Device for biochemical measurement by salivary test using sampling vector-sensor pairs

Abstract

A device (100) for measuring a parameter (P) of the human body by salivary test, characterized in that it is in the form of an every-day item for personal use, such as a lipstick case or a tooth glass, but modified, in that it comprises a plurality of pairs of measurement elements (10), each of said pairs comprising a saliva sampling vector (11) and an associated sensor (12) for measuring the parameter (P), and in that said pairs are configured to perform periodic measurements of said parameter over a determined duration.

Description

[0001] Biochemical measuring device by saliva test using sampling vector - sensor pairs

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention belongs to the field of devices for measuring and monitoring a parameter of the human body, in particular by saliva test, and relates more particularly to a biochemical measuring device by saliva test using saliva sampling vector - sensor pairs, preferably combined with microfluidic saliva transport means. The saliva sampling vector is for example an absorbent foam.

[0004] The invention relates more particularly to measuring devices in the form of everyday objects for personal use.

[0005] The invention finds a direct, but not exclusive, application in the measurement and monitoring of blood sugar.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Saliva is frequently used as a diagnostic fluid and several saliva collection devices have been developed.

[0008] Saliva testing is a non-invasive diagnostic method that is becoming increasingly popular as a disposable test. It involves the use of saliva to detect and measure various biomarkers. This method is particularly attractive due to its ease of use, non-invasiveness, cost, and ability to provide rapid results. Saliva testing has diverse applications, ranging from disease diagnosis to general health monitoring and screening for specific substances.

[0009] There are various personal health monitoring devices, ranging from smartwatches that measure heart rate to wearable blood glucose monitors. These devices use advanced technologies to provide accurate, real-time health data.

[0010] Document US6248598B1 describes, for example, a device for both collecting saliva and detecting at least one substance to be analyzed, for example, a drug. This device allows for the rapid analysis of saliva specimens by chromatography, while providing a suitable analysis method that does not require the addition of foreign reagents or other materials. It can, therefore, be used by non-specialized personnel, with reduced risk.

[0011] These solutions are more like medical devices that are restrictive for the user, single-use and are therefore not particularly suitable for regular and periodic monitoring.

[0012] Saliva tests to measure blood sugar are a growing area of ​​research, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood sampling methods.

[0013] The underlying principle of these tests is the detection of biomarkers in saliva that are indicative of blood glucose levels. It is important to note that glucose concentrations in saliva are much lower than in blood, which poses significant challenges in terms of sensor sensitivity and specificity.

[0014] Studies of salivary measuring devices in general, including salivary blood glucose tests, mainly use biochemical sensors aimed at detecting antibodies.

[0015] Initially, the article "Young, Diane. “Past and Present Methods and Results of Sugar Analysis of Saliva." Journal of Dental Research 20 (1941): 597-626." examined historical and contemporary techniques used to analyze the presence of glucose in saliva. It focused on the results and implications of these analyses for understanding the relationship between saliva and glucose levels, particularly relevant in the context of health conditions such as diabetes.

[0016] This study showed that the glucose concentration in saliva is 11.3 to 28 mg / dl.

[0017] A few decades later, the study “Marchetti P, Tognarelli M, Giannarelli R, et al. Decreased salivary glucose secretory rate: usefulness for detection of diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 1989;7(3):181-186.” explored the impact of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) on saliva composition. It revealed that, although salivary flow rate and salivary glucose concentrations did not differ significantly between normal subjects and diabetic patients with or without DAN, the salivary glucose secretory rate was significantly lower in diabetic patients with DAN. This finding suggests that salivary glucose measurement could be a simple and inexpensive method for screening for diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

[0018] Since then, many more recent studies have demonstrated a certain correlation between the concentration of glucose in saliva and diabetes (type 1 & 2), with nevertheless some precautions to be taken into account regarding the condition of each individual and the temporality of the measurements.

[0019] Current saliva testing solutions are primarily characterized by their single-use and disposable nature. These devices typically use a cotton swab-like system to collect a sample from the mouth or nose. Once the sample is collected, another system, which may be a bottle of reagent liquid and / or an electronic mechanism, is used to process the sample and display the result. The result often comes in the form of one or two indicator bars, using antibody-based technology, allowing direct reading without the need for, or connection to, a phone or additional device.

[0020] Additionally, there are specialized devices that users blow into for biochemical analysis. The Israeli company SALIGNOSTICS LTD has developed a device called "Salistick," which is a notable example of this technology.

[0021] This solution is based on technology that accurately detects the pregnancy hormone (|3-hCG) in saliva, utilizing the fact that saliva contains more than 5,000 identified proteins, many of which significantly overlap with those found in blood.

[0022] This technology also has application as a saliva test kit for COVID-19. It is a platform technology not specific to any particular biomarker, and can be expanded to tests for streptococcus, STDs, cardiac risks, and malaria.

[0023] Document US2023256428A1, in the name of the aforementioned company, describes an apparatus comprising an elongated cylinder, shaped to define a channel therethrough, in which a porous carrier, which contains a surfactant, is disposed. Saliva is collected in a tube which is then screwed onto the measuring apparatus. In this measuring apparatus, a sponge is coupled to the distal portion of a plunger which is sized to slide tightly within the channel. While the sponge contains the saliva, sliding of the plunger into the channel compresses the sponge within the channel. Compression of the sponge within the channel drives at least a portion of the saliva: out of the sponge and through the carrier, and from the carrier, with at least a portion of the surfactant, into a collection tube which is reversibly coupleable to an outlet at a distal region of the channel.

[0024] Another well-known solution is the "Saliva Glucose Biosensor" from IBS Inc., which aims to replace finger-prick blood glucose tests. It is a non-invasive saliva glucose test for diabetes management. This biosensor, combined with a digital application, without automatic data transmission, allows glucose levels to be read and compared with historical data, thus facilitating diabetes management. However, a major drawback of this solution is its disposable and single-use nature, which could lead to recurring costs and additional waste.

[0025] Another company, eNano Health, offers a saliva-based blood glucose monitoring device designed to provide a non-invasive testing method suitable for various groups, including those with type 2 and gestational diabetes. The device is small, lightweight, and requires no battery, making it easily portable for glucose testing anytime, anywhere. Patent US10513725 in the name of this company describes this device, which uses non-invasive saliva screening of real-time health metrics combined with remote in-depth analysis of body characteristics. Health information is derived from a combination of local chemical markers that are optically collected, reported locally, and distributed to a cloud-based data distribution system after scanning a QR code.However, like the previous solution, these devices are disposable and single-use, and do not allow automatic data transmission to a smartphone or the cloud, with all the disadvantages that these two aspects can represent. These devices therefore focus on the extraction of specific biochemical components from saliva for detailed analysis, and tend to be more cumbersome due to being disposable and single-use (one system for a single test) and therefore impractical when several measurements need to be made per day. They are not integrated into everyday objects, which makes them difficult to adopt in the user's daily habits in the long term, unlike the present invention. This also makes them very visible in their use.This does not protect the privacy of users who do not wish to reveal their state of health, whether in a professional or family environment so as not to worry their loved ones, for example, or for any other reason.

[0026] Furthermore, the non-invasive aspect is a clear advantage over needle-based blood glucose measurement systems such as patches and glucometers, simply because of the fear that the use of needles can generate in a majority of people.

[0027] To the applicant's knowledge, there is no practical solution that combines saliva collection vectors and associated sensors in a single, easy-to-use everyday object to measure blood sugar levels or any other parameter of interest for medical or personal well-being monitoring in real time, with automatic synchronization of data to the cloud, useful for tracking history and sharing with other people (family, doctor, etc.).

[0028] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art set out above by proposing an innovative solution combining simplicity and monitoring efficiency.

[0030] One objective of the invention is the integration of saliva tests into everyday objects, aiming for use over a prolonged period and not single use, to open up a new field of applications, particularly in chronic diseases that require very regular measurements. The use of a reusable lipstick case or dental glass, for example, would allow easy, daily and discreet access to these tests, thus promoting their regular use for personal medical monitoring. This approach is part of the current trend in the personal medical devices market, which aims to make health monitoring more accessible and more practical for and by users, in order to relieve congestion in the hospital environment and allow everyone to better monitor their health.

[0031] Furthermore, the integration of a saliva test into an object such as a lipstick case requires advanced miniaturization of technological components, including sensors and data processing systems, and also requires the integration of both saliva collection means and analysis means, all in one, including in addition wireless communication means (BLE, NFC, Wi-Fi, etc.) with other connected objects in the external environment (smartphones, computers, etc.).

[0032] To this end, the present invention relates to a reusable device for measuring a parameter of the human body by saliva test, remarkable in that it is in the form of a modified everyday object for personal use, such as a lipstick case, a dental glass, a card holder or a simple pencil, in that it comprises a plurality of pairs of measuring elements, each of said pairs comprising a saliva sampling vector and at least one associated sensor for measuring the parameter, and in that said pairs are configured to carry out a plurality of periodic measurements of said parameter over a determined period of more than one day.

[0033] Preferably, everyday objects used are those that naturally come into contact with the mouth, such as lipstick holders and dental glasses.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, before each measurement of the parameter, the saliva sampling vector is spatially separated from its associated sensor in each pair of measuring elements, and in which each sensor is removed from any contact with the user's mouth during normal use of the device.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment, each saliva collection vector is placed on a flap which tilts and / or slides towards a position in which said vector is applied against its associated sensor.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the measuring device further comprises capillary means, such as microfluidic channels, for transporting the saliva collected by each saliva collection vector to its associated sensor. Advantageously, the measuring device comprises a protective mask placed on the saliva collection vectors and configured to allow access to only one vector at a time among said vectors.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the saliva collection vectors are absorbent foams.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the measuring device further comprises a wireless communication module for connecting to external connected objects.

[0039] Advantageously, each sensor is protected from cytotoxic risks by a biocompatible membrane.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring device has the shape of a lipstick case and comprises a main body and a cover, said body being surmounted by a measuring head comprising several faces, a pair of measuring elements or an element of said pair being arranged on each of said faces.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the measuring device has the shape of a dental glass and comprises a base and a removable glass fitting into said base, the saliva sampling vectors and the associated sensors are placed respectively at the edge of the glass and the upper edge of the base, or jointly on the base or the glass.

[0042] The fundamental concepts of the invention having just been set out above in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of a biochemical measuring device by saliva test using sampling vector - sensor pairs, in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] The figures are provided for purely illustrative purposes for a better understanding of the invention without limiting its scope. The various elements may be represented schematically and are not necessarily to scale. Throughout the figures, identical or equivalent elements bear the same numerical reference. It is thus illustrated in:

[0045] - Figure 1: a perspective view of a measuring device in the form of a lipstick case, according to one embodiment of the invention, closed in (a) and open in (b);

[0046] - Figure 2: a perspective view of the main body of the measuring device, with the absorbent foam flap folded down in (a) and being tilted in (b) to apply the foam against the sensor;

[0047] - Figure 3: an exploded view of the measuring device of Figure 1;

[0048] - Figure 4: a schematic view of an independent rotating support comprising a pair of vector-sensor measuring elements;

[0049] - Figure 5: a flexible protective mask with S-shaped peel-offs according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0050] - Figure 6: a perspective view of a measuring device in the form of a dental glass according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0051] - Figure 7: the dental glass of figure 6 with the glass slightly out of the base;

[0052] - Figure 8: the base of the dental glass with the removable protective ring;

[0053] - Figure 9: the isolated glass of the measuring device of figure 6;

[0054] - Figure 10: an exploded view of the base with its ring;

[0055] - Figure 11: a perspective view of a measuring device in the form of a card holder according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0057] It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to those skilled in the art are recalled here to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

[0058] In the embodiment described below, reference is made to a personal measuring device by saliva test in the form of a lipstick case, mainly intended for measuring and monitoring blood sugar levels. This non-limiting example is given for a better understanding of the invention and does not exclude the use of the device for measuring other physiological, biochemical or other parameters of any nature, related to the human body.

[0059] The embodiments described also do not exclude the adaptation of the device to other everyday objects for personal use.

[0060] In the remainder of the description, the term "glucose" when used alone briefly designates a measurable parameter which is the concentration of glucose in the blood.

[0061] Figure 1 represents a device 100 for measuring a parameter P of the human body, for example glucose, by saliva test, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The device 100 has the shape of a lipstick case and comprises a main body 10 topped with a closing cap 20. The main body 10 and the closing cap 20 cooperate to ensure the opening and closing of the device 100 by clipping, threading, or by any other mechanism usual in this type of case.

[0063] Thus, the device 100 is a modified everyday object, in the sense that it retains a general appearance reminiscent of that of the basic object (a lipstick case) but performs a diverted function: taking measurements instead of applying a cosmetic product to the lip.

[0064] The term "modified" also refers to an accessorized object, that is to say an existing object which has retained its original function but to which an accessory has been added to achieve the present invention. For example, a toothbrush which would retain its brush head and which would receive at its opposite end an accessory allowing the realization of the measuring device according to the invention.

[0065] The main body 10 constitutes the functional part of the device 100. It comprises a measuring head 11 and a base 12 on which said head rests. The measuring head 11 is thus similar to a lipstick stick in the use which will be made of it.

[0066] Indeed, the measuring head 11 comprises a plurality of pairs of measuring elements (111, 112), each comprising a saliva sampling vector 111 and an associated sensor 112 for measuring the parameter P.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, each pair of measuring elements may comprise two or more sensors. According to the illustrated embodiment, the measuring head 11 has a pyramidal shape with four faces, truncated at its apex, each of the faces of which receives a single pair of measuring elements (111, 112). Thus, according to this example, the device 100 comprises four saliva sampling vectors 111 and their four respective sensors 112.

[0068] Each saliva collection vector 111 is intended to be applied, in a well-defined order, to the lip of a user to collect a certain quantity of saliva and bring it into contact with the sensor 112 associated with said collection vector. The sensor 112 then makes it possible to measure the glucose in the collected saliva.

[0069] The lipstick (or lip balm) case shape gives the device 100 a practical aspect reminiscent of the use of an everyday object, in contact with the mouth, and therefore encourages the user to use it naturally like this everyday object.

[0070] Preferably, the user applies the saliva collection vectors 111 against his lower lip, at the level of the gap between this lip and the gum, which generally contains more saliva compared to the upper gap.

[0071] Indeed, in each pair of measuring elements (111, 112), the saliva sampling vector 111 and the associated sensor 112 are initially separated, spatially, in order to limit the risks of cytotoxicity as much as possible, and only come into contact with each other during the glucose measurement carried out by said pair. In the most restricted case, the sensor is separated from the sampling vector by a biocompatible protective layer, which only reacts in the presence of saliva.

[0072] According to the illustrated embodiment, the contact between a saliva collection vector 111 and its associated sensor 112 is made by means of a tilting valve 113 on which said vector is fixed. The valve 113 is designed to tilt from a high position (default position), in which the saliva collection vector 111 is separated from the sensor 112, to a low position, in which said vector is applied against said sensor.

[0073] Figure 2 shows the main body 10, with the tilting valve 113 in the high position, configuration (a), and in the process of tilting to the low position, configuration (b). The arrow F indicates the direction of tilting of the valve 113.

[0074] The tilting of the valve 113 is done around an axis of rotation 114, positioned between the saliva collection vector 111 and the associated sensor 112, substantially in the middle.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the valve 113 is held in its default (high) position by means of a magnet, and switches to the low position by a simple action of the user with his finger.

[0076] In the high position, configuration (a), the tilting valve 113 is kept folded against one end of the measuring head 11, opposite the end on which the sensor 112 is positioned, so that the saliva sampling vector

[0077] 111 remains as far away as possible from the surface of said sensor.

[0078] In the low position, end of travel of the valve 113 in configuration (b), the end of the valve 113 on which the saliva sampling vector 111 is fixed comes to press against the surface of the associated sensor 112, with sufficient pressure, so that the saliva can be extracted and the process of measuring the glucose in the saliva sample taken begins.

[0079] Sufficient pressure of the saliva collection vector 111 against the sensor

[0080] 112 associated can be ensured by a suitable mechanism, or directly by the user who is invited to respect a pressing time according to information in the instructions for use of the device 100 or by following an interactive light and / or sound indication.

[0081] Each pair of measuring elements thus constitutes a rotating support which guarantees the distance of the saliva sampling vector from its associated sensor before the measurement.

[0082] This rotating support can therefore be used on other saliva testing devices, including medical devices.

[0083] Figure 4 represents a pair of measuring elements (111, 112) in the form of an independent rotating measuring support 130, comprising a sampling vector 111, for example an absorbent foam, and an associated sensor 112.

[0084] The sampling vector 111 is fixed on a tilting valve 113 which is applied after rotation against a fixed part comprising the sensor 112. The tilting valve 113 and the fixed part are separated at approximately equidistant distance by a hinge axis 114 around which said valve pivots.

[0085] The tilting valve 113 further comprises a stud 1131 which fits into a housing 1121 provided in the fixed part. The stud 1131 and the housing 1121 can thus be used to block the tilting valve and therefore the sampling vector 111 against the sensor 112, and / or to ensure electronic contact.

[0086] A set of magnets makes it possible to maintain contact between the valve 113 and the fixed part containing the sensor 112.

[0087] Of course, the rotation of the valve 113 is done with an angle whose value depends on the shape of the measuring head 11 and the positioning of the saliva sampling vector 111 relative to its associated sensor 112. In the example illustrated, this angle is substantially equal to 180°. According to another embodiment, the amplitude of rotation of the valve can be less, with an angle of approximately 30° for example.

[0088] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the flap that supports the saliva collection vector may not be tilting, but sliding or both at the same time. When sliding, the flap moves downward or upward so that the saliva collection vector attached to it reaches its associated sensor.

[0089] It should be noted that thanks to the valve, it is no longer necessary to have a guide duct for the sampling vector as in the solution described in document US2023256428A1, which considerably reduces the size.

[0090] More generally, the device 100 may comprise any means allowing transport of the saliva collected by the sampling vector to the sensor and extraction of said saliva at said sensor. Transport may in particular be carried out by capillarity via microfluidic channels suitably arranged between the sampling vector and the associated sensor.

[0091] For this purpose and depending on the configuration of the saliva transport system, the sampling vector can allow extraction of the saliva collected in any direction, for example by the same face as the sampling face or by the face opposite the sampling face. Each pair of measuring elements (111, 112) is associated with a light indicator 121 placed directly above said face, for example on a facet of the base 12 as here.

[0092] As highlighted above, each sensor 112, before its use, must be protected from contact with the associated saliva collection vector 111, but also from contact with the external environment to limit the risks of cytotoxicity by contamination by an external agent (dust, humidity, bacteria, light, etc.).

[0093] To do this, a protective mask 115 initially envelops the pairs of measuring elements (111, 112), in a circumvolutional manner around the measuring head 11.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the protective mask 115 is flexible and made up of as many separable parts 1151 as the number of pairs of measuring elements (111, 112) in the device 100.

[0095] The exploded view of Figure 3 shows the different separable parts 1151 of the protective mask 115, the front separable part being removed as in Figures 1 and 2.

[0096] Indeed, each separable part of the mask 115 must be removed before using the pair of measuring elements (111, 112) which is located below.

[0097] Furthermore, the removal of each separable part 1151 of the protective mask 115 also makes it possible to remove the sampling vector 111 which was located below the previous part already removed, in order to render the corresponding pair of measuring elements inoperative.

[0098] Figure 5 shows a flexible mask 115 having a shape suitable for performing the aforementioned function. Indeed, each separable part 1151 is S-shaped with an upper branch 1152 located above a vector 111a and a lower branch 1153 located below the previous vector 111b. As a result, the removal of the upper branch 1152 to reveal the vector 11a to be used causes the removal of the lower branch 1153 and therefore of the previous vector 111b to be out of date.

[0099] The protective mask 115 is for example made of a thin and flexible material, such as a bandage or a medical adhesive, and has cutting lines between the separable parts 1151 so that these can be peeled off individually.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the protective mask 115 is rigid and is in the form of a cap comprising three faces 1151 and an access window, i.e. one face less than the number of pairs of measuring elements, so as to allow access to the correct pair of measuring elements (111, 112) and to mask all the other pairs.

[0101] Indeed, the rigid protective mask 115 has a suitable shape and dimensions allowing it to fit onto the measuring assembly 110 made up of all the pairs of measuring elements (111, 112).

[0102] The protective mask 115 can thus have a shape complementary to that of the measuring assembly 110, here pyramidal, and require total removal before changing the location of the access window on said measuring assembly.

[0103] Alternatively, the protective mask 115 may have a different shape, in particular a truncated cone (and therefore a revolution), allowing it to rotate in situ on the measuring assembly 110. In this case, the rotation is done by one notch each time, in a single direction, so that the access window moves from one measuring pair to the next pair, without the possibility of downshifting. To do this, the protective mask 115 comprises a suitable anti-return mechanism such as snap-fastening means.

[0104] The protective mask 115 is also integral with the measuring assembly 110 without the possibility of separation, thanks to suitable fixing means.

[0105] Furthermore, before changing the pair of measuring elements (111, 112) and therefore rotating the protective mask 115, it is preferable to remove the used saliva sampling vector 111 before moving on to the next one. To do this, the rigid mask 115 includes a mechanical key (better known by the Japanese term "poka-yoke") which prevents any rotation until the sampling vector to which the window points has been removed, in order to avoid reusing the pair concerned after its normal period of use.

[0106] In addition to the protective mask 115, the device 100 may comprise a biocompatible protective membrane placed on each sensor 112 in order to block cytotoxic risks and potentially dry separate the sensor 112 from the saliva collection vector 111. Indeed, such biocompatible membranes are filters impermeable to toxic particles but allowing the passage of useful cells contained in the saliva, and are known in the art.

[0107] The pairs of measuring elements (111, 112) thus make it possible to carry out measurements of glucose, or other physiological or biochemical parameters, with a lower risk of cytotoxic contamination.

[0108] For the purposes of the invention, in particular to guarantee the everyday object aspect for personal use of the device 100, the pairs of measuring elements (111, 112) comprise miniaturized elements capable of operating according to different known technologies.

[0109] According to a preferred embodiment, the saliva collection vectors 111 are absorbent foams relying on a microfluidic network to convey the collected saliva to the sensors 112.

[0110] The saliva collection vectors can also be capillary fabrics, woven cotton for example, or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) films. The sensors 112 can be biochemical, optical, radio, electrical or other sensors.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the sensors 112 are biochemical and contain an enzyme, such as glucose oxidase, that reacts specifically with glucose. The chemical reaction produces an electrical signal that can be measured. The magnitude of this signal is proportional to the concentration of glucose in the saliva sample.

[0112] For improved sensitivity, 112 sensors can incorporate advanced technologies such as nanotechnology, graphene, or high-sensitivity materials. Nanomaterials, in particular, offer a large reaction surface area and improved electrochemical properties, which increases the sensor's sensitivity.

[0113] The 112 sensors are also calibrated using complex calibration processes to ensure the reliability and consistency of the results.

[0114] Thus, salivary blood glucose measurements can be as accurate as those obtained by traditional methods.

[0115] The device 100 is configured to be able to interpret the obtained signals and convert them into blood glucose readings understandable to the user. This is achieved using embedded software that uses data analysis algorithms.

[0116] According to a particularly compact electronic architecture, the device 100 comprises a main electronic card integrating a communication module and having processing and calculation means, in the form of a microcontroller, connected to each sensor 112 and to an on-board power supply battery. For aesthetic but also functional reasons, the various electronic services connected to the sensors 112 are placed inside the base 12 so that they are not visible and so that they are protected from the external environment. This also makes it possible to make the base 12 heavier to ensure the stability of the device 100 when it is properly placed on its base.

[0117] The electronic connection between the sensors 112 located on the measuring head 11 and the other electronic services placed inside the base 12 is ensured by suitable connection means, limiting signal noise as much as possible.

[0118] Figure 3 shows these connection means according to a particular embodiment, said means comprising a connector 117 located at the lower end of the measuring head 11 and a connection port 131 located at the top of a junction 13 of the main body 10.

[0119] For integration into an everyday object such as a lipstick case, the 112 sensors and various electronic components are miniaturized without compromising their performance. This is achieved, for example, using flexible printed circuits and microscale electronic components.

[0120] Additionally, the onboard communication module is a wireless communication module, operating over a common network (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), to enable connectivity with smartphones, computers or other connected objects for easy monitoring of blood glucose readings over time.

[0121] The device 100 further comprises a miniaturized potentiostat in order to analyze the signal from the electrochemical electrodes of the sensors 112.

[0122] The saliva test measuring device, with its plurality of sampling vector-sensor pairs thus described, can be in the form of other everyday objects for personal use. Figures 6 and 7 represent a saliva test measuring device 200, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0123] The device 200 has the shape of a dental glass, which is used when brushing teeth, in particular for rinsing the mouth, and comprises a base 210 including the general electronics, and a removable glass 220 which can be fitted into said base.

[0124] The glass 220 comprises, around its upper edge, a plurality of saliva collection vectors 111, preferably eight vectors.

[0125] The base 210 comprises the sensors 112 associated with the saliva collection vectors 111. These sensors 112 are placed on the periphery of the upper edge of the base 210, opposite the collection vectors 111 when the glass 220 is correctly placed in said base as in FIG. 6.

[0126] The base 210 is surmounted by a removable rotating ring 205 which attaches to the edge of the base and which includes an access window 206 to only one sensor 112 at a time.

[0127] Like the lipstick case-shaped device 100 described previously, the glass 220 comprises a rigid or flexible mask which allows access to a single sampling vector 111 at a time, that of the time period concerned by the measurement (for example: that of week 1, 2, etc.). Thus, the passage to the next sampling vector is done by the rotation of a rigid mask in which an access window is provided, or by the removal of a peelable element on a flexible mask.

[0128] The order of each pair of measuring elements (111, 112) can simply be indicated on the device 200 by a number 230, appearing on the edges of the base 210 and the glass 220.

[0129] Finally, the glass 220 fits correctly with a rotation blocked in the base 210 by means of a tenon 221, shown in figure 9, which is introduced into a housing provided for this purpose at the bottom of said base.

[0130] To take a blood sugar measurement, the user:

[0131] - takes the glass 220 previously placed in the base 210;

[0132] - frees access to the correct saliva collection vector 111, by acting on the rigid mask (rotation of the window) or flexible (removal of a peel-off); - rinses the mouth, taking care to apply the collection vector to the lower lip, at the level of the lower gingival space (the shape of the glass facilitates this contact);

[0133] - places the glass 220 in the base 210 on which the ring 205 is adjusted to allow contact of the vector 111 with the associated sensor 112 or to allow saliva to be extracted from the sampling vector.

[0134] Indeed, according to an embodiment not shown, the saliva sampling vectors and the sensors can be located jointly either on the glass or on the base, or separately, one on the glass and the other on the base. Figure 11 represents a device 300 for measuring by saliva test, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0135] The device 300 has a card holder shape and comprises a case 310 and a rod 320 which clips into a housing of the case. The rod 320 comprises a plurality of saliva collection vectors 111 equally distributed between the two ends of the rod. For example, each end of the rod 320 has a parallelepiped shape with four lateral faces each supporting a collection vector 111.

[0136] A 111 vector protection mask is also used according to the same principles as before (rigid rotating or flexible peelable).

[0137] The case 310 includes the sensors 112 associated with the vectors 111.

[0138] It is apparent from the present description that certain non-essential elements of the measuring device may be modified, replaced or deleted without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below. For example, each saliva sampling vector may have not just one but several associated sensors. The supports respectively comprising the saliva sampling vectors and the sensors may be inseparable as in the first embodiment (lipstick case) or separable as in the second and third embodiments (dental glass and card holder).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Reusable device (100, 200, 300) for measuring a parameter (P) of the human body by saliva test, characterized in that it is in the form of an everyday object for personal use, modified to provide a diverted function, such as a lipstick case or a dental glass, in that it comprises a plurality of pairs of measuring elements (111, 112), each of said pairs comprising a saliva sampling vector (111) and at least one associated sensor (112) for measuring the parameter (P), and in that said pairs are configured to carry out several periodic measurements of said parameter over a determined period of more than one day.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which, before each measurement of the parameter (P), the saliva sampling vector (111) is spatially separated from its associated sensor (11) in each pair of measuring elements (111, 112), and in which each sensor (112) is removed from any contact with the user's mouth during normal use of the device.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, in which each saliva collection vector (111) is placed on a flap (113) tilting and / or sliding towards a position in which said vector is applied against its associated sensor (112).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising capillary means, such as microfluidic channels, for transporting the saliva collected by each saliva collection vector (111) to its associated sensor (112).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a protective mask (115) placed on the sampling vectors of saliva (111) and configured to allow access to only one vector at a time among said vectors.

6. Device according to any one of the claims, in which the saliva collection vectors (111) are absorbent foams.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless communication module for connecting to external connected objects.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each sensor (112) is protected from cytotoxic risks by a biocompatible membrane.

9. Device according to claim 1, having the shape of a lipstick case (100) and comprising a main body (10) and a cover (20), and a measuring head (11) comprising several faces, a pair of measuring elements (111, 112) or an element of said pair being arranged on each of said faces.

10. Device according to claim 1, having a dental glass shape (200) and comprising a base (210) and a removable glass (220) fitting into said base, the saliva collection vectors (111) and the associated sensors (112) are placed respectively at the edge of the glass (220) and the upper edge of the base (210), or jointly on the base or the glass.

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