloride molecules, significantly improving detection selectivity and anti-interference capability. When a polarization voltage is applied, the current signal generated when the target analyte undergoes a redox reaction on the modified electrode surface is converted into an initial voltage signal by a shunt resistor. This signal is then amplified by an operational amplifier to improve detection sensitivity (especially suitable for low-concentration samples). A signal converter then performs filtering and analog-to-digital conversion to eliminate background noise interference. The microprocessor calls the preset standard curve data in the data storage chip, intelligently matches and calculates the processed electrical signal with the concentration value, and finally outputs the quantitative results intuitively on the display screen.
[0020] The advantages of this structure include: 1. The screen-printed electrodes are disposable, low-cost, and miniaturized, and the flexible substrate enhances environmental adaptability; 2. The molecularly imprinted polymer achieves specific recognition through a molecular locking mechanism, avoiding interference from complex sample matrices; 3. The three-level signal processing architecture (shunt resistor-operational amplifier-signal converter) enables effective capture and precise amplification of microcurrent signals, with a detection limit down to the nanomolar level; 4. The overall device integrates power supply, sensing, processing, and display modules, forming a portable integrated detection platform, which is particularly suitable for on-the-fly detection needs in scenarios such as medical settings and drug quality control. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a circuit block diagram of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a circuit block diagram of the screen-printed electrode electrical sensor in this utility model;
[0025] In the diagram, 1. Housing; 2. Electrical sensor interface; 3. Power supply unit; 4. Screen-printed electrode electrical sensor; 5. Flexible electrode substrate; 6. Working electrode; 7. Counter electrode; 8. Reference electrode; 10. Terminal block; 11. Electrode wiring; 12. Imprinted polymer; 13. Signal processing unit; 14. Shunt resistor; 15. Operational amplifier; 16. Signal converter; 17. Data storage chip; 18. Microprocessor; 19. Display screen; 20. Metal contacts; 21. Voice broadcast unit; 22. Speaker; 23. Digital-to-analog converter; 24. Audio amplifier circuit; 26. Charging interface; 27. Operation buttons. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0027] Example 1: As shown in the figure, an electrochemical analysis device for metformin hydrochloride includes:
[0028] Housing 1, with an electrical sensor interface 2 on one side;
[0029] The power supply unit 3, located inside the housing 1, is used to generate polarization voltage;
[0030] The screen-printed electrode electrical sensor 4 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 3. The screen-printed electrode electrical sensor 4 includes a flexible electrode substrate 5, a working electrode 6, a counter electrode 7, a reference electrode 8 disposed on the flexible electrode substrate 5, an insulating layer, a terminal block 10, and an electrode connection 11. The surface of the working electrode 6 is modified with an imprinted polymer 12 that selectively recognizes metformin hydrochloride. The terminal block 10 is electrically connected to the working electrode 6, the counter electrode 7, and the reference electrode 8 respectively through the electrode connection 11. The insulating layer covers the surface of the working electrode 6, the counter electrode 7, and the reference electrode 8.
[0031] A signal processing unit 13 is disposed within the housing 1. The signal processing unit 13 includes a shunt resistor 14, an operational amplifier 15, a signal converter 16, a data storage chip 17, and a microprocessor 18 connected in sequence. The shunt resistor 14 is used to convert the current signal into an initial voltage signal. The operational amplifier 15 is used to amplify the initial voltage signal. The signal converter 16 is used to process the amplified voltage signal. The data storage chip 17 stores standard curve data and is electrically connected to the microprocessor 18 to save multiple measurement data. The microprocessor 18 is used to convert the voltage signal into a concentration value according to the standard curve data. A display screen 19, electrically connected to the microprocessor 18, is used to display the converted concentration value. Terminal blocks 10 are electrically connected to the power supply unit 3 and the shunt resistor 14, respectively. The electrical sensor interface 2 provides a stable polarization voltage to the screen-printed electrode electrical sensor 4. Terminal blocks 10 are electrically connected to the shunt resistor 14 of the signal processing unit 13 to transmit current signals. The power supply unit 3 is also electrically connected to the microprocessor 18 to provide operating power.
[0032] The working principle of this metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device is based on electrochemical detection technology, combined with advanced screen-printed electrodes and signal processing systems. The core of this device is the screen-printed electrode sensor 4, which consists of a three-electrode system precisely printed on an electrode substrate made of flexible material (PET, PVC, or PDMS): the working electrode 6 uses a mixture of titanium powder and nano-titanium oxide as the printing paste, and a highly selective imprinting polymer 12 for metformin hydrochloride is added through chemical modification; the counter electrode 7 (auxiliary electrode) is printed with toner ink; and the reference electrode 8 is printed with silver-silver chloride paste. The surfaces of the three electrodes are covered with an insulating layer printed with insulating paste, and they are assembled together with silicone rubber to form a complete detection unit. When metformin hydrochloride molecules in the sample combine with the imprinted polymer 12 on the surface of the working electrode 6, an electrochemical change occurs at the electrode interface. At this time, the stable polarization voltage generated by the power supply unit 3 in the device acts on the electrode system, resulting in a weak current signal proportional to the concentration of metformin hydrochloride. This current signal is converted into an initial voltage signal by the shunt resistor 14, and then amplified to an appropriate level by the operational amplifier 15 to ensure that the signal strength is sufficient for subsequent processing. The amplified voltage signal is further processed, filtered, and digitized by the signal converter 16. Subsequently, the microprocessor 18 accurately converts the electrical signal into the corresponding metformin hydrochloride concentration value according to the standard curve data pre-stored in the data storage chip 17. Finally, the detection result is displayed digitally on the LCD screen 19, and the result is also broadcast through the voice system for easy access to information by the user.
[0033] Imprinted polymer 12 is the core recognition material in this metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device. It is a prior art technology. The microscopic cavities formed in imprinted polymer 12 are specifically matched to the spatial structure and chemical properties of metformin hydrochloride molecules. When metformin hydrochloride molecules in the sample bind to these recognition cavities, a detectable electrochemical signal change is generated. Compared with traditional recognition materials, imprinted polymer 12 has higher selectivity and affinity, can accurately identify target molecules in complex biological samples, effectively reduce the influence of interfering substances, and significantly improve the accuracy and sensitivity of detection. In addition, this polymer has excellent stability and durability, can maintain good recognition performance under various environmental conditions, and extend the service life of the electrosensor.
[0034] Example 2: As shown in the figure, unlike Example 1, the flexible electrode substrate 5 is provided with three independent electrode regions, namely the working electrode 6 region, the counter electrode 7 region, and the reference electrode 8 region. The working electrode 6 is fixed in the working electrode 6 region, the counter electrode 7 is fixed in the counter electrode 7 region, and the reference electrode 8 is fixed in the reference electrode 8 region.
[0035] The metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device employs a flexible electrode substrate 5 with a three-region independent layout: a working electrode region 6, a counter electrode region 7, and a reference electrode region 8. Each electrode is strictly fixed within its corresponding region, ensuring spatial separation and functional specificity of the electrode system. The working principle of this three-electrode system is based on the fundamental principles of electrochemical detection: the working electrode region 6 is the site of the actual electrochemical reaction; its surface-modified imprinted polymer 12 specifically binds to metformin hydrochloride in the sample, generating a current signal proportional to its concentration. The counter electrode region 7 primarily provides the current loop, balancing the electron transfer reaction occurring on the working electrode 6 to ensure smooth current flow. The reference electrode region 8 provides a stable reference potential, enabling the working electrode 6 to obtain an accurate relative potential, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the measurement results. This independent three-zone design offers significant advantages: First, it effectively prevents cross-interference and short-circuit risks between electrodes, improving the purity of signal acquisition; second, the clear spatial separation ensures that each electrode can accurately perform its function, enhancing measurement stability; third, the independent zone layout facilitates precise control over the size, shape, and material composition of each electrode, enabling customized performance optimization; fourth, this structural design, combined with flexible substrate materials, ensures the structural integrity of the electrode system while giving the entire electrode a certain degree of bending adaptability, enhancing its fit to irregular surfaces and ease of use.
[0036] In this embodiment, the electrical sensor interface 2 is provided with a metal contact 20, which is electrically connected to the signal processing unit 13.
[0037] In the above structure, a metal contact 20 structure is designed in the electrical sensor interface 2 and electrically connected to the signal processing unit 13 to form an efficient and reliable electrical signal transmission channel. The working principle of this design is to establish a stable physical and electrical connection between the metal contact 20 and the wiring terminal 10 of the screen-printed electrode electrical sensor 4, so as to ensure that the weak electrochemical signal generated from the electrode surface can be transmitted to the internal signal processing unit 13 completely and without loss.
[0038] The metal contact 20 is made of a material with excellent conductivity, which effectively reduces contact resistance and signal attenuation, and improves the sensitivity and accuracy of measurement.
[0039] In this embodiment, the outer casing 1 is also provided with a voice broadcasting unit 21 for broadcasting the converted concentration value, and the voice broadcasting unit 21 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 18.
[0040] The voice broadcast unit 21, which is electrically connected to the microprocessor 18, forms an important human-computer interaction interface, greatly improving the accessibility and user-friendliness of the device. Its working principle involves converting the digitized test results into sound information. After the microprocessor 18 completes the calculation of the metformin hydrochloride concentration, it transmits the digital information to the voice broadcast unit 21, which then converts it into standardized voice output through speech synthesis technology, clearly broadcasting the test results to the user.
[0041] Voice output significantly improves the device's applicability to visually impaired users. When there is insufficient light or when users need to focus on other tasks, voice broadcasting provides a channel for obtaining information without relying on vision. At the same time, voice prompts can convey richer information, such as whether the test results are within the normal range and precautions. Therefore, by integrating the voice broadcasting unit 21, the device not only achieves efficient detection functions but also optimizes the human-computer interaction experience, making it more suitable for various users to use in various environments.
[0042] In this embodiment, the voice broadcasting unit 21 includes a speaker 22, a digital-to-analog converter 23, and an audio amplifier circuit 24 disposed in the housing 1. The input terminal of the digital-to-analog converter 23 is connected to the microprocessor 18, the output terminal of the digital-to-analog converter 23 is connected to the input terminal of the audio amplifier circuit 24, and the output terminal of the audio amplifier circuit 24 is connected to the speaker 22.
[0043] In the above structure, the voice broadcasting unit 21 consists of three core components: a speaker 22, a digital-to-analog converter 23, and an audio amplifier circuit 24, forming a complete sound signal generation chain. Its workflow is as follows: the microprocessor 18 generates corresponding digital voice codes based on the measurement results and transmits this digital information to the digital-to-analog converter 23. The digital-to-analog converter 23 receives these digital codes and converts them into analog audio signals. However, this raw signal is usually weak. Subsequently, the analog audio signal enters the audio amplifier circuit 24, where it is amplified to an appropriate volume level while maintaining signal quality. Finally, the amplified audio signal drives the diaphragm of the speaker 22 to move, generating audible sound waves to broadcast the test results to the user.
[0044] The digital-to-analog converter 23 employs a high-precision design to ensure the clarity and intelligibility of the voice output. A dedicated audio amplifier circuit 24 optimizes the balance between power consumption and sound quality, providing sufficient volume even under battery power. The speaker 22 uses a unit suitable for the speech frequency range, ensuring optimal performance within the human voice range. The overall circuit design considers anti-interference performance, avoiding electromagnetic interference from other electronic components within the device that could affect voice quality, significantly improving user experience and ease of operation.
[0045] Example 3: As shown in the figure, unlike Example 2, the power source is a rechargeable lithium battery, and the outer casing 1 is provided with a charging interface 26 that is connected to the power supply unit 3.
[0046] In the above structure, the lithium battery provides continuous and stable power to the internal power supply unit 3, signal processing unit 13, display screen 19 and voice broadcasting unit 21. When the power is insufficient, the user can connect to an external power source through the charging interface 26 on the outer casing 1 to charge the battery, thereby enabling the battery to be used in cycles. The lithium battery has high energy density characteristics, providing a long working time in a limited space to meet the needs of multiple continuous detections.
[0047] In this embodiment, the outer casing 1 is also provided with an operation button 27 for controlling the start and stop of the device, and the operation button 27 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 18.
[0048] The outer casing 1 of this device is designed with dedicated operation buttons 27, which are electrically connected to the microprocessor 18, thus constructing a simple and efficient human-computer interaction control system. When the user presses the button, an electrical signal is generated and transmitted to the microprocessor 18. The microprocessor 18 determines whether to perform operations such as start or stop according to the preset program. The physical button provides clear tactile feedback, allowing the user to confirm whether the operation is successful without looking at the button. It is especially suitable for scenarios where gloves are worn in medical environments.
[0049] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. An electrochemical analysis device for metformin hydrochloride, characterized in that: include, The housing has an electrical sensor interface on one side; The power supply unit disposed within the housing is used to generate polarization voltage; A screen-printed electrode electrical sensor electrically connected to the power supply unit includes a flexible electrode substrate, a working electrode, a counter electrode, a reference electrode, an insulating layer, terminals, and electrode wires disposed on the flexible electrode substrate. The surface of the working electrode is modified with an imprinted polymer that selectively recognizes metformin hydrochloride. The terminals are electrically connected to the working electrode, the counter electrode, and the reference electrode respectively through the electrode wires. The insulating layer covers the surfaces of the working electrode, the counter electrode, and the reference electrode. The signal processing unit disposed within the housing includes a shunt resistor, an operational amplifier, a signal converter, a data storage chip, and a microprocessor connected in sequence. The shunt resistor is used to convert a current signal into an initial voltage signal. The operational amplifier is used to amplify the initial voltage signal. The signal converter is used to process the amplified voltage signal. The data storage chip stores standard curve data and is electrically connected to the microprocessor to save multiple measurement data. The microprocessor is used to convert the voltage signal into a concentration value according to the standard curve data. A display screen electrically connected to the microprocessor is used to display the converted concentration value.
2. The metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible electrode substrate has three independent electrode regions: a working electrode region, a counter electrode region, and a reference electrode region. The working electrode is fixed in the working electrode region, the counter electrode is fixed in the counter electrode region, and the reference electrode is fixed in the reference electrode region.
3. The metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical sensor interface is provided with metal contacts, which are electrically connected to the signal processing unit.
4. The metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing also includes a voice broadcasting unit for announcing the converted concentration value, and the voice broadcasting unit is electrically connected to the microprocessor.
5. The metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The voice broadcasting unit includes a speaker, a digital-to-analog converter, and an audio amplifier circuit disposed within the housing. The input terminal of the digital-to-analog converter is electrically connected to the microprocessor, the output terminal of the digital-to-analog converter is electrically connected to the input terminal of the audio amplifier circuit, and the output terminal of the audio amplifier circuit is electrically connected to the speaker.
6. The metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power source is a rechargeable lithium battery, and the casing is provided with a charging interface that connects to the power source unit.
7. The metformin hydrochloride electrochemical analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is also provided with operation buttons for controlling the start and stop of the device, and the operation buttons are electrically connected to the microprocessor.