Method for detecting information for measuring biomolecule, and device for detecting information for measuring biomolecule

Abstract

Provided is a method for detecting information for measuring a biomolecule in which noise in a detection result can be suppressed when detecting information about light emitted on a living body and measuring the biomolecule on the basis of the detection result. The method for detecting information for measuring a biomolecule includes: emitting light on epidermis (7) of a secondarily-cured open wound in a living body (6); and detecting information about the light emitted on the epidermis (7).

Description

Method for detecting information for biomolecular measurement and device for detecting information for biomolecular measurement

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting information for biomolecule measurement and an apparatus for detecting information for biomolecule measurement.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the following: The blood glucose meter comprises a main body and a band attached to the main body and worn on the arm. A light-emitting element that emits near-infrared light with a wavelength of around 995 nm and a light-emitting element that emits near-infrared light with a wavelength of around 1650 nm are arranged closely to each other on the back of the main body, which is in close contact with the arm. Opposite the light-emitting element, across the arm, is a light-receiving element that receives the near-infrared light emitted by the light-emitting element. The two light-emitting elements are amplitude-modulated by superimposing a specific frequency in the range of 10 to 100 kHz and are alternately driven multiple times at any interval between 0.05 and 1 second every 1 to 60 minutes. The signal detected by the light-receiving element is used by an A / D converter and a controller to calculate the sugar content and moisture measurement values, respectively. The blood glucose level is calculated by calculating the ratio of these two measurements and making various corrections.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-069972

[0004] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a non-invasive method for measuring blood glucose levels that utilizes infrared absorption by glucose is under consideration.

[0005] However, in this case, noise is likely to occur in the detection results, making it difficult to measure blood glucose levels based on accurate detection results.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and device for detecting information for measuring biomolecules, which can suppress noise in the detection results when detecting information about light after it has been irradiated onto a living organism and measuring biomolecules based on the detection results.

[0007] A method for detecting information for measuring biomolecules according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes irradiating light onto the epidermis of a secondary healed open wound in a living organism, and detecting information about the light after it has been irradiated onto the epidermis.

[0008] An information detection device for measuring biomolecules according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a light source unit that emits light, a transmission path that transmits the light, an irradiation unit that is attached to a secondarily healed open wound in a living organism and irradiates the light transmitted from the transmission path onto the epidermis of the open wound, and a detection unit that detects information about the light after it has been irradiated onto the epidermis from the irradiation unit.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detection device of a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detection device of a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detection device of a third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of each of the detection devices of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a transmission path and an irradiation unit. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a transmission path and an irradiation unit. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a transmission path and an irradiation unit.

[0010] The following embodiments and modifications will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the following embodiments and modifications are merely a portion of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiments and modifications can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The configurations of the modifications can also be combined as appropriate.

[0011] The drawings referred to below are all schematic drawings, and the dimensional ratios of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] 1. Overview A method for detecting information for measuring a biomolecule according to an embodiment is a method for detecting information for measuring a biomolecule. The detection method includes irradiating light onto an epidermis 72 of a secondarily healed open wound in a living organism 6, and detecting information about the light after irradiating the epidermis 72.

[0013] Biomolecules are compounds contained in the body of a living organism, and may include, for example, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, hormones, sugars, amino acids, vitamins, etc. Measuring a biomolecule includes, for example, one or more of determining the presence or absence of the biomolecule, determining the type of biomolecule, and determining the concentration of the biomolecule. For example, if the biomolecule is glucose, measuring the biomolecule means, for example, measuring the blood glucose level.

[0014] The information for biomolecule measurement is information that can be used for measuring biomolecules, and in the embodiment, is the detection result of light information. That is, in the embodiment, light information is obtained as the information for biomolecule measurement.

[0015] The living body 6 is primarily a part of the body of an animal, including a human. The open wound is, for example, a penetration wound, a specific example of which is a piercing hole. If the penetration wound is a piercing hole, the living body 6 is, for example, an earlobe. Secondary healing means that new epidermis 72 is formed on the open wound.

[0016] According to the detection method of the embodiment, after the light is irradiated onto the epidermis 72, a change occurs in the light due to biomolecules in the living organism 6. That is, for example, detecting information about the light after it is irradiated onto the epidermis 72 includes detecting information about changes in the light due to absorption caused by the biomolecules. For example, if the biomolecule is glucose, then after the light is irradiated onto the epidermis 72, absorption occurs due to glucose in the living organism 6, such as glucose in the blood or glucose that has migrated from the blood to the interstitial fluid. Therefore, the biomolecule can be measured based on the detection results of this light information. That is, light information, which is information for measuring biomolecules, can be obtained by a non-invasive method, and the detection results can be used to measure the biomolecule; for example, if the biomolecule is glucose, blood glucose levels can be measured.

[0017] Furthermore, because the epidermis 72 in a secondarily healed open wound is thinner than normal epidermis 71, light irradiated onto the epidermis 72 can easily reach interstitial fluid or blood vessels. Furthermore, because the epidermis 72 in a secondarily healed open wound does not have secretory glands, sweat, sebum, etc. adhere thereto, and because it is not a mucous membrane, mucus does not adhere thereto either. Therefore, the detection results are less likely to include noise caused by sweat, sebum, mucous membranes, etc. Therefore, detection results caused by biomolecules in the body can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0018] The biomolecule measurement information detection device 1 of the embodiment can be used to implement the above-described detection method. The detection device 1 includes a light source unit 31, a transmission path 2, an irradiation unit 23, and a detection unit 32. The light source unit 31 emits light. The transmission path 2 transmits the light emitted by the light source unit 31. The irradiation unit 23, attached to a secondarily healed open wound in a living body 6, irradiates the light transmitted from the transmission path 2 onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound. The detection unit 32 detects information about the light after it has been irradiated onto the epidermis 72 by the irradiation unit 23.

[0019] 2. First Embodiment FIG. 1 schematically shows a detection device 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0020] The detection device 1 of the first embodiment is used to detect light that is irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of a secondarily healed open wound and then reflected by the surface layer of the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 72 of the living body 6, and to obtain the detection results as information for measuring blood glucose levels.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the detection device 1 includes a main body 3 , a transmission path 2 , an irradiation unit 23 , a first fastener 4 , and a second fastener 5 .

[0022] The main body 3 serves as both a light source 31 and a detector 32. That is, the main body 3 includes a light source 311 that irradiates light onto the transmission path 2, and a light receiving element 321 that detects light transmitted from the transmission path 2 to the main body 3. The main body 3 includes, for example, a beam splitter that splits the optical path within the main body 3 into an optical path between the light source 311 and the transmission path 2 and an optical path between the light receiving element 321 and the transmission path 2.

[0023] The transmission path 2 includes, for example, an optical fiber 20. The transmission path 2 may further include a coating material 24 that coats the outer surface of the optical fiber 20. The irradiation unit 23 is a portion of the transmission path 2 that can allow light to pass between the inside of the transmission path 2 and the outside of the transmission path 2. Examples of specific configurations of the transmission path 2 and the irradiation unit 23 will be described separately in Section 5 below.

[0024] In the first embodiment, one end of the transmission line 2 is connected to the main body 3 .

[0025] The first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5 are fasteners for fixing the irradiation unit 23 to the living body 6. The first fastener 4 is fixed to the end of the transmission path 2 opposite to the main body 3 side, and the second fastener 5 is attached to the transmission path 2 so that the irradiation unit 23 is disposed between the first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5. Either or both of the first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5 may be detachable from the transmission path 2. The position of the second fastener 5 relative to the transmission path 2 may be changeable.

[0026] When detecting information for biomolecule measurement using the detection device 1, first, the tip portion of the transmission path 2 opposite the main body portion 3 is inserted into a hole 8 of a secondarily healed open wound in a living body 6 so that the irradiation unit 23 is positioned within this hole 8. The living body 6 is, for example, an earlobe, and in this case the hole 8 is, for example, a piercing hole. In order to insert the transmission path 2 into the piercing hole, it is preferable that the diameter of the transmission path 2, particularly the tip portion, be 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0027] In this state, the living body 6 is clamped between the first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5, thereby fixing the irradiation unit 23 in the hole 8.

[0028] In this state, the main body 3 irradiates light from the light source 311 to the transmission path 2. The light is transmitted through the transmission path 2, and a portion of the light is emitted from the irradiation unit 23 to the outside of the transmission path 2. The light emitted to the outside of the transmission path 2 is irradiated onto the epidermis 7 of the living body 6, specifically, onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound, i.e., onto the inner surface of the hole 8. A portion of the light irradiated onto the epidermis 72 passes through the epidermis 72 and is reflected by the surface layer of the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of the living body 6 on the open wound side (the surface layer facing the hole 8), and then enters the transmission path 2 via the irradiation unit 23. The light incident on the transmission path 2 is changed by absorption caused by biomolecules in the tissue 9, such as glucose in the blood in the tissue 9 or glucose that has migrated from the blood to the interstitial fluid. The light transmitted through the transmission path 2 is reflected at the tip of the transmission path 2 on the opposite side from the main body 3 side, and is transmitted along the transmission path 2 toward the main body 3. When the light transmitted to the main body 3 reaches the detection unit 32 , information about this light is detected by the detection unit 32 in the main body 3 .

[0029] The light that reaches the detection unit 32 includes light reflected from the surface of the living body 6. Therefore, the detection result of the light information depends on the type and concentration of biomolecules in the living body 6. Therefore, based on this detection result, it is possible to measure the biomolecules, and for example, the blood glucose level.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the epidermis 72 of the open wound, i.e., the epidermis 72 on the inner surface of the hole 8, of the epidermis 7 of the living body 6, is formed by secondary healing of the open wound and is therefore thinner than the epidermis 71 of the portion of the living body 6 other than the open wound. Therefore, light irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound easily passes through the epidermis 72 and reaches the interstitial fluid or blood vessels. This can increase the detection sensitivity. Furthermore, because the epidermis 72 formed by secondary healing of the open wound does not have secretory glands, noise due to sweat and sebum is less likely to occur in the detection results, and therefore the detection accuracy can be increased.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the light emitted from the main body 3 (light source 31) and irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound includes, for example, infrared light. That is, for example, the light source 311 in the main body 3 (light source 31) is an infrared light source. In this case, the light detected by the main body 3 (detection unit 32) undergoes a change due to infrared absorption caused by biomolecules. That is, detection results dependent on infrared absorption by biomolecules are obtained. Therefore, biomolecules can be measured more accurately based on the detection results.

[0032] Infrared light is light in the wavelength range of 780 nm to 10,000 nm. The light emitted from the main body 3 (light source 31) and irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound preferably includes light in the mid-to-far-infrared region, i.e., light in the wavelength range of 2,500 nm to 10,000 nm. In this case, glucose in particular has a strong absorption band in the mid-to-far-infrared region (an absorption band whose absorbance is several hundred times that of the absorption band in the near-infrared region), so blood glucose levels can be measured more accurately based on the detection results.

[0033] Furthermore, light in the mid-to-far infrared region is easily absorbed by substances derived from the living body 6, and therefore there is a risk of excessive absorption when passing through the living body 6. However, in the first embodiment, light reflected on the surface layer of the living body 6 is detected, so excessive absorption is unlikely to occur within the living body 6. In this respect, too, biomolecules can be measured with even greater accuracy based on the detection results.

[0034] The light information detected by the main body 3 (detection unit 32) is, for example, light intensity or light absorbance. When the light information is light intensity, the detection result may be a light intensity spectrum or light intensity at a specific wavelength. When the light information is light absorbance, the detection result may be a light absorption spectrum or light absorbance at a specific wavelength. The type of light information is preferably selected so that this information strongly reflects changes due to absorption caused by biomolecules.

[0035] The light source unit 31 includes, for example, a light source 311 that emits polychromatic light and a spectroscope 312. In this case, when the light source unit 31 irradiates light of a specific wavelength dispersed by the spectroscope 312, the intensity of the light at the specific wavelength or the absorbance of the light at the specific wavelength can be detected as light information. Furthermore, when the light source unit 31 sequentially irradiates monochromatic light of different wavelengths dispersed by the spectroscope 312, the intensity spectrum of the light or the absorbance spectrum of the light can be detected as light information.

[0036] The light source unit 31 may include a light source 311 that emits monochromatic light of a specific wavelength. In this case, when the light source unit 31 irradiates light of a specific wavelength, the intensity of the light at the specific wavelength or the absorbance of the light at the specific wavelength can be detected as light information.

[0037] The light source 311 may be, for example, an infrared light emitting diode (IRLED) or an infrared laser, but is not limited to these.

[0038] The detection unit 32 includes, for example, a light-receiving element 321 that outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of light upon receiving the light, and a processing unit 322 that generates a detection result of light information from the signal output by the light-receiving element 321. The light-receiving element 321 is, for example, a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode, but is not limited to these. The processing unit 322 includes, for example, a computer system primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the functions of the processing unit 322. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs or LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (very large scale integrations), or ULSIs (ultra large scale integrations). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the internal connections of the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI to be reconfigured, can also be employed as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, a microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0039] The main body 3 (detection unit 32) may further include a transmission unit 323 that transmits the detection results of the light information to the outside. The transmission unit 323 includes, for example, an appropriate interface or a wireless transmitter that transmits the detection results. In this case, the detection results can be stored in the external device that receives the detection results, or biomolecules can be measured based on the detection results. Note that the processing unit 322 in the main body 3 (detection unit 32) may measure the biomolecules based on the detection results.

[0040] The main body 3 may have a shape that allows it to be hung on an earlobe, or a shape that allows it to be worn on the auricle like an earphone, or may be configured as part of an item worn on the body such as glasses, a hair band, or a neck band, or may be provided with a strap for hanging over the shoulder, etc. In this case, it is possible to wear the detection device 1 on the body for long periods of time, i.e., to make the detection device 1 wearable. In this case, it is possible to continuously detect information for measuring biomolecules of a person, etc., without imposing a significant burden on the person, etc., who is the subject of biomolecule measurement.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the detection device 1 may include a temperature sensor 11 that measures the temperature of the living body 6 and sends the result to the detection unit 32. The temperature sensor 11 is, for example, an infrared temperature sensor, but is not limited to this. The temperature sensor 11 may be, for example, included in the main body 3, or may be provided in a housing separate from the main body 3. In this case, the processing unit 322 in the detection unit 32 may correct the detection result based on the measurement result by the temperature sensor 11. The extinction coefficient of biomolecules such as glucose changes depending on temperature, and therefore the detection result by the detection unit 32 also depends on temperature. However, correcting the detection result based on the measurement result by the temperature sensor 11 can further improve the accuracy of the detection result.

[0042] 3. Second Embodiment FIG. 2 schematically shows a detection device 1 according to a second embodiment.

[0043] The detection device 1 of the second embodiment is used to detect information about light that is irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of a secondarily healed open wound and then transmitted through the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 72 of the living body 6, and to obtain the detection results as information for measuring biomolecules.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the detection device 1 includes a main body 3 , a transmission path 2 , an irradiation unit 23 , a first fastener 4 , and a second fastener 5 .

[0045] The main body 3 serves as both a light source 31 and a detection unit 32. The main body 3 serving as the light source 31 has a light source 311 that irradiates light onto the transmission path 2. Furthermore, the main body 3 serving as the detection unit 32 has a light receiving unit 324 that receives light irradiated onto the main body 3 from the outside, and a light receiving element 321 that detects information about the light received by the light receiving unit 324. The light receiving unit 324 is, for example, an optical member such as a light-transmitting lens or cover.

[0046] The transmission path 2 includes, for example, an optical fiber 20. The transmission path 2 may further include a coating material 24 that coats the outer surface of the optical fiber 20. The irradiation unit 23 is a portion of the transmission path 2 that can allow light to pass between the inside of the transmission path 2 and the outside of the transmission path 2. Examples of specific configurations of the transmission path 2 and the irradiation unit 23 will be described separately in Section 5 below.

[0047] One end of the transmission line 2 is connected to the main body 3 .

[0048] The first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5 are fasteners for fixing the irradiation unit 23 to the living body 6. The configurations of the first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0049] When detecting information for measuring blood glucose levels using the detection device 1, first, the tip of the transmission path 2 opposite the main body 3 is inserted into a hole 8 in a secondarily healed open wound in a living body 6 so that the irradiation unit 23 is positioned within this hole 8. The living body 6 is, for example, an earlobe, and in this case the hole 8 is, for example, a piercing hole.

[0050] In this state, the living body 6 is clamped between the first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5, thereby fixing the irradiation unit 23 in the hole 8.

[0051] Furthermore, the light receiving unit 324 in the main body 3 is disposed in a position facing the irradiation unit 23 across the living body 6. For example, the irradiation unit 23 is disposed facing downward, and the light receiving unit 324 is disposed in a position that contacts the lower end of the earlobe.

[0052] In this state, the main body 3 irradiates light from the light source 311 onto the transmission path 2. The light is transmitted through the transmission path 2, and a portion of the light is emitted from the irradiator 23 to the outside of the transmission path 2. The light emitted to the outside of the transmission path 2 is irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound, i.e., the epidermis 72 on the inner surface of the hole 8 of the epidermis 7 of the living body 6. At least a portion of the light irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound passes through the epidermis 72, further passes through the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 72, and then passes through the epidermis 71 of the living body 6 other than the open wound, and enters the light receiving unit 324. The light incident on the light receiving unit 324 is absorbed by biomolecules in the tissue 9, such as glucose in the blood in the tissue 9 or glucose that has migrated from the blood to the interstitial fluid. Information about the light incident on the light receiving unit 324 is detected by the light receiving element 321 in the main body 3 (detector 32).

[0053] The information of the light detected by the detection unit 32 depends on the type and concentration of biomolecules in the living body 6. Therefore, the biomolecules can be measured based on the detection results.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the epidermis 72 of the open wound of the epidermis 7 of the living body 6 is formed by secondary healing and is therefore thinner than the epidermis 71 of the portion other than the open wound. Therefore, light irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound easily passes through the epidermis 72 and reaches the interstitial fluid or blood vessels. This can improve detection sensitivity. Furthermore, since the epidermis 72 of the open wound was formed by secondary healing and does not have secretory glands, noise due to sweat and sebum is less likely to occur in the detection results, which can improve detection accuracy.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the light emitted from the main body 3 (light source 31) and irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound also includes, for example, infrared light. That is, for example, the light source 311 in the main body 3 (light source 31) is an infrared light source. In this case, the light detected by the main body 3 (detector 32) contains infrared absorption caused by biomolecules. That is, the detection result depends on infrared absorption by biomolecules. Therefore, the blood glucose level can be measured more accurately based on the detection result.

[0056] The light emitted from the main body 3 (light source 31) and irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound may include light in the mid-to-far-infrared region, i.e., light in the wavelength range of 2500 nm to 10000 nm. In this case, glucose in particular has a strong absorption band in the mid-to-far-infrared region (an absorption band whose absorbance is several hundred times that of the absorption band in the near-infrared region), so blood glucose levels can be measured more accurately based on the detection results.

[0057] The light emitted from the main body 3 (light source 31) and irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound may include light in the near-infrared region, i.e., light in the wavelength range of 780 nm to 2500 nm. In this case, light in the near-infrared region is unlikely to be excessively absorbed within the living body 6, so the intensity of the light that has passed through the living body 6 is likely to be maintained, and therefore the blood glucose level can be measured more accurately based on the detection result.

[0058] The light information detected by the main body 3 (detection unit 32) is, as in the first embodiment, for example, light intensity or light absorbance, and it is preferable that the type of light information is selected so that absorption by biomolecules is strongly reflected in the detection results.

[0059] As in the first embodiment, the light source unit 31 includes, for example, a spectroscope 312. In this case, when the light source unit 31 irradiates light of a specific wavelength dispersed by the spectroscope 312, the detection unit 32 can detect the intensity of the light at the specific wavelength or the absorbance of the light at the specific wavelength as light information. Furthermore, when the light source unit 31 sequentially irradiates monochromatic light of different wavelengths dispersed by the spectroscope 312, the detection unit 32 can detect the intensity spectrum of the light at the specific wavelength or the absorbance spectrum of the light at the specific wavelength as light information.

[0060] The detection unit 32 includes, for example, a light receiving element 321 that receives light and outputs a signal according to the intensity of the light, and a processing unit 322 that generates a detection result from the signal output by the light receiving element 321. The configuration of the processing unit 322 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0061] As in the first embodiment, the main body unit 3 (detection unit 32) may further include a transmission unit 323 that transmits the detection results of the light information to the outside, and the processing unit 322 in the main body unit 3 (detection unit 32) may measure the biomolecules based on the detection results.

[0062] The main body 3 is preferably fixed to the earlobe so that the light receiving unit 324 is positioned opposite the irradiation unit 23. For this reason, the main body 3 may have a shape that allows it to be hung on the earlobe, or a shape that allows it to be worn on the auricle like an earphone, or may be configured as part of an item worn on the body, such as glasses, a hair band, or a neck band. In this case, the detection device 1 can be worn on the body for long periods of time, i.e., the detection device 1 can be made wearable. In this case, information for measuring biomolecules of a person or the like can be continuously detected without placing a significant burden on the person or the like who is the subject of biomolecular measurement.

[0063] As in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the detection device 1 may also include a temperature sensor 11 that measures the temperature of the living body 6 and sends the result to the detection unit 32. In this case, the processing unit 322 in the detection unit 32 may correct the detection result based on the measurement result by the temperature sensor 11. In this case, the accuracy of the detection result can be further improved.

[0064] 4. Third Embodiment FIG. 3 schematically shows a detection device 1 according to a third embodiment.

[0065] The detection device 1 of the third embodiment is used to detect information about light that is irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of a secondarily healed open wound and then transmitted through the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 72 of the living body 6, and to obtain the detection results as information for measuring biomolecules.

[0066] 3 and 4, the detection device 1 includes a transmission path 2, an irradiation unit 23, a light source unit 31, and a detection unit 32. In the third embodiment, the light source unit 31 and the detection unit 32 are separate and housed in different housings.

[0067] The light source unit 31 includes a light source 311 that irradiates light onto the transmission path 2. The detection unit 32 includes a light receiving element 321 that detects information of the light sent from the transmission path 2 to the detection unit 32.

[0068] The transmission path 2 includes, for example, an optical fiber 20. The transmission path 2 may further include a coating material 24 that coats the outer surface of the optical fiber 20. The irradiation unit 23 is a portion of the transmission path 2 that can allow light to pass between the inside of the transmission path 2 and the outside of the transmission path 2. Examples of specific configurations of the transmission path 2 and the irradiation unit 23 will be described separately in Section 5 below.

[0069] One end of the transmission line 2 is connected to a light source unit 31 , and the other end opposite to the light source unit 31 is connected to a detection unit 32 .

[0070] The detection unit 32 and the light source unit 31 also serve as the first fastener 4 and the second fastener 5, respectively, for fixing the irradiation unit 23 to the living body 6. Either or both of the light source unit 31 and the detection unit 32 may be detachable from the transmission path 2.

[0071] When detecting information for biomolecule measurement using the detection device 1, first, the tip of the transmission path 2 opposite the main body 3 is inserted into a hole 8 of a secondarily healed open wound in a living body 6 so that the irradiation unit 23 is positioned within this hole 8. The living body 6 is, for example, an earlobe, and in this case the hole 8 is, for example, a piercing hole.

[0072] In this state, the living body 6 is sandwiched between the light source unit 31 and the detection unit 32 , thereby fixing the irradiation unit 23 in the hole 8 .

[0073] In this state, the light source unit 31 irradiates light from the light source 311 onto the transmission path 2. The light is transmitted through the transmission path 2, and a portion of the light is emitted from the irradiation unit 23 to the outside of the transmission path 2. The light emitted to the outside of the transmission path 2 is irradiated onto the epidermis 7 of the living body 6, specifically onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound, i.e., the epidermis 72 on the inner surface of the hole 8. A portion of the light irradiated onto the epidermis 72 passes through the epidermis 72 and is reflected by the surface layer of the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of the living body 6 on the open wound side (the surface layer facing the hole 8), and enters the transmission path 2 via the irradiation unit 23. The light incident on the transmission path 2 is absorbed by biomolecules in the tissue 9, such as glucose in the blood in the tissue 9 or glucose that has migrated from the blood to the interstitial fluid. The light transmitted through the transmission path 2 travels toward the detection unit 32. When the light reaches the detection unit 32, it is detected by the detection unit 32.

[0074] The light that reaches the detection unit 32 includes light reflected from the surface layer of the living body 6. Therefore, the detection result of the light information depends on the type and concentration of biomolecules in the living body 6. Therefore, the biomolecules can be measured based on this detection result.

[0075] In the third embodiment, the epidermis 72 of the open wound of the epidermis 7 of the living body 6 is formed by secondary healing and is therefore thinner than the epidermis 71 of the portion other than the open wound. Therefore, light irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound easily passes through the epidermis 72 and reaches the interstitial fluid or blood vessels. This can improve detection sensitivity. Furthermore, since the epidermis 72 of the open wound was formed by secondary healing and does not have secretory glands, noise due to sweat and sebum is less likely to occur in the detection results, which can improve detection accuracy.

[0076] In the third embodiment, the light emitted from the main body 3 (light source 31) and irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound also includes, for example, infrared light. That is, for example, the light source 311 in the main body 3 (light source 31) is an infrared light source. In this case, the light detected by the main body 3 (detection unit 32) contains infrared absorption caused by biomolecules. That is, detection results dependent on infrared absorption by biomolecules are obtained. Therefore, biomolecules can be measured more accurately based on the detection results.

[0077] The light emitted from the main body 3 (light source 31) and irradiated onto the epidermis 72 of the open wound preferably includes light in the mid-to-far-infrared region, i.e., light in the wavelength range of 2500 nm to 10000 nm. In this case, glucose in particular has a strong absorption band in the mid-to-far-infrared region (an absorption band whose absorbance is several hundred times that of the absorption band in the near-infrared region), so blood glucose levels can be measured more accurately based on the detection results.

[0078] Furthermore, light in the mid-to-far infrared region is easily absorbed by substances derived from the living body 6, and therefore there is a risk of excessive absorption when passing through the living body 6. However, in the first embodiment, light reflected on the surface layer of the living body 6 is detected, so excessive absorption is unlikely to occur within the living body 6. In this respect, too, biomolecules can be measured with even greater accuracy based on the detection results.

[0079] The light information detected by the detection unit 32 is, as in the first embodiment, for example, light intensity or light absorbance, and it is preferable that the type of light information is selected so that absorption by biomolecules is strongly reflected in this light information.

[0080] As in the first embodiment, the light source unit 31 includes, for example, a spectroscope 312. In this case, when the light source unit 31 irradiates light of a specific wavelength dispersed by the spectroscope 312, the intensity of the light at the specific wavelength or the absorbance of the light at the specific wavelength can be obtained as light information in the detection unit 32. Furthermore, when the light source unit 31 sequentially irradiates monochromatic light of different wavelengths dispersed by the spectroscope 312, the intensity spectrum of the light at the specific wavelength or the absorbance spectrum of the light at the specific wavelength can be obtained as light information in the detection unit 32.

[0081] The detection unit 32 includes, for example, a light receiving element 321 that receives light and outputs a signal according to the intensity of the light, and a processing unit 322 that generates a detection result from the signal output by the light receiving element 321. The configuration of the processing unit 322 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0082] As in the first embodiment, the main body 3 (detection unit 32) may further include a transmission unit 323 that transmits the detection results of the light information to the outside, and the processing unit 322 in the main body 3 (detection unit 32) may measure biomolecules based on the detection results of the light information.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the light source unit 31 and the detection unit 32 can be attached to a living body 6 such as an earlobe. This allows the detection device 1 to be worn on the body for long periods of time, i.e., makes the detection device 1 wearable. In this case, it is possible to continuously detect information for measuring biomolecules of a person or the like without imposing a significant burden on the person or the like who is the subject of biomolecular measurement.

[0084] As in the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, the detection device 1 may also include a temperature sensor 11 that measures the temperature of the living body 6 and sends the result to the detection unit 32. In this case, the processing unit 322 in the detection unit 32 may correct the detection result of the light information based on the measurement result by the temperature sensor 11. In this case, the accuracy of the detection result can be further improved.

[0085] 5. Transmission Path and Irradiation Unit An example of the configuration of the transmission path 2 and the irradiation unit 23 in each embodiment will be described.

[0086] When the transmission line 2 includes an optical fiber 20, the optical fiber 20 may have a core 21 and a cladding 22. There are no restrictions on the materials of the core 21 and the cladding 22, and an appropriate material may be selected depending on the wavelength of light transmitted by the transmission line 2.

[0087] For example, the core 21 of the optical fiber 20 is made of germanium-doped silica glass, and the cladding 22 is made of silica glass having a lower refractive index than the core 21 .

[0088] Alternatively, the core 21 of the optical fiber 20 may be hollow (air), and the cladding 22 may include a dielectric layer made of a cyclic olefin polymer or the like that covers the core 21, and a metal layer made of silver or the like that covers the dielectric layer. In this case, attenuation of light can be suppressed when the transmission line 2 transmits light, particularly light in the mid-to-far infrared region.

[0089] A more specific example of the transmission path 2 will be described.

[0090] 5 includes an optical fiber 20 having a core 21 and a cladding 22 that covers the core 21. A part of the cladding 22 is missing, and this missing part of the cladding 22 is an irradiation portion 23. When light is transmitted within the optical fiber 20 in this transmission line 2, near-field light can be emitted from the irradiation portion 23 to the periphery of the irradiation portion 23.

[0091] 5 can be preferably applied to the case of detecting light that has been emitted from the irradiation unit 23 and then reflected by the surface layer of tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of a living body 6, as in the first and third embodiments. That is, when light is transmitted within the optical fiber 20 in the transmission line 2, near-field light is emitted from the irradiation unit 23 to the outside of the transmission line 2. The near-field light that has been emitted to the outside of the transmission line 2 is reflected by the surface layer (surface facing the hole 8) on the open wound side of the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of the living body 6, enters the transmission line 2 via the irradiation unit 23, and can be detected by the detection unit 32.

[0092] 6 includes an optical fiber 20 having a core 21 and a cladding 22 that covers the core 21. A portion of the cladding 22 is missing down to the core 21, and this missing portion of the cladding 22 is an irradiated portion 23. Through this irradiated portion 23, light transmitted through the transmission line 2 can be emitted to the outside of the transmission line 2, and light can be incident from the outside of the transmission line 2 into the transmission line 2.

[0093] 6 can be applied to the case where light is detected after being emitted from the irradiation unit 23 and reflected by the surface layer of tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of a living body 6, as in the first and third embodiments. That is, when light is transmitted within the optical fiber 20 in the transmission line 2, the light is emitted from the irradiation unit 23 to the outside of the transmission line 2. The light emitted to the outside of the transmission line 2 is reflected by the surface layer on the open wound side (the surface layer facing the hole 8) of the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of the living body 6, enters the transmission line 2 via the irradiation unit 23, and can be detected by the detection unit 32.

[0094] 6 can also be applied to the case where light is emitted from the irradiation unit 23, irradiated onto the epidermis, and detected after passing through tissues inside the epidermis of a living body, as in the second embodiment. That is, when light is transmitted within the optical fiber 20 in the transmission line 2, the light is emitted from the irradiation unit 23 to the outside of the transmission line 2. The light emitted to the outside of the transmission line 2 can be detected by the detection unit 32 after passing through tissues 9 inside the epidermis 7 of the living body 6.

[0095] The transmission line 2 shown in FIG. 7 includes an optical fiber 20 having a core 21 and a cladding 22 that covers the core 21 , and also includes a coating material 24 that coats the outer surface of the optical fiber 20 .

[0096] The coating material 24 has an opening, and the location of this opening in the transmission line 2 is the irradiation section 23. The optical fiber 20 includes a detection optical fiber 20A and an irradiation optical fiber 20B.

[0097] The illumination optical fiber 20B connects the light source unit 31 and the illumination unit 23. One end of the illumination optical fiber 20B is connected to the light source unit 31. The end of the illumination optical fiber 20B opposite the light source unit 31 is bent toward the illumination unit 23, and the end face of the illumination optical fiber 20B on the illumination unit 23 side is exposed to the outside of the transmission path 2 at the illumination unit 23. Therefore, light emitted from the light source unit 31 is transmitted through the illumination optical fiber 20B and can be emitted from the illumination unit 23 to the outside of the transmission path 2. Note that in the illumination unit 23, total reflection prisms made of diamond, germanium, or the like may be provided on the end faces of each of the detection optical fiber 20A and the illumination optical fiber 20B. In other words, the total reflection prisms may be interposed between the end faces of each of the detection optical fiber 20A and the illumination optical fiber 20B and the epidermis 72.

[0098] The detection optical fiber 20A connects the detection unit 32 and the irradiation unit 23. One end of the detection optical fiber 20A is connected to the detection unit 32. The end of the detection optical fiber 20A opposite to the detection unit 32 is bent toward the irradiation unit 23, and the end face of the detection optical fiber 20A on the irradiation unit 23 side is exposed to the outside of the transmission path 2 at the irradiation unit 23. Therefore, light incident on the irradiation unit 23 from outside the transmission path 2 can be transmitted through the detection optical fiber 20A and sent to the detection unit 32.

[0099] 7 can be applied when the light source unit 31 and the detection unit 32 are connected by the transmission line 2 as in the third embodiment, and when light is detected after being emitted from the irradiation unit 23 and reflected by the surface layer of the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of the living body 6. That is, when light is transmitted within the optical fiber 20 in the transmission line 2, the light is emitted from the irradiation unit 23 to the outside of the transmission line 2. The light emitted to the outside of the transmission line 2 is reflected by the surface layer on the open wound side (the surface layer facing the hole 8) of the tissue 9 inside the epidermis 7 of the living body 6, enters the transmission line 2 via the irradiation unit 23, and can be detected by the detection unit 32.

[0100] 6. Modifications In the first and second embodiments, the main body 3 serves both as the light source 31 and the detection unit 32. However, the light source 31 and the detection unit 32 may be provided in different housings as in the third embodiment. Also, in the first embodiment, the main body 3 may also serve as the second fastener. Also, in the third embodiment, the positions of the light source 31 and the detection unit 32 may be reversed.

[0101] Furthermore, the optical fiber 20 constituting the transmission path 2 does not have to be a single optical fiber, and for example, the transmission path 2 may include a bundle of multiple optical fibers 20. In this case, for example, if the multiple optical fibers 20 include an optical fiber 20 that transmits detection light and an optical fiber 20 that transmits correction light, the stability of the measurement results can be improved.

[0102] Alternatively, the light source unit 31 may include a plurality of light sources 311 that emit light of different wavelengths, and the transmission path 2 may include a plurality of optical fibers 20 that transmit the light emitted by the plurality of light sources 311. That is, the transmission path 2 may include a plurality of optical fibers 20 that transmit light of different wavelengths. In this case, detection results based on light of a plurality of wavelengths can be obtained, which may improve detection accuracy.

[0103] In the first, second and third embodiments, a piercing hole in an earlobe is given as an example of an open wound, but the open wound may be a piercing hole in a part of the body other than the earlobe, and the open wound does not have to be a piercing hole.

[0104] The configuration of the irradiation unit 23 is not limited to that of the first, second, and third embodiments, as long as it can enable the movement of light between the transmission line 2 and the outside of the transmission line 2 .

[0105] [Aspects] As made clear by the above embodiments, the present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0106] The first aspect of the method for detecting information for biomolecular measurement includes irradiating light onto the epidermis (72) of a secondarily healed open wound in a living body (6), and detecting information about the light after it has been irradiated onto the epidermis (72).

[0107] According to this embodiment, information on the light after irradiating the living body (6) can be obtained non-invasively as information for measuring biomolecules, and noise in the detection results can be suppressed.

[0108] In a second aspect, the biomolecule in the first aspect is glucose, and measuring the biomolecule is measuring a blood glucose level.

[0109] According to this embodiment, information about the light after irradiating the living body (6) can be obtained non-invasively as information for measuring blood glucose levels, and noise in the detection results can be suppressed.

[0110] In a third aspect, the open wound in the first or second aspect is a piercing hole.

[0111] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the light irradiated onto the epidermis (72) includes infrared light.

[0112] According to this embodiment, information on light that depends on infrared absorption by biomolecules can be obtained as information for measuring biomolecules.

[0113] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the infrared light includes light in the mid-to-far infrared region.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the accuracy of the detection result can be improved.

[0115] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the light after being irradiated onto the epidermis (72) is light after being reflected by the surface layer of the tissue (9) inside the epidermis (72) of the living body (6).

[0116] According to this embodiment, the accuracy of the detection result can be improved.

[0117] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the light information includes information on a change in light due to absorption caused by a biomolecule.

[0118] According to this embodiment, information based on absorption caused by biomolecules can be used for biomolecule measurement.

[0119] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the light after being irradiated onto the epidermis (72) is light after being reflected by the surface layer of the tissue (9) inside the epidermis (72) of the living body (6).

[0120] According to this embodiment, the accuracy of the detection result can be improved.

[0121] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the light after being irradiated onto the epidermis (72) is light after passing through tissue (9) inside the epidermis (72) of the living body (6).

[0122] The information detection device (1) for biomolecule measurement according to the ninth aspect includes a light source unit (31) that emits light, a transmission path (2) that transmits the light, an irradiation unit (23) that irradiates the light transmitted from the transmission path (2) onto the epidermis (72) of the open wound while attached to a secondarily healed open wound in a living body (6), and a detection unit (32) that detects information about the light after it has been irradiated from the irradiation unit (23) onto the epidermis (72).

[0123] According to this embodiment, the detection results of the light information after irradiating the living body (6) can be obtained non-invasively as information for measuring biomolecules, and noise in the detection results can be suppressed.

[0124] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Detector 2 Transmission path 23 Irradiation unit 31 Light source unit 32 Detector unit 6 Living body 72 Epidermis 8 Hole (pierced hole) 9 Tissue

Claims

1. A method for detecting information for measuring biomolecules, comprising: irradiating light onto the epidermis of a secondarily healed open wound in a living organism; and detecting information about the light after it has been irradiated onto the epidermis.

2. The method for detecting information for measuring a biomolecule according to claim 1, wherein the biomolecule is glucose, and measuring the biomolecule is measuring a blood glucose level.

3. The method for detecting information for biomolecule measurement according to claim 1, wherein the open wound is a piercing hole.

4. The method for detecting information for biomolecule measurement according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiated onto the epidermis includes infrared light.

5. The method for detecting information for biomolecule measurement according to claim 4, wherein the infrared light includes light in the mid-to-far infrared region.

6. The method for detecting information for biomolecule measurement according to claim 1, wherein the light information includes information on a change in the light due to absorption caused by the biomolecule.

7. The method for detecting information for biomolecule measurement according to claim 1, wherein the light after being irradiated onto the epidermis is the light after being reflected by the surface layer of tissue inside the epidermis of the living body.

8. The method for detecting information for biomolecule measurement according to claim 1, wherein the light after being irradiated onto the epidermis is the light after being transmitted through tissues of the living body that are located inside the epidermis.

9. A device for detecting information for measuring biomolecules, comprising: a light source unit that emits light; a transmission path that transmits the light; an irradiation unit that is attached to a secondarily healed open wound in a living organism and irradiates the light transmitted from the transmission path onto the epidermis of the open wound; and a detection unit that detects information about the light after it has been irradiated onto the epidermis from the irradiation unit.

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