Devices, methods, and systems for analyzing a sample

Abstract

Detection devices, systems, and methods include those for detecting and / or analyzing analytes from a subject. In some cases, a device for detecting and / or analyzing analytes from a subject may include a housing configured to be secured to the subject, a reactant array disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of reactants, and a window configured to allow visual observation of the reactant array through the housing. The housing may be configured to create an enclosed volume between the skin and the reactant array when the housing is secured to the subject. In some examples, the housing may be secured to the subject with a vacuum pressure, an adhesive substrate, a band, and / or other suitable securing component.

Description

Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR ANALYZING A SAMPLECross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 754,356, filed February 5, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to sensing and analysis tools, and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to devices and systems for sensing and analyzing samples, and methods for manufacturing and using such devices.Background

[0003] A wide variety of devices have been developed for collection, storing, sensing, and analysis of samples. These devices are manufactured by any one of a variety of different manufacturing methods and may be used according to any one of a variety of methods. Of the known medical devices and methods, each has certain advantages and disadvantages.Brief Summary

[0004] This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for sensing and analysis devices. Although it is noted that collection, storing, sensing, and analysis approaches and systems are known, there exists a need for improvement on those approaches and systems.

[0005] An example device for analyzing analytes from skin may include a housing configured to be placed on skin of a subj ect, an adhesive substrate disposed on a bottom surface of the housing, a reactant array disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of analyte-sensitive formulations, and a window in the housing configured to allow visual observation of the reactant array, wherein the housing may be configured to create an enclosed volume between the skin and the reactant array when placed on the subject's skin.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the plurality of analyte-sensitive formulations may comprise a first set of formulations with a first set ofAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111dimensions and a second set of formulations with a second set of dimensions larger than the first set of dimensions.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the first set of formulations may be configured to monitor spatial sensitivity to specific analytes.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the second set of formulations may be configured to monitor temporal adsorption of analytes.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the device may include a pump configured to create a vacuum between the housing and the skin.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the vacuum pump may include a bulb-type pump with one or more one-way valves.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the housing may be configured to be placed on a forehead or neck of the subject.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the housing may be compliant to conform to contours of the subject's skin.

[0013] In another example, a method for analyzing skin health may include positioning a device comprising a reactant array on skin of a subject, creating an enclosed volume between the skin and the CSA, collecting analytes emanating from the skin within the enclosed volume, exposing the reactant array to the collected analytes, and analyzing changes in the reactant array to determine skin health parameters.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the method may include correlating changes in the reactant array to metabolic changes in response to external stimuli.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, analyzing changes may comprise detecting markers of oxidative stress.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, analyzing changes may comprise detecting markers of inflammation.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, analyzing changes may comprise detecting markers of collagen synthesis or degradation.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the method may include monitoring real-time changes in the reactant array while the device is placed on the skin.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0019] In another example, a system for monitoring skin health may include a device comprising a housing with a reactant array and a vacuum source coupled to the housing, wherein the vacuum source may be configured to create a vacuum between the housing and skin of a subject to accelerate withdrawal of analytes from the skin.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the vacuum source may be configured to accelerate release of the analytes within the enclosed volume.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the reactant array may be suspended within the housing to prevent direct contact with the skin.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the system may include a carrier substrate that contains and suspends the reactant array.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the carrier substrate may comprise a porous material.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the system may be configured to provide results within minutes of application to the skin.

[0025] An example device for analyzing analytes from a subject may include a housing configured to be secured to the subject with vacuum pressure, a reactant array disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of reactants, a window configured to allow visual observation of the reactant array through the housing, and wherein the housing is configured to create an enclosed volume between the subject and the housing when the housing is secured to the subject.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the plurality of reactants may include a first set of reactants with a first set of dimensions and a second set of reactants with a second set of dimensions larger than the first set of dimensions.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the first set of reactants may be configured to monitor spatial adsorption of one or more analytes.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the second set of reactants may be configured to monitor temporal adsorption of one or more analytes.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the device may include a pump configured to create the vacuum pressure between the housing and the subject.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the pump may include a bulb-type pump with one or more one-way valves.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the device may include an adhesive substrate on a surface of the housing, the adhesive substrate is configured to facilitate securing the housing to the subject.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the housing may include a compliant material to conform to contours of a surface of the subject.

[0033] An example method for analyzing health of a subject may include positioning a device comprising housing and a reactant array within the housing on the subject, creating a vacuum pressure in an enclosed volume between the subject and the housing, and analyzing changes in the reactant array to determine one or more conditions of the subject.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the method may include detecting metabolic changes in response to external stimuli based on changes in the reactant array.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the method may include detecting markers of oxidative stress based on changes in the reactant array.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the method may include detecting markers of inflammation based on changes in the reactant array.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the method may include detecting markers of collagen synthesis or degradation.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the method may include monitoring real-time changes in the reactant array while the device is positioned on the subject.

[0039] An example system for monitoring skin health of a subject may include a housing and a reactant array located within the housing, wherein the housing is configured to be actuated to create a vacuum pressure between the housing and the subject to secure the housing to the subject.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the housing comprises a pump and the pump is configured to create the vacuum pressure and accelerate release of analytes from the subject within an enclosed volume between the housing and the subject.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0041] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the reactant array is suspended within the housing to prevent direct contact with the subject.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the system may include a carrier substrate within the housing, the carrier substrate contains and suspends the reactant array within the housing.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, the carrier substrate may include a porous material.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments in this section, reactants of the reactant array are configured within the housing to monitor spatial adsorption of one or more analytes and temporal adsorption of one or more analytes.

[0045] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative detector on a surface of a subject;

[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the illustrative detector device of FIG.1, taken along line 2-2;

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an illustrative detector device;

[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of an illustrative detector device;

[0051] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative sensing system;

[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative sensing system;

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative computing system;

[0054] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of an illustrative detector device;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an illustrative detector device;

[0056] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of an illustrative detector device;

[0057] FIG. 11 is a schematic top perspective view of an illustrative detector device;

[0058] FIG. 12 is a schematic top perspective view of an illustrative detector device;Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0059] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative detector device;

[0060] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative detector device;

[0061] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative detector device;

[0062] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative detector device;

[0063] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an illustrative detector device secured to a forehead of a subject;

[0064] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an illustrative detector device secured to a neck of a subject; and

[0065] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative method for analyzing health of a subject.

[0066] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Detailed Description

[0067] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

[0068] The term “fluid” is inclusive of both liquids and gases.

[0069] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0070] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0071] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0072] It is noted that references in the specification to “a configuration”, “some configurations”, “other configurations”, etc., indicate that the configuration described may include one or more particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. However, such recitations do not necessarily mean that all configurations include the particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. Additionally, when particular features, structures, and / or characteristics are described in connection with one configuration, it should be understood that such features, structures, and / or characteristics may also be used in connection with other configurations whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0073] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar structures in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, it should be noted that in any given figure, some features may not be shown, or may be shown schematically, for clarity and / or simplicity. Additional details regarding some components and / or method steps may be illustrated in other figures in greater detail. The devices and / or methods disclosed herein may provide a number of desirable features and benefits as described in more detail below.

[0074] Fluids with concentrations of volatile compounds (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) and / or gasses, which may or may not be hazardous, may be sensed, analyzed, and / or monitored. Sensing, analyzing, and / or monitoring of fluids with analytes (e.g., non-volatile or volatile compounds, gases, liquids and / or other fluids) may utilize absorption and / or reflectance measurements of reactants exposed to such fluids for any purpose including, but not limited to, diagnostic hazard warning, manufacturing processes or quality control, record keeping, archival purposes, product development, product-consumer matching, etc.

[0075] In some cases, VOCs and / or gasses may be present in ambient fluid (e.g., ambient air, etc.) and sensed, analyzed, and / or monitored using reactants for real-time alarms, to treat subjects, or to collect and / or archive data for health records, regulatory compliance records, etc. Further, VOCs and / or gasses exhaled or emitted, excreted, emanated, released, and / orAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111secreted from a subject (e.g., humans, animals other than humans, food, produce, meat, pathogens, bacteria (e.g., good and / or bad bacteria), plants, wounds, ulcers, surgical sites, skin of a subject, mouth of a subject, nasal passages of a subject, sinuses of a subject, rectum area of a subject, vaginal area of a subject, genitals area of a subject, ear canals of a subject, pores of a subject, etc.) may be sensed, analyzed, and / or monitored to assess hazardous, dangerous, or illegal substances in or at the subject or target site, a lung condition of lungs of a subject, a condition of a blood disease, a condition of infections, conditions related to diseases or biological conditions, conditions related to general health, conditions related to food flavors, conditions related to perfumes or smells, and / or other suitable conditions.

[0076] The devices, systems, and methods discussed herein may utilize techniques for non-invasively detecting one or more analytes of interest (e.g., one or more pathogens responsible for specific human skin health, infections including, but not limited to, skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginitis, wound infections, ulcers, etc., and / or other suitable analytes) from a fluid using a reactant array to allow for early detection of and early implementation of protocols to address one or more conditions associated with any sensed analytes of interest. Enhanced classification of one or more analytes detected using the systems described herein may enable detection and identification of responsible analyte at the very beginning stages of a dangerous skin infection, reaction, or condition, which may result in a high level of protection and probability of a favorable outcome for subjects.

[0077] The disclosed concepts may be configured to detect analytes (e.g., volatile and / or non-volatile organic compounds, etc.) emanating from the skin of a subject. In some examples, a reactant array (e.g., a colorimetric sensor array (CSA)) may be configured to sense and / or detect health of the skin and / or overall health of the subject based on analytes emanating from the skin. The disclosed concepts may be configured to acquire fluids with analytes that emanate from the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, glands, etc. that can interact with custom reactant arrays to detect one or more particular volatile signatures that correlate to one or more conditions of a subject including, but not limited to, an illness status (e.g., cancer detection, Parkinson’s detection, etc.), a health of the skin of the subject, a metabolism of the subject, a skin microbiome condition, a facial microbiome condition (e.g., a condition of sebum, hydration, etc.), functional health, and / or the general overall health of the subject. Although the devices, systems, and methods discussed herein may be discussed in relation to skin health,Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111the devices, systems, and methods may be utilized in other applications including, but not limited, to diagnosing the health of plants, the health of perishable food items, aromas or smells that may be complementary, a health of a wound, and / or may be used in other suitable applications.

[0078] The future of skincare lies in understanding the intricate language of the skin of a subject, both inside and out. While current methods primarily focus on the skin's physical structure, a deeper understanding of its metabolic function may unlock personalized skincare.

[0079] Traditional assessments skin conditions, such as visual examination, biopsies, and imaging techniques like dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy, etc., provide valuable information about skin morphology, pigmentation, and collagen structure. However, these methods offer limited insight into the dynamic metabolic processes occurring within the skin and fail to capture the true picture of biological skin aging. Chronological age, while a factor, does not always correlate with how our skin behaves. Some individuals exhibit youthful skin despite their advanced years, while others experience premature aging. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to skin analysis, one that delves beyond the surface and captures the metabolic nuances of skin health.

[0080] VOCs and / or other suitable analytes, released through perspiration and microbial activity, provide a unique window into the metabolic health of the skin. The VOCs offer a snapshot of the intricate biochemical processes underlying skin aging, revealing the true biological age of the skin, irrespective of chronological age. By analyzing a VOC profile of a subject, insights into factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen breakdown, which are key drivers of skin aging, may be learned. For instance, elevated levels of certain aldehydes, byproducts of lipid peroxidation, can indicate increased oxidative stress, a hallmark of aging. Similarly, changes in the levels of VOCs associated with collagen synthesis or degradation can reveal the skin's ability to maintain its structural integrity.

[0081] Devices and / or methods for non-invasive acquisition of fluids with analytes and detection of the analytes may be useful for the skin health industry (e g., skin care industry, cosmetics industry, acne focused industry, skin scarring industry, skin transplant industry, artificial skin industry, burned skin care industry, health / dietician industry, screening for neurologic conditions, etc.) In some examples, use of or exposure to nutritional supplements,Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111cosmetics, lotions, UV protections, environmental effects, etc. may be monitored to assess an effectiveness and / or an impact of such monitored uses or exposures.

[0082] In the skin health industry, there may be one or more benefits to understanding the current state of a health of skin of a subject and / or an effect of an application of a treatment (e.g., application of a cosmetic, application of a lotion, application of a covering, etc.) to the benefit or detriment of the health of the skin of the subject. Knowing the effectiveness of applying a therapy or treatment to the skin (e.g., as a remedy, to improve a condition, to revitalize the skin, etc.) of a particular subject may benefit the subject and / or the skin health industry. The concepts disclosed herein may facilitate assessing pre, post, and temporal responses of skin to one or more therapies or treatments.

[0083] A detector device may be configured for rapidly and non-invasively collecting fluids with analytes emanating from the skin of the subject and detecting the analytes in the fluid. In some examples, the detector device may be configured to be placed on skin and / or collect analytes emanating from the skin of the subject at the forehead of the subject, at the neck of the subject, at an arm of the subject, at a leg of the subject, and / or at one or more other suitable location on the skin of the subject.

[0084] The forehead may be a desirable location for detector device placement and analyte (e.g., VOC, etc.) monitoring as there is virtually no hair on the forehead to disrupt adhesion (if using a tacky / sticky material), there is no or limited extreme movement or flexing of the skin at the forehead, the forehead is relatively flat, the detector device may be easily applied to skin at the forehead, the detector device placed on the forehead may be visible to an observer, and the forehead may provide a reasonable amount of surface area from which to collect analytes.

[0085] The forehead is rich in sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (e.g., the oily secretion produced by sebaceous glands in the skin) to help moisturize and protect the skin and which may exude analytes that may be collected and / or detected by the detector device. Sebum from the forehead may be analyzed in dermatological studies and sampled in skincare research because of its accessibility and richness as it plays a role in skin health, acne development, and the effectiveness of skincare products. Sebum is a metabolic mirror as it can be influenced by the body’s lipid metabolism, which can be altered by central nervous system (CNS) conditions. Furthermore, sebum could be used as a complimentary proxy for identifying metabolic disturbances that warrant further investigation into CNS and CSF (cerebral spinal fluid)Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111conditions, for example. Furthermore, sebum biomarkers can guide personalized skincare regimens and may be and / or may include analytes detectable with the detector device.

[0086] The back of the neck is also an area that may be used for analyzing sebum for use in detecting various states of skin health and / or general health (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.) Similar to the forehead, the back of the neck is rich in sebaceous glands and provides a reliable source of sebum. Collecting sebum and / or other analytes from the neck of the subject may be non-invasive and a straightforward process, making it an attractive method for early screening or monitoring of skin health and / or general health.

[0087] Turning to the Figures, Figure 1 depicts a schematic perspective view of an illustrative detecting device or detector 100 positioned on a surface 126 of a subject 124 (e.g., a target location of the subject). The subject 124 may be any suitable type of subject 124. For example, the subject may be a mammalian body, an animal, stomach, a food product, a plant, an inanimate object, and / or other suitable subject. In one example, the detector 100 may be configured to detect analytes (e.g., VOCs and / or other chemical substances) from skin of a mammalian body, such as a human or other animal patient or subject. In some examples, the detected analytes may be of the types emitted, secreted, emanated, released, and / or excreted to, from, or through skin and / or the surface 126 of the subject 124.

[0088] The detector 100 may include one or more components. For example, the detector 100 may include one or more of a target facing component 111, a detecting component 113, a cover component 115, and / or one or more other suitable components as discussed herein or otherwise. Further, the functions and / or configurations of the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, the cover component 115, and / or other suitable components of the detector 100 may be implemented in one or more physical components formed from one or more materials, as desired. In one example configuration of the detector 100, the detector 100 may include at least the detecting component 113 configured to detect analytes (e.g., VOCs and / or other chemical substances) emitted, secreted, emanated, released, and / or excreted to, from, or through the surface 126, wounds, skin, and / or other suitable target locations of, on, or from the subject 124, where the included detecting component 113 may or may not take on certain functions or configurations, discussed herein, of the target facing component 111 and / or the cover component 115.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0089] The detector 100 may be configured in layers and may include any suitable number of layers, but this is not required, and other suitable configurations are contemplated. As depicted in Figure 1, the detector 100 may include a first layer 112, a second layer 114, and a third layer 116. In some cases, the first layer 112 may be configured as the target facing component 111, the second layer 114 may be configured as the detecting component 113, and the third layer 116 may be configured as the cover component 115, but this is not required, and the detector 100 may have fewer than three layers, more than three layers, and / or layers formed from sub -layers.

[0090] The detector 100 may include a housing that is configured from one or more materials of the one or more layers or components or configured from one or more materials different than or separate from the one or more materials of the one or more layers or components. In some cases, the target facing component 111 and the cover component 115 may form a housing for the detecting component 113. Alternatively or additionally, a housing component may be configured to extend at least partially around one or more of, including all of or less than all of, the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, and the cover component 115 to house the components of the detector 100.

[0091] As depicted in Figure 1, each of the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, and the cover component 115 may have a same or similar diameter. Other configurations of the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, and the cover component 115 are contemplated. In one example, the detecting component 113 may have a diameter or dimensions that is less than a diameter or dimensions of the target facing component 111 and / or the cover component 115, such that the target facing component 111 and / or the cover component 115 may form a housing around the detecting component 113. In another example, the target facing component 111 and the detecting component 113 may have diameters or dimensions that are less than a diameter or dimensions of the cover component 115, such that the cover component 115 may extend around (e.g., cover) the target facing component 111 and / or the detecting component 113 to form a housing that may contact the surface 126 of the subject 124 at or proximate a target location.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0092] The components of the detector 100 may be coupled together in any suitable manner. For example, the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, the cover component 115, and / or other suitable components of the detector 100 may be attached or affixed to one another by use of adhesives, bonding techniques (e.g., ultrasonic welding, laser welding, etc.), heat staking, clips, mechanical clips, over molding, printing the component on another component, friction fits, interlocking features, one or more housings (e.g., as discussed above or otherwise), and / or other suitable coupling techniques.

[0093] The detector 100 may take on various suitable configurations. In some examples of the detector 100, the target facing component 111 may be coupled to a first side of the cover component 115 and the detecting component 113 may be coupled to the first side of the cover component 115 within an inner circumference of the coupling between the target facing component 111 and the cover component 115. In some examples of the detector 100, the target facing component 111 may include a first side configured to face the subject 124 (e.g., face a target location of the subject 124) and a second side opposite of the first side, the detecting component 113 may be coupled to the second side of the target facing component 111, and the cover component 115 may be coupled to the second side of the target facing component 111. In some examples of the detector 100, the target facing component 111 may be omitted and the detecting component 113 may be coupled to a first side of the cover component 115, such that the detecting component 113 may be exposed to analytes (e.g., VOCs and / or other chemical substances) from the target location. In some examples of the detector 100, the cover component 115 may be omitted and the detecting component 113 may be coupled to the target facing component 111 at a side of the target facing component 111 opposite a side configured to face the target location. Other suitable configurations are contemplated.

[0094] When two or more of the components and / or layers of the detector 100 are affixed or coupled to one another, the components and / layers may be configured to be separated from one another and / or permanently secured to one another. In some example configurations of the detector 100 including the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, and the cover component 115, the detecting component 113 may be separated from the cover component 115 and the target facing component 111 such that the detecting component 113 may be individually transported and / or analyzed. Such a configuration may allow for the reAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111use of all or some of the components of the detector 100 and / or inserting a new detecting component 113 into the detector 100. Additionally or alternatively, the detecting component 113 may be analyzed at the detector 100.

[0095] The detector 100 may take on any suitable shape, profile, aspect ratio, and / or size, to accommodate various usability, clinical, manufacturing, packaging, marketing, etc. factors. As depicted in Figure 1, the detector 100 may take on a circular profile, although other suitable shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, hexagonal, ovoid, irregular, etc.) may be utilized. Other suitable configurations of the detector 100 are contemplated.

[0096] The detector 100, individual components thereof, and / or portions of components may be rigid, compliant, and / or flexible. When the detector 100 is configured to contact the surface 126 of the subject 124 and / or an area at or around another target location, the rigidity, compliance, and / or flexibility of the components of the detector 100 may be configured to create a desirable seal with the surface 126 of the subject 124 or area at or around another target location that facilitates detecting analytes from the exterior surface 126 of the subject 124 (e.g., from a cutaneous surface or other suitable surface). In one example, the target facing component 111 may be a structure configured to orient the detecting component 113 proximate the target location of the subject 124 and expose the detecting component 113 to analyte from the target location, and as such, may be configured to be compliant or to have a compliant and rigid portion so as to conform to the surface 126 of the subject 124 or other portion of the subject. A compliant and / or flexible detector 100 may facilitate creating gas turbulence within the detector 100 by applying manual oscillating pressure to the cover component 115 to mix analytes and promote circulation and efficient contact of analytes with the detecting component 113.

[0097] The components 111, 113, 115 and / or layers 112, 114, 116 of the detector 100 may be formed from any suitable materials or combinations of materials. Example materials include, but are not limited to, woven material (e.g., a material formed from a matrix of threads and / or other suitable woven material), porous materials, non-porous material, fabric, paper, filter material, plastic, rubber, glass, metal, aluminum, polymer, polyolefin, silicone, calcium sodium phosphosilicates (e.g., bioglass), bioceramic, polycarbonate, polypropylene,Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111polyethylene terephthalate (PET), coatings, other suitable materials, and / or composites or combinations thereof. The material of the components of the detector 100 may be configured to form a rigid detector 100, a flexible detector 100, a detector 100 having flexible portions, a detector 100 having rigid portions, and / or a detector 100 having one or more other suitably configured portions.

[0098] The components 111, 113, 115 of the detector 100 may each be formed from one or more one or more materials and may be formed from one or more sub-components or layers. In some examples, a component 111, 113, 115 of the detector 100 may be formed from two or more layers (e.g., where the layers are entirely or at least partially overlapping) or adjacent sub-components (e.g., where the sub-components are entirely or at least partially nonoverlapping) of a same material. In some examples, a component 111, 113, 115 of the detector 100 may be formed from two or more layers or sub -components, where at least one material is different from another material of the layers or sub-components.

[0099] The target facing component 111 may be formed from any suitable material. Example materials used for forming the target facing component 111 include, but are not limited to, plastic, rubber, glass, metal, aluminum polypropylene, polytetrafluorethylene, PET foam, polyurethane foam, reticulated foam, adhesive foam, gas permeable materials, gas impermeable materials, other suitable materials, and / or combinations thereof. In one example, the target facing component 111 may be formed from polypropylene and may form a hydrophobic, gas permeable membrane between the detecting component 113 and a target location, but this is not required. Forming the target facing component 111 at least partially of a hydrophobic, gas permeable membrane may allow for gasses containing analytes to reach the detecting component 113, while preventing contamination of the detecting component 113 from liquids at or adjacent the target location. Additionally or alternatively to forming the target facing component 111 from a hydrophobic, gas permeable membrane, the target facing component 111 may include vent holes define an opening between the target location and the detecting component 113, or may include other suitable openings, to facilitate gaseous analytes passing (e.g., permeating) from the target location to the detecting component 113. In some cases, the target facing component 111 may be formed from a gas and / or liquid impermeable material to facilitate creating a seal (e.g., a hermetic seal or other suitable seal) with the coverAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111component 115 at and / or around the target location to isolate the analytes emanating from the target location within the detector 100 for detecting by the detecting component 113.

[0100] The target facing component 111 may be entirely or at least partially flexible, pliable, and / or rigid. In one example, the target facing component 111 may be at least partially flexible, pliable, or compliant so as to conform to a surface of a subject’s anatomy (e.g., conform to a surface of a subject’s arm). In some examples, a flexible, pliable, or compliant target facing component 111 may facilitate creating a seal with a subject’s anatomy and isolating the analytes emanating from the target location within the detector 100. In some examples, the target facing component 111 may have one or more rigid portions that may be more rigid than other less rigid flexible, pliable, or compliant portions to facilitate stabilizing the detector 100 when secured to the subject 124.

[0101] The cover component 115 may be formed from any suitable material. Example materials used for forming the cover component 115 include, but are not limited to, plastic, rubber, glass, metal, aluminum, polymer, polyolefin, silicone, calcium sodium phosphosilicates (e.g., bioglass), bioceramic, polycarbonate, polypropylene, PET, polytetrafluorethylene, other suitable materials, and / or combinations thereof. In some cases, the cover component 115 may be porous, may be gas permeable, may have vent holes, may have a port, and / or otherwise be configured to facilitate a flow of fluid containing analytes through the detector 100. Alternatively or additionally, the cover component 115 may be non-porous to facilitate maintaining analytes from a target location within the detector 100 for detection.

[0102] In one example configuration, the cover component 115 may be or may have a portion that is a transparent (e.g., clear or otherwise transparent to human eyes and / or viewing technologies) material (e.g., a transparent polymer material and / or other suitable material) that may allow for viewing and / or analyzing the detecting component 113 through the cover component 115. A transparent or clear cover component 115 may facilitate heating the subject’s anatomy through the cover component 115 using infrared light and / or other heating sources to increase analyte production from the subject’ s anatomy. A material of a transparent or clear cover component 115 may be configured to provide optical magnification that isAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111configured to magnify a view of analyte sensitive material of the detecting component 113 to help facilitate the analysis process through the cover component 115. Additionally or alternative, a transparent or clear cover component 115 may be configured as a filter so as to filter certain wavelengths of light and cause changes in analyte sensitive material of the detecting component 113 to be more readily viewable and / or understandable relative to not using a filter. In some examples, a transparent portion of the cover component 115 may be or may include a window for viewing, imaging, and / or analyzing the reactant array and / or other features of the detector 100.

[0103] The cover component 115 may be opaque such that the reactant array cannot be viewed from exterior of the cover component 115. In such instances, the reactant array may be removed from the detector 100 (or a housing of the detector) and analyzed by a remote reader or analysis device and / or by a human.

[0104] The cover component 115 may be entirely or at least partially flexible, pliable, and / or rigid. In one example, the cover component 115 may be at least partially flexible, pliable, or compliant so as to facilitate the detector 100 conforming to a surface of a subject’s anatomy (e.g., conform to a surface of a subject’s arm). In some cases, a flexible, pliable, or compliant cover component 115 may facilitate isolating and / or producing the analytes emanating from the target location within the detector 100.

[0105] Although not depicted in Figure 1, the target facing component 111, the cover component 115, and / or other suitable components of the detector 100 may include one or more openings. In some cases, the opening(s) may facilitate a fluid flow (e.g., air flow) through or across the detector 100, facilitate creating turbulence within the detector 100, etc., but this is not required. In some examples, the cover component 115 may include a single opening extending through a top of the cover component 115, but configurations with additional or alternative opening configurations are contemplated. In some examples, when the detector 100 includes an opening, one or more valves may be located or in communication with the opening to control fluid into and / or out of the detector 100.

[0106] The opening of the cover component 115, when included, may be in communication with a vacuum. In some examples, the opening of the cover component 115Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111or other portion of the detector 100 may be in fluid communication with a pump or other vacuum source of the detector 100. In some examples, the opening of the cover component 115 may be a vacuum port configured to engage a vacuum producing device (e.g., a pump) via any suitable air-tight connection. In one example, the opening may be fitted or integrated with a nipple, protrusion, and / or other suitable component or configuration to facilitate connecting a vacuum tube or similar receptacle to the detector 100. The nipple, protrusion, and / or other suitable component or configuration may be made from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, polylactic acid and / or other suitable material to facilitate creating a pressure gradient that enhances a flow of analytes from a target location of or on the subject’s anatomy to the detecting component 113.

[0107] The detecting component 113 may be configured from one or more materials that are selected for one or more purposes including to, but not limited to, detect or react in response to contact with one or more types of analytes (e.g., VOCs and / or other suitable chemical compounds from a target location). In some examples, the detecting component 113 may include one or more analyte sensitive materials (e.g., a reactant array) applied to one or more sides of a substrate. In one example, the detecting component 113 may be a colorimetric sensor array (CSA) or fluorometric sensor array (FSA), but this is not required, and other suitable arrays or configurations of analyte sensitive material are contemplated. Further, the materials of the detecting component 113 may be selected to form a detection component 113 that is entirely or at least partially rigid, pliable, and / or flexible. Alternatively or additionally, the detecting component 113 may be entirely or at least primarily configured from analyte sensitive material.

[0108] The material(s) or layer(s) of the detecting component 113 may be configured to detect or monitor adsorption (e.g., a presence) of different types of one or more analytes, detect or monitor spatial adsorption (e.g., spatial presence) of one or more analytes, and / or detect or monitor temporal adsorption (e.g., temporal presence) of one or more analytes from the subject 124. In some examples, the detecting component 113 may include one or more substrate (e.g., a carrier substrate) materials or layers and one or more reactant materials or layers configured to adsorb and / or react to a presence of analytes. In some examples of the detecting component 113 including at least two or more layers or sub-components with at least one layer or subAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111component formed from a first material different from a second material of another layer or sub-component, the first material may be or include a first reactant comprising an analyte sensitive material configured to detect a first type of analyte and the second material may be or include a second reactant comprising an analyte sensitive material configured to detect a second type of analyte, but this is not required. In some examples of the detecting component 113 including at least two or more layers or sub-components with at least one layer or subcomponent formed from a first material different from a second material of another layer or sub-component, the first material may be or include a first reactant comprising an analyte sensitive material configured to detect one or more analytes at or after a first time after exposure to the analytes and the second material may be or include a second reactant comprising an analyte sensitive material configured to detect one or more analytes at or after second time after exposure to the analytes, but this is not required.

[0109] The substrate of the detecting component 113, when included, may be a structure configured to orient the analyte sensitive materials adjacent the target location of the subject’s anatomy and expose the analyte sensitive materials to analyte from the target location, and may be formed from any suitable material. Example materials utilized for the substrate of the detecting component 113 include, but are not limited to, plastic, rubber, glass, paper, filter material, fabric, woven material, metal, aluminum, polypropylene, polytetrafluorethylene, other suitable materials, and / or combinations thereof. The material utilized for the substrate of the detecting component 113 may be a solid material, a woven material, a hydrophobic material, a gas permeable material, a gas impermeable material, other suitable materials, and / or combinations thereof. In some cases, the substrate may have any suitable dimensional properties (e.g., pore size, diameter, area, volume, etc.)

[0110] In one example configuration of the substrate for the detecting component 113, the substrate of the detecting component 113 may be formed from a woven polypropylene material, which may result in a gas permeable, hydrophobic substrate. Although other pore sizes are contemplated, in the example configuration, the woven substrate may have an average pore size of or about 0.2 micrometers and a diameter of about 25 millimeters (mm). Such a configured substrate may facilitate applying the analyte sensitive material of the detecting component on a side of the substrate opposite a side facing a target location so that theAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111hydrophobic material of the substrate mitigates the chances of and / or prevents liquid fluid from the target location contaminating the analyte sensitive material of the detecting component 113, while allowing analyte to reach the analyte sensitive material.

[0111] Additionally or alternatively, an example configuration of the substrate for the detecting component 113 may be fabricated from a hydrophobic, gas permeable material that has sufficient structural integrity to form the entire detector 100, along with the analyte sensitive material, (e.g., omit the target facing component 111 and the cover component 115, and / or other housing components). Such a configured substrate may be comprised of one or more gas permeable materials that provide a desired set of structural properties and gas permeability. In some example configurations of the substrate, the substrate may be formed entirely or at least in part by the cover component 115 and the analyte sensitive material may be applied to the cover component 115. In some example configurations of the substrate, the substrate may be formed entirely or at least in part by the target facing component 111 and the analyte sensitive material may be applied to the target facing component 111.

[0112] The analyte sensitive material of the detecting component 113 may be formed from any suitable material. In some cases, the analyte sensitive material may be an optically responsive chemical material (e.g., a chemoresponsive material) that changes color in response to detecting one or more analytes (e.g., non-volatile and / or volatile compounds, gases, liquids, and / or other fluids) in a fluid to which the analyte sensitive material is exposed. Example analyte sensitive materials include dyes from, but not limited to, the following classes: Lewis acid / base dyes (e.g., metal on containing dyes), Brensted acidic or basic dyes (e.g., pH indicators), dyes with large permanent dipoles (e.g., solvatochromic dyes), redox responsive dyes (e.g., metal nanoparticle precursors), and / or other suitable classes of dyes. One example analyte sensitive material may be a silver nanoparticle material. Other suitable analyte sensitive materials are contemplated, including analyte sensitive material that is not a printed dye.

[0113] One or more analyte sensitive material(s) (e.g., dyes or other suitable materials) may be selected for the detecting component 113 based on a type of analyte (e.g., a VOC indicative of a bacteria, aroma, and / or other condition) the detector 100 may be configured toAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111detect. For example, the analyte sensitive material(s) for the detecting component 113 may be selected so as to facilitate detecting analytes indicative of one or more types of bacteria or conditions including, but not limited to, pathogens, a subject’s health, cancer, odor causing bacteria, microbiota conditions, pheromones, urinary tract infections, Streptococcus Pyogenes (SP), Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (PA), a subject’s response to a stimulation (e.g., receiving a treatment or application, etc.) and / or other suitable types of bacteria and / or conditions. In one example of analyte sensitive material of the detecting component 113, the analyte sensitive material may be an acid / base combination of dyes that is configured to detect analytes (e.g., propanol, butanol, undecane, ethanol, etc.) that may be given off, released, or otherwise produced in a response to a presence of Streptococcus Pyogenes.

[0114] Some detecting components 113 may be configured to include an analyte sensitive material that is reversible or semi-reversible. Reversible or semi-reversible analyte sensitive material may be utilized in detecting components 113 that may be configured for repeat monitoring, such as for continuous or periodic sensing of target locations to detect analytes from the target locations. Although other detecting components 113 are contemplated, example detecting components 113 including analyte sensitive material that is reversible or semi-reversible are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 6,368,558 filed on March 21, 2000, and titled COLORIMETRIC ARTIFICIAL NOSE HAVING AN ARRAY OF DYES AND METHOD FOR ARTIFICIAL OLFACTION; U.S. Patent No. 6,495,102 filed on November 11, 2000, and titled COLORIMETRIC ARTIFICIAL NOSE HAVING AN ARRAY OF DYES AND METHOD FOR ARTIFICIAL OLFACTION; U.S. Patent No. 7,261,857 filed on October 24, 2002, and titled COLORIMETRIC ARTIFICIAL NOSE HAVING AN ARRAY OF DYES AND METHOD FOR ARTIFICIAL OLFACTION; U.S. Patent No. 8,852,504 filed on October 11, 2007, and titled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND IDENTIFYING MICROORGANISMS, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

[0115] Some detecting components 113 may be configured to include an analyte sensitive material that is irreversible. Irreversible analyte sensitive material may be utilized in detecting components 113 that are configured for single use monitoring or single use monitoring perAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111analyte material when the detecting component 113 is configured to monitor for a plurality of different analytes, but this is not required. Although other detecting components 113 are contemplated, example detecting components 113 including analyte sensing material that is irreversible are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 9,880,137 filed on September 2, 2009, and titled COLORIMETRIC SENSOR ARRAYS BASED ON NANOPOROUS PIGMENTS; U.S. Patent No. 10,539,508 filed on lune 9, 2015, and titled PORTABLE DEVICE FOR COLORIMETRIC OR FLUOROMETRIC ANALYSIS AND METHOD OF CONDUCTING COLORIMETRIC OR FLUOROMETRIC ANALYSIS; Li, Zheng, et al., "Ultrasensitive Monitoring of Museum Airborne Pollutants Using a Silver Nanoparticle Sensor Array", ACS sensors 5.9 (2020): 2783-2791; Li, Zheng, and Kenneth S. Suslick, "Chemically Induced Sintering of Nanoparticles", Angewandte Chemie 131.40 (2019): 14331-14334; LaGasse, Maria K., et al., "Colorimetric sensor arrays: Development and application to art conservation", lournal of the American Institute for Conservation 57.3 (2018): 127-140, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

[0116] The analyte sensitive material may be applied to the substrate of the detecting component 113 in any suitable manner. In one example, the analyte sensitive material may be applied to the substrate by printing the analyte sensitive material on the substrate. When printed, any suitable printing techniques may be utilized including, but not limited to, pin transfer, inkjet, silkscreen, and / or other suitable application techniques.

[0117] The analyte sensitive material may be applied to the substrate of the detecting component 113 randomly and / or to form one or more patterns. Example configurations of the analyte sensitive material applied to the substrate include, but are not limited to, grid patterns of rows and columns, concentric rings, color matching of a color of printed dye material with a color of a substrate material prior to interactions with analyte, patterns that result in identifiable shapes when the analyte sensitive material reacts to a particular analyte, a first set of materials dimensioned to detect a spatial presence of analytes and / or or more additional sets of materials dimensioned to detect a temporal presence of analytes, other suitable configurations, and / or combinations thereof.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0118] To increase analyte detection rates, the substrate on which the analyte sensitive material is applied and / or the analyte sensitive materials may be textured (e.g., with grooves or surface topographical undulations, woven patterns, etc.) so as to increase an effective surface area of the analyte sensitive material for detecting analytes. Such texturing may be applied to the target-contacting or facing surface (e.g., a bottom surface 120) of the detector 100 in any suitable technique including, but not limited to, via etching, thermoforming, pressure forming, molding, machining, weaving, three-dimensional printing, and / or other suitable techniques.

[0119] A top surface and / or other suitable surface of the substrate on which the analyte sensitive material is applied may be coated with a porous material to increase the surface area when analyte sensitive material is applied to the substrate. In one example, the top surface of the substrate may be coated with a thin layer of porous material, such as a sol-gel and / or other suitable material.

[0120] Further, the detector 100 may be used and / or configured to stimulate analyte production from a subject’s anatomy. Any suitable technique may be utilized for inducing analyte production including, but not limited to, the techniques discussed herein.

[0121] The detector 100 may include and / or be used with skin penetrating agents, such as Transcutol®, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200), menthol and salicylic acid, which, for example, may be utilized to enhance delivery of sweat stimulating chemical agents to the skin of the subject 124. Alternatively or additionally, iontophoresis techniques can be employed to drive sweat inducing agents into the skin of a subject to increase sweat production. In some cases, gases or other fluids may be pumped to the surface 126 of the subject 124 or other target location to induce a flow of analytes (e.g., VOCs and / or other chemical substances) from the subject 124.

[0122] The detector 100 may include one or more heat producing components that may heat the surface 126 of the subject 124 or heat a portion of the detector 100 (e.g., the bottom surface 120 and / or other suitable portion of the detector 100). When the heat producing component is included in the detector 100, the heating of the detector 100 may be controlled by a control of or separate from the detector 100. Examples of heat producing componentsAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111include, but are not limited to, heating coils, resistive wires, surface mount (SM) resistors, Peltier temperature control components (e.g., which may be used to heat and / or cool)) and / or other suitable components. In one example incorporation of a heat producing component, the detector 100 may utilize one or more heating coils configured to heat a bottom surface of the detector 100 and induce the subject to sweat at and / or proximate to the detector 100.

[0123] Further, the detector 100 may include one or more sensors, which may include or be in communication with a controller. For example, the detector 100 may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and / or one or more other suitable sensors. In some example, when the detector 100 includes a heat producing component, the detector 100 may include a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor, where the heat producing component may be configured to cease heating in response to a sensed temperature crossing a threshold, a sensed pressure crossing a threshold, and / or a sensed temperature crossing a temperature threshold and a sensed pressure crossing a pressure threshold. In some examples, the detector 100 may include a pressure sensor and a desired pressure (e.g., a desired negative pressure) may be maintained within the detector to ensure the detector 100 remains secured to the subject 124 and / or to facilitate emission of analytes from the subject 124.

[0124] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the detector 100, taken along line 2-2 in FIG 1. Arrow F depicts a flow of analyte from the surface 126 of the subject 124 to the detecting component 113.

[0125] A bottom surface 120 of the detector 100 may be configured to contact and / or engage the surface 126 at or adjacent to a target location at the subject 124. In some examples, the bottom surface 120 and / or the target facing component 111 may be flexible or pliable to facilitate conforming to a shape of a surface of a subject’s anatomy, but other configurations are contemplated including, but not limited to, target facing components 111 that are rigid or include rigid portions and / or detectors 100 having an additional target contacting surface for conforming to a shape of the surface of the subject’s anatomy.

[0126] The bottom surface 120 may be configured to adhere to the surface 126 of the subject 124 or other surface at or adjacent to a target location such that the detector 100 may remain at a desired location after being initially placed. The bottom surface 120 may have anyAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111suitable configuration for adhering to a surface at or adjacent a target location (e.g., the surface 126 of the subject 124, the surface of or adjacent to a wound, etc.) including, but not limited to, a configuration that facilitates a suction connection, an adhesive (e.g., a biocompatible adhesive attached to, impregnated in, or deposited on the bottom surface 120 and / or other suitable adhesive applied in one or more additional or alternative manners)), and / or other suitable configuration. In some examples, the target facing component 111 may be or may include an adhesive layer or substrate (e.g., an adhesive-backed ring and / or other suitable adhesive layer) to adhere to the surface 126 of the subject 124 in order to create a seal and to hold the detector 100 in place during collection of VOCs and / or other chemical substances. When creating the seal, the adhesive layer may be configured to create an airtight seal (e.g., a hermetic seal) or approximately airtight seal that prevents ambient air from leaking past the seal into the detector 100 once a vacuum (e.g., negative pressure) is applied thereto or otherwise. In other configurations, non-hermetic seals and / or couplings may be utilized.

[0127] The detector 100 may be configured to adhere to the surface 126 at or adjacent the target location for any suitable length of time. In one example, the bottom surface 120 and / or other portions of the detector 100 may be configured to adhere to the surface 126 of the subject 124 or other suitable surface for at least a duration sufficient to allow analyte sensitive material to react to otherwise detect analytes from the subject. In some cases, a material adhering the detector 100 to the subject 124 or other suitable surface may be configured to release or separate from the subject 124 or other suitable surface after a predetermined time, but this is not required.

[0128] As depicted in Figure 2, the bottom surface 120 may define a space or an opening 122 through a thickness of the target facing component 111 (e.g., the first layer 112) to the detecting component 113 (e.g., the second layer 114) and / or the cover component 115 (e.g., the third layer 116). In some examples, the detecting component 113 may be gas permeable or otherwise include one or more openings such that a flow of analyte through an opening 122 in the target facing component 111 may reach analyte sensitive material of the detecting component 113, but this is not required.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0129] The opening 122 may define a sample area. When the detector 100 is applied to a subject 124, the opening 122 and the sample area may be positioned around a target location of a subject’s anatomy from which analytes are to be detected.

[0130] The opening 122 may be configured such that an inner profile or circumference of the target facing component 111 may take on a shape that complements (e.g., in the depicted example is concentric to) a shape of the outer profile or circumference of the target facing component 111 and / or the detector 100. Although Figures 3 and 4 (discussed below) depict the opening 122 as having a circular profile, other profiles or shapes for the opening 122 may be used. The profiles and / or shapes of the opening 122 may or may not render or complement a similar outer profile of one or more of the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, the cover component 115, and / or the detector 100.

[0131] The bottom surface 120 of the detector 100 may include one or more portions that comprise one or more holes, channels, and / or other suitable voids configured to create a capillary action during use of the detector 100 to assist in drawing analytes and / or secretions from the target location of or on the subject toward the detecting component 113. When the target facing component 111 is so configured, negative and / or positive pressure (e.g., as discussed further, below) may or may not be utilized to draw fluid from the target location toward the detecting component 113.

[0132] In the configuration depicted in Figure 2, the detecting component 113 may be sized to extend across an opening 122 at least partially defined by a bottom surface 120 of the target facing component 111 to facilitate detecting analytes emitted, excreted, secreted, emanated, or released from a target location of or on the subject’s anatomy (e.g., the surface 126 of the subject 124, a wound on the subject, etc.). In one example, the detecting component 113 may have a circular disc shape, but this is not required and other shapes are contemplated.

[0133] Figure 3 depicts a schematic top view of an illustrative detector 100 having a circular configuration, but other suitable shapes and / or configurations are contemplated. The detector 100 may include the cover component 115 (e.g., a transparent cover component 115, as depicted, or other suitable cover component 115), the detecting component 113, and the target facing component 111, where the cover component 115 is transparent and the detectingAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111component 113 and the target facing component 111 may be viewed through the cover component 115 in a top view.

[0134] As depicted in Figure 3, the target facing component 111 may be formed as a ring that has an outer circumference aligned with an outer circumference of the cover component 115. Further, the ring shape of the target facing component 111 may include an inner circumference having a diameter configured to facilitate analytes from the subject’s anatomy reaching the detecting component 113. Although not required, when the target facing component Ill is applied to the subject anatomy, the inner circumference of the target facing component 111 may define the desired location (e.g., the sample area) at the target location on the subject’s anatomy from which the analytes are to be detected.

[0135] The detecting component 113 depicted in Figure 3 includes a plurality of dot formed from reactant(s) 128 (e.g., analyte sensitive material) on a substrate 130. As depicted, the dots are configured in rows and columns on the substrate 130 having a square configuration, but this is not required. Other suitable configurations of the reactants 128 are contemplated including, but not limited to, annular or ring shapes, elongated shapes, three-sided shapes, shapes having any suitable number of sides, and / or other suitable shapes.

[0136] The reactants 128 may be applied to the substrate 130 so as to have any suitable configuration that can be visually understood and / or analyzed by human vision and / or computer vision techniques. Further, the reactant(s) 128 may be considered as a reactant array, on its own, that is applied to the substrate 130 and / or the reactant(s) 128 applied to the substrate 130 and / or other suitable materials may be considered a reactant array.

[0137] The substrate 130 may be a structure configured to orient the reactant(s) 128 proximate the target location of the subject 124 and expose the reactant(s) 128 to analyte from the target location. For example, the substrate 130 may be applied to an area of or adjacent to the target location, the substrate 130 may be secured to or relative to the cover component 115 and / or the target facing component 111, the substrate 130 may be configured to suspect the reactant(s) 128 (e.g., the reactant array) within the detector 100, etc. in such a manner that the analyte sensitive material 128 may be exposed to analyte from the target location. In someAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111examples, the substrate 130 may be a carrier substrate in that the substrate 130 may support the reactant(s) 128 and / or other components of the detector 100.

[0138] The substrate 130 may take on, or may have a surface that may be, any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an elongated shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a rounded shape, a spherical shape, a circular shape, a cylindrical shape, a disc shape, a triangle shape, a trapezoid shape, a prism shape, a lens shape, and / or other suitable shape. In some instances, a cross-section of the substrate 130 may be symmetrical about a center line extending perpendicularly through a surface of the substrate 130 configured to support one or more reactants of the reactant array 132.

[0139] The substrate 130 may include and / or may be formed from any suitable material. Example suitable materials used for the substrate 130 of the detector 100 include, but are not limited to, polymers, optical polymers, optical glasses, plastic, rubber, glass, paper, filter material, filter paper, fabric, metal, aluminum, polypropylene, polytetrafluorethylenes, porous membranes, chromatography plates, acrylic (e.g., poly(m ethyl methacrylate) (PMMA)), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), non-reactant materials, other suitable materials, and / or combinations thereof. The material utilized for the substrate 130 may be a solid material, a woven material, a hydrophobic material, a gas permeable material, a gas impermeable material, a porous material, other suitable materials, and / or combinations thereof.

[0140] In one example configuration of the substrate 130, the substrate 130 may be or may include a portion that is formed from a porous white plastic membrane (e.g., a material that does not react to analytes to be tested) that has a high diffuse reflectivity over an entire visible spectrum, at least a portion of the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, and / or at least a portion of the infrared (IR) spectrum. In another example configuration of the substrate 130, the substrate 130 may be or may include a portion that is formed from a woven polypropylene material, which may result in a gas permeable, hydrophobic substrate 130. Although other pore sizes are contemplated, in the example configuration, the woven substrate may have an average pore size of or about 0.2 microns and a diameter of about 25 millimeters (mm). Additionally or alternatively, an example configuration of the substrate 130 may be formed from one or more other suitable hydrophobic, gas permeable materials. In another example configuration of the substrate 130, the substrate 130 be or may include a portion that is formed from a transparent material (e.g., acrylic (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)), polycarbonate (PC),Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111polystyrene (PS), etc.) configured to pass light from one surface of the transparent material through a second surface of the material.

[0141] In some examples, the substrate 130 may be entirely transparent or include one or more transparent portions configured to illuminate the reactant(s) 128 through the substrate 130 and / or collect light from the reactant(s) 128 through the substrate 130. In some examples, the one or more transparent portions of the substrate 130 may extend between at least a first surface and a second surface of the substrate 130, where the front side or surface (e.g., first side) and the back side or surface (e.g., second side) may be parallel or non-parallel with one another and the reactants are located on the first surface.

[0142] To increase fluid component detection rates by the reactant(s) 128, the substrate 130 on which the reactant(s) 128 are applied may be textured (e.g., with grooves or surface topographical undulations, woven patterns, etc.) so as to increase an effective surface area of the reactants (e.g., the analyte sensitive material for detecting analytes). Additionally or alternatively, the reactant(s) 128 may be formed from a textured material and the substrate 130 may or may not be omitted. Such texturing may be applied to the substrate 130 and / or the reactant(s) 128 using any suitable technique including, but not limited to, via etching, thermoforming, pressure forming, molding, machining, weaving, three-dimensional printing, deposition, and / or other suitable techniques.

[0143] The detecting component 113, as depicted in Figure 3, may be coupled to the cover component 115. In some cases, the substrate 130 of the detecting component 113 may be coupled to the cover component 115 with any suitable coupling technique discussed herein or otherwise, while allowing for analysis of the detecting component 113 through the cover component 115, but this is not required.

[0144] Figure 4 depicts a schematic bottom view of the illustrative detector 100 shown in Figure 3, where the target facing component 111 at least partially defines the opening 122 through and in which analytes from the subject’s anatomy are configured to travel to the detecting component 113. As depicted, a back surface of the substrate 130 may be viewed through the opening 122 defined by the target facing component 111.

[0145] As the reactant(s) 128 are applied to the front surface of the substrate 130 in this configuration, the reactant(s) 128 are depicted in broken lines (e.g., to indicate the reactant(s) 128 are applied to an opposite side than is depicted in Figure 4 and the reactant(s) 128 may orAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111may not be viewed from the side or view depicted in Figure 4). In some examples, however, the reactant(s) 128 may be applied to the back side of the substrate 130 in addition to or as an alternative to the front side. Alternatively or additionally, the reactant(s) 128 may be applied to one of the front side and the back side of the substrate 130 and due to a configuration of the substrate 130 (e.g., a woven material of the substrate 130 or other suitable configuration), the reactant(s) 128 may be absorbed into or through, may leak through, or otherwise move to the other of the back or front side and / or therebetween once the reactant(s) 128 are applied to a side of the substrate 130 so as to increase a surface area of detection for the analyte sensitive material.

[0146] Although various configurations of the detector 100 are described herein, other suitable configurations of the detector 100 are contemplated. Example configurations of the detector 100 include, but are not limited to, those described in PCT Patent Application Publication WO 2022 / 099021 Al, filed on November 5, 2021, and titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS TO COLLECT, STORE, AND ANALYZE CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purpose.

[0147] FIG. 5 schematically depicts an illustrative configuration of a sensing system 200 (e.g., a reactant array reader and / or other suitable analysis system) for determining a component and / or condition of or at a subject. In some examples, the sensing system 200 may include or may be usable with the detecting device or detector 100.

[0148] In some examples, the sensing system 200 may include one or more of, among other suitable components, an illumination component 202 configured to illuminate a target area (e.g., in an example of a fluid analysis system, the target area may be or may include one or more analyte sensitive materials or reactants of a reactant array) on, supported by, or including a surface 204, a light collection component 206 configured to receive or collect light from the target area, and a controller 208 configured to be in communication with the illumination component 202 and / or the light collection component 206. The controller 208 may be configured to analyze or facilitate analyzing data related to light collected at the light collection component 206. In some examples, the illumination component 202 may be omitted.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0149] When included in the sensing system 200, the illumination component 202 may include one or more light sources, an illumination lens system (e.g., one or more illumination lens subsystems), and / or other suitable components. The illumination component 202 may be configured to provide sufficient photons with a uniform spatial and spectral distribution spanning a wavelength range of interest for the target area.

[0150] The one or more light sources of the illumination component 202 may be configured to provide any suitable wavelengths of light to the target area. In some examples, the one or more light sources may provide uniform spatial and spectral distributions of wavelengths of light spanning one or more ranges of, but not limited to, about 300 nanometers (nm) to about 1000 nm, a range of about 360 nm to about 900 nm, a range of about 350 nm to about 500 nm, a range of about 300 nm to about 600 nm, a range of about 400 nm to about 725 nm, a range of about 425 nm to about 725 nm, a range of 700 nm to about 1000 nm, a range of about 800 nm to about 1000 nm, and / or other suitable ranges of wavelengths of light. In one example, one or more light sources may provide wavelengths of light spanning a range of about 400 nm to about 725 nm.

[0151] The illumination component 202 may be configured to provide illumination light in two or more different discrete ranges of wavelengths of light. For example, the one or more light sources may provide light in a first range of wavelengths of light (e.g., about 300 nm to about 600 nm) and in a second range of wavelengths of light (e.g., about 800 nm to about 1000 nm). Providing illumination in two discrete ranges of wavelengths of light may be achieved by utilizing two or more light sources, through the use of filters, and / or in one or more other suitable manners. Having the ability to provide light in two or more discrete wavelength ranges may facilitate using the sensing system 200 for different applications that may require use of different wavelength ranges for optimal performance (e.g., optimal reading and / or analysis of the reactants 128 the detector 100).

[0152] In some configurations, the one or more light sources may be configured to provide at least a uniform spatial and spectral distribution of broadband white light (e.g., continuous broadband white light) to the target area. In one example, the light source providing the uniform spatial and spectral distribution of broadband white light may provide light wavelengths spanning a range of about 360 nm to about 900 nm. In another example, the light source providing the uniform spatial and spectral distribution of broadband white light mayAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111provide light wavelengths spanning a range of about 400 nm to about 725 nm. Such configured light sources may have a desired (e.g., high) color rendering index (CRI), with a uniform distribution of photon wavelengths through the entire visible spectrum.

[0153] The one or more light sources may be any suitable type of light source. For example, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED), an indium based blue LED with multiple phosphors added to a doping to create a combined LED and electro-luminescent semiconductor junction light emitting source, a black body radiation source, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, and / or other suitable type of light source. In some examples, the light source(s) may be a true color white LED configured to provide light wavelengths in a range of about 400 nm to about 725 nm, but other suitable configurations are contemplated. Utilizing a white LED rather than a black body radiation source (e.g., tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, etc.) may reduce inefficiencies of electron to photon conversion and allow the sensing system 200 to use less power (e g., have a higher electron to photon conversion ratio) than when other types of light sources (e.g., tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, etc.) are used.

[0154] The light sources may be provided at any suitable angle and at any suitable location relative to the target area and / or the light collection component 206. For example, the light sources may be provided at angles in a range of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the target area, at angles in a range of about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees relative to the target area, at angles in a range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the target area, at angles in a range of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees relative to the target area and / or at one or more other suitable angles. In one example, the light sources may be angled at 45 degrees relative to the target area, but other suitable configurations are contemplated. Providing light sources that project light onto the target area from an acute angle and from a location spaced laterally from a target area (e.g., a lighted area) on the surface 204 may facilitate providing dual overlapping ellipsoids that effectively form the target area (e.g., form a target area sized to cover one or more reactants or portions of the one or more reactants) to be analyzed while minimizing collection of spectral or specular reflection light and allowing for maximum diffuse light collection.

[0155] In some configurations, the illumination component 202 may include an illumination lens system configured to deliver and focus light from the light source on or to create a target area on the surface 204. The illumination lens system, when included, mayAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111include any suitable components including, but not limited to, one or more lenses, one or more fiber optics, and / or one or more other suitable components.

[0156] The target area on the surface 204 may cover or include one or more reactants on the surface 204, but other suitable target areas are contemplated. In some examples, the surface 204 may be one or both of a portion of a component of the sensing system 200 and a portion of the detector 100.

[0157] In an example application of the sensing system 200, the sensing system 200 may be used in a fluid analysis test (e.g., a test to determine whether a fluid contains one or more analytes). When the sensing system 200 is used in a fluid analysis test to analyze a fluid, the target area may include one or more reactants 128 (e.g., analyte sensitive materials) of a reactant array on, supported by, or of the surface 204 (e.g., a surface of the substrate 130 and / or the detecting component 113) and the one or more reactants 128 may be exposed to the fluid to be tested. In some examples, the one or more reactants 128 may be exposed to fluid in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, by pumping fluid to or along the one or more reactants during a fluid test using the sensing system 200, exposing the one or more reactants to the fluid prior to being positioned in the sensing system 200, positioning the one or more reactants 128 proximate an area of interest (e.g., the surface 126 of the subject 124, etc.) prior too and / or while being positioned in the sensing system 200, and / or the one or more reactants may be exposed to fluid in one or more other suitable manners. Once the one or more reactants 128 have been exposed to fluid for analysis of the fluid and light has been collected from the one or more reactants during a fluid analysis test, the controller 208 may analyze light collection data to identifying one or more components (e.g., analytes) of the fluid to which the one or more reactants were exposed.

[0158] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a diagram of an illustrative configuration of the sensing system 200 configured for use in a fluid analysis test. The illustrative configuration of the sensing system 200 depicted in FIG. 2 may include, among other suitable components, the light collection component 206, the controller 208, an optical system 210, and the detecting device 100 configured to sense an analyte, where the detecting device 100 may be adjustable or fixed relative to the light collection component 206 and / or the optical system 210. Although the sensing system 200 is depicted in FIG. 6 without the illumination component 202, the illumination component 202 may be included. Optionally, the sensing system 200 may includeAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111a housing configured to house one or more of the light collection component 206, the controller 208, the optical system 210, the detecting device 100 or a portion thereof, and / or other suitable components of the sensing system 200.

[0159] The detector 100 may include a reactant array 132 having the one or more reactants 128 (not depicted in FIG. 6) and the substrate 130 supporting the reactant array 132, where reactants 128 of the reactant array 132 may be configured to react to exposure to one or more analytes in a fluid tested in the fluid analysis test. In some examples, the substrate 130 may be or may include the surface 204 depicted in FIG. 5, but other configurations are contemplated.

[0160] The optical system 210 of the sensing system 200 may be entirely or at least partially positioned between the detector 100 and / or one or more other suitable target areas and the light collection component 206. The optical system 210 may include one or more lenses 212 (e.g., a collection lens configuration) configured in the sensing system 200 to receive light from the target area and focus the light on the light or image sensor of the light collection component 206, and / or other suitable components.

[0161] The light collection component 206 may include a light and / or image sensor configured to collect and / or measure levels of or changes in wavelengths of light collected from the surface 204 (e.g., measure photons by wavelengths of light from reactants 128 of the reactant array 132) and / or may include one or more other suitable components. The light collection component 206 may be positioned at any suitable location relative to the detector 100. In some examples, the light collection component 206 may be configured to collect light from a same side of the detector 100 from which the illumination component 202, when included, illuminates the detector 100, from a different side of the detector 100 than from which the illumination component 202 illuminates the detector 100, directly from the reactant(s) 128 of the reactant array 132, indirectly through a transparent substrate 130 of the detector 100, and / or from one or more other suitable locations and / or in one or more other suitable manners.

[0162] The light collection component 206 may include one or more fiber optics (e.g., one or more optical fibers or a fiber array or waveguide array) configured (e.g., tuned and positioned) to receive light from or focus light from one or more reactants 128 of the reactant array 132, where the light received at the fiber optics may have traveled through at least part of or an entirety of the optical system 210. The one or more fiber optics may be or may includeAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111single mode and / or multimode fiber optics, as desired. The one or more fiber optics may have a first end configured to receive or collect light from the target area and a second end in optical communication with the light collector.

[0163] The light collection component 206 may include one or more light collectors of any suitable type. Example suitable types of light collectors may include, but are not limited to, a light sensor, an image sensor, an n-dimensional sensory array (e.g., where “n” equals 1, 2, etc.), a linear 2D light detector array image sensor, light detector array image sensor may include, a spectrometer, a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, contact image sensor (CIS), color contact image sensor (CCIS), a camera, other suitable light collectors, and / or combinations of light collectors. In one example, the light collector may include a spectrometer configured to measure photons collected from (e g., reflected, transmitted, and / or otherwise received from) the target area. Utilizing a spectrometer may facilitate sensing wavelengths of light with high resolution in the nanometer range and may provide a continuous set of data over the wavelength range, which allows for a sensitive analysis of the data to identify components of a fluid to which the reactant array 132 was exposed relative to when other light collectors are used. In another example, the light collector may include a 2D pixel array image sensor configured to record multiple spatial interferograms in a pixel array direction of an interferogram representing a Fourier transform of the reactant array 132, which may provide sufficient sensitivity, while being compact and cost-effective.

[0164] In some examples, a pixel density and image sensor size of the light or image sensor may be selected based on optical parameters of lenses and / or other components of the sensing system 200 such that the number of pixels is sufficient and dense enough to cover a wavelength range of a full visible spectrum as well as some of the near infrared spectrum. The pixel density of the light or image sensor may ensure a highest spatial frequency is not limited by the Nyquist frequency of the light or image sensor and at the same time the reverse Fourier transform can produce a spectrum of the reactant array 132 with a resolution in a desired range (e.g., such as a nanometer range).

[0165] The controller 208 may be coupled to one or more other electronic components of the sensing system 200. For example, the controller 208 may be communicatively coupled with one or more of the illumination component 202, when included, the light collectionAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111component 206, the optical system 210, and / or one or more other suitable components of the sensing system 200 and / or remote components (e.g., servers, mobile devices, etc.) that may or may not be part of the sensing system 200. In some examples, the controller 208 may be configured to receive an indication to initiate a fluid analysis test (e.g., from a user via a user interface or in communication with the controller 208) and send coordinated control signals to one or more electronic components of the sensing system 200.

[0166] The controller 208 may be configured to identify or may facilitate identifying a component of fluid in contact with the detector 100 and / or a condition of a subject (e.g., at a target area based on measured (e.g., sensed and / or calculated) levels of light (e.g., interferograms) or changes in light sensed or collected from the detector 100 with the light collection component 206. In some examples, the controller 208 may be configured to identify a component of fluid in contact with the detector 100 and / or a condition of the subject at a target area based on one or more of a timing of levels of the wavelength of light from the target area and an absolute change between a level of a wavelength of light collected from the target area at a time of or prior to an application of the fluid to the detector 100 and at a predetermined time after initially applying the fluid to the detector 100, and levels of light from the target area relative to predetermined or expected levels of light from the target area. The controller 208 may be configured to identify the component of the fluid in contact with the detector or a condition at the subject at the target area based on light from the target area that is received at the light collection component 206 in one or more additional or alternative manners.

[0167] The controller 208 and / or other components of the analysis system 200 may be or may include one or more computing devices including or coupled with one or more user interfaces. FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative computing device 214 and a user interface 216, where the computing device 214 and / or the user interface 216 may be entirely or partially housed in one or more housings 218 (e.g., a housing which may or may not house other components of the sensing system 200). The housing 218 may be an optional component, as represented by the broken lines defining the housing 218 depicted in FIG. 7. Although various components are depicted as being included in the computing device 214 and the user interface 216, one more of the depicted components may be omitted and / or one or more additional or alternative components may be utilized.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0168] The computing device 214 may be any suitable computing device configured to process data of or for the sensing system 200 and may be configured to facilitate operation of the sensing system 200. The computing device 214, in some cases, may be configured to control operation of the sensing system 200 by establishing and / or outputting control signals to the light collection component 206 and / or other electronic components of the sensing system 200 to run a test on target areas or fluid passing by or at (e.g., located at, trapped at, contained by, in, from, etc.) the target area and / or monitor results of a test. In some examples, the computing device 214 may be part of the controller 208 and may communicate with other components over a wired or wireless connection, but other suitable configurations are contemplated. When the computing device 214, or at least a part of the computing device 214, may be a component separate from a structure of the controller 208, the computing device 214 may communicate with electronic components of the sensing system 200 over one or more wired or wireless connections or networks (e.g., LANs and / or WANs). In some cases, the computing device 214 may communicate with a remote server or other suitable computing device.

[0169] The illustrative computing device 214 may include, among other suitable components, one or more processors 220, memory 222, and / or one or more I / O units 224. Example other suitable components of the computing device 214 that are not specifically depicted in FIG. 7 may include, but are not limited to, communication components, a touch screen, selectable buttons, and / or other suitable components of a computing device. As discussed, one or more components of the computing device 214 may be separate from the controller 208 and / or incorporated into the components of the controller 208.

[0170] The processor 220 of the computing device 214 may include a single processor or more than one processor working individually or with one another. The processor 220 may be configured to receive and execute instructions, including instructions that may be loaded into the memory 222 and / or other suitable memory. Example components of the processor 220 may include, but are not limited to, central processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, multi-core processors, graphical processing units, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), artificial intelligence accelerators, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), discrete circuitry, and / or other suitable types of data processing devices.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0171] The memory 222 of the computing device 214 may include a single memory component or more than one memory component each working individually or with one another. Example types of memory 222 may include random access memory (RAM), EEPROM, flash, suitable volatile storage devices, suitable non-volatile storage devices, persistent memory (e.g., read only memory (ROM), hard drive, flash memory, optical disc memory, and / or other suitable persistent memory) and / or other suitable types of memory. The memory 222 may be or may include a non-transitory computer readable medium. The memory 222 may include instructions stored in a transitory state and / or a non-transitory state on a computer readable medium that may be executable by the processor 220 to cause the processor 220 to perform one or more of the methods and / or techniques described herein. Further, in some cases, the memory 222 and / or other suitable memory may store data received from the light collection component 206 and / or other components of or in communication with the sensing system 200.

[0172] The I / O units 224 of the computing device 214 may include a single I / O component or more than one I / O component each working individually or with one another. Example I / O units 224 may be or may include any suitable types of communication hardware and / or software including, but not limited to, communication components or ports configured to communicate with electronic components of the sensing system 200 and / or with other suitable computing devices or systems. Example types of I / O units 224 may include, but are not limited to, wired communication components (e g., HDMI components, Ethernet components, VGA components, serial communication components, parallel communication components, component video ports, S-video components, composite audio / video components, DVI components, USB components, optical communication components, and / or other suitable wired communication components), wireless communication components (e.g., radio frequency (RF) components, Low-Energy BLUETOOTH protocol components, BLUETOOH protocol components, Near-Field Communication (NFC) protocol components, WI-FI protocol components, optical communication components, ZIGBEE protocol components, and / or other suitable wireless communication components), and / or other suitable I / O units 224.

[0173] The user interface 216 may be configured to communicate with the computing device 214 via one or more wired or wireless connections. The user interface 216 may include one or more display devices 226, one or more input devices 228, one or more output devicesAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111230, and / or one or more other suitable features. Tn some examples, the user interface 216 may be part of or may include the computing device 214.

[0174] The display 226 may be any suitable display. Example suitable displays include, but are not limited to, touch screen displays, non-touch screen displays, liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, light emitting diode (LED) displays, head mounted displays, virtual reality displays, augmented reality displays, and / or other suitable display types.

[0175] The input device(s) 228 may be and / or may include any suitable components and / or features for receiving user input via the user interface 216. Example input device(s) 228 may include, but are not limited to, touch screens, keypads, mice, touch pads, microphones, selectable buttons, selectable knobs, optical inputs, cameras, gesture sensors, eye trackers, voice recognition controls (e.g., microphones coupled to appropriate natural language processing components) and / or other suitable input devices. In one example, the input devices 228 may include a touch screen that allows for setting set points, initiating a fluid or target area analysis test, adjusting between screens (e.g., a testing screen, a data analysis screen, a results screen, etc.), and / or allows for taking one or more other suitable actions.

[0176] The output device(s) 230 may be and / or may include any suitable components and / or features for providing information and / or data to users and / or other computing components. Example output device(s) 230 include, but are not limited to, displays, speakers, vibration systems, tactile feedback systems, optical outputs, and / or other suitable output devices.

[0177] Although various configurations of the sensing 200 are described herein, other suitable configurations of the sensing system 200 are contemplated. Example configurations of the sensing system 200 include, but are not limited to, those described in PCT Patent Application Publication WO 2024 / 124098 Al, filed on December 8, 2023, and titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR IMAGING, SESNING, MEASURING, AND RECORDING SPECTRUM, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purpose.

[0178] FIG. 8 depicts a schematic top view of an illustrative configuration of the detecting device 100. In some examples, the top view of the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 8 may be an illustrative example of how an observer may view the detector 100 when it is placed on theAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111surface of the subject (e.g., on a forehead of a subject, a neck of a subject, and / or other suitable location of a surface of a subject).

[0179] As depicted in FIG. 8, the detector 100 may include a housing 144, a substrate 130 and a reactant array 132 comprising a plurality of reactants 128. In some examples, the housing 144 may comprise the target facing component 111, the detecting component 113, and the cover component 115. In some examples and as depicted in FIG. 8, the cover component 115 may include or define a window 136 through which the substrate 130 and / or the reactant array 132 may be visually observed through the housing 144 and / or monitored. The housing 144 may be configured to be secured to the subject in any suitable manner and when secured to the subject, an enclosed volume may be formed between the subject and the housing 144.

[0180] As depicted in FIG. 8, the reactant array 132 may include a plurality of reactants 128. In some examples, the reactants 128 of the reactant array may include a first set of reactants 128 forming a first reactant array 132a and a second set of reactants 128 forming a second reactant array 132b. Although only a first reactant array 132a and a second reactant array 132b are depicted in FIG. 8, there may be any suitable number of reactant arrays 132 including a single reactant array 132 or more than two reactant arrays 132. The first set of reactants 128 of the first reactant array 132a and the second set of reactants 128 of the second reactant array 132b may be similar configurations or different configurations.

[0181] The reactants 128 may have any suitable dimensions and / or shapes. Example dimensions of the reactants may include a length, a width, a height, a diameter, an area, a surface area, a volume, and / or other suitable dimension. Examples suitable shapes of the reactants 128 may be or may include circles, dome shapes, rectangles, ovals, squares, triangles, and / or other suitable shapes. In some examples, the set of reactants 128 of the first set of reactants may each have a first set of dimensions and the set of reactants 128 of the second set of reactants may each have a second set of dimensions that are different than the first set of dimensions. In some examples, the second set of dimensions may be larger than the first set of dimensions. In one example, the first set of dimensions may comprise an area of the reactants 128 of the first reactant array 132a and the second set of dimensions may comprise an area of the reactants 128 of the second reactant array 132b.

[0182] The different dimensions of reactants 128 for different reactant arrays 132 may facilitate configuring reactant arrays 132 to sense and / or monitor different data or featuresAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111related to analytes to be sensed. In one example, the first set of reactants 128 of the first reactant array 132a each with the first set of dimensions may be configured to monitor spatial locations of one or more analytes (e.g., monitor spatial adsorption of one or more analytes). The smaller dimensions of the reactants 128 may allow for precise spatial detection of analytes within a target location covered by the detector 100 as the smaller reactants may be located at many target positions within the overall target location. In one example, the second set of reactants 128 of the second reactant array 132b each with the second set of dimensions larger than the first set of dimensions may be configured to monitor a temporal presence of one or more analytes (e.g., monitor temporal adsorption of one or more analytes) at the target location over the time period during which the detector 100 is secured to the subject. The larger dimensions of the reactants 128 may allow for precise temporal detection of analytes as the larger dimensions allow for detecting or assessing larger concentrations of a given analyte or a finite amount of analytes over time, which improves detection and quantification of analytes, because there is more reactant material to react with analytes in the larger dimensioned reactants 128 than in smaller dimensioned reactants 128.

[0183] The detector 100 may be adhered to the skin of the subject in any suitable manner. For example, the detector 100 may be adhered to the skin of the subject using an adhesive (e.g., an adhesive substrate, an adhesive layer, etc.), a strap, negative pressure (e.g., suction), and / or may be adhered to the subject in one or more other suitable manners.

[0184] A vacuum pressure (e.g., negative pressure), in some examples, may be applied to the detector 100 to facilitate securing the detector 100 to the subject and / or for other suitable purposes. The vacuum pressure, when included, may be used on its own or with the adhesive, fluid (e.g., water) around / on a perimeter of the detector 100 (e.g., in addition to or in place of the adhesive), and / or the strap to facilitate securing the detector 100 to the subject at or near the target location of the subject.

[0185] A vacuum may be applied to the detector 100 in any suitable manner. For example, the vacuum pressure may be applied to the detector 100 (e.g., the vacuum pressure may be created between the housing 144 and the subject) to facilitate coupling the detector 100 with the subject by applying physical pressure to (e.g., by actuating) a surface of the detector 100 to deform a portion of the detector 100 and when the pressure is removed from the detector 100, the detector 100 may return to its previous configuration and creates a vacuum pressureAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111relative to the subject, by actuating a pump 134 (e.g., a vacuum source) of the detector 100 (e.g. the pump 134 may be part of the housing 144, but other configurations are contemplated), by actuating a pump coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled or removably coupled) with the detector 100, and / or by creating a negative pressure in on or more other suitable manners. Other mechanisms for creating a vacuum at or in the detector 100, in addition to a pump, are contemplated.

[0186] The pump 134 of the detector 100 and / or coupled with the detector 100 may be any suitable type of pump. For example, the pump 134 may be a bulb pump, a pneumatic pump, a rotary pump, and / or other suitable type of pump. In one example, the pump 134 may be a spherical bulb pump, as depicted in FIG. 8. Other suitable types and / or configurations of the pump 134 are contemplated.

[0187] The detector 100 and / or the pump 134 may include or may form one or more valves to facilitate creating a vacuum pressure between the detector 100 and the subject. In some examples, the pump 134 and / or the detector 100 may include a first valve 140, a second valve 146, and / or other suitable valves. In one example, the first valve 140 may be located between the pump 134 and a volume defined between the detector 100 and the subject and the second valve 146 may be located between the pump 134 and the ambient. Other suitable configurations of the valve are contemplated. In some examples, valves may be one-way valves, but other suitable valve types are contemplated.

[0188] The pump 134, in some examples, may be a manual pump or an automated pump (e.g., electrically automated) configured to create a vacuum between the detector 100 and the subject (e.g., between the detector 100 and the surface of the subject). In one example, to create the vacuum in or at the detector 100 that assists in securing the detector 100 to the subject, a user may manually actuate (e g., squeeze) the pump 134 to close a first valve 140 (e.g., one-way valve or other suitable type of valve) between a volume defined by the housing 144 and the pump 134 and open a second valve 146 (e.g., a one-way valve or other suitable type of valve) to the ambient environment, thus expelling the volume of fluid within the pump 134. Upon release of the pump 134, the opposite may occur such that the second valve 146 closes and the first valve 140 opens to allow the pump 134 to remove an equivalent volume of the pump 134 from device volume defined by the housing 144, thus creating a vacuum and negative pressure within the volume defined by the housing 144. The process of actuating andAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111releasing the pump 134 may be repeated to increase the vacuum pressure between the housing 144 and the subject, and thus the force of adhesion of detector 100 with the surface of the subject.

[0189] Independent of aiding or creating the adhesion of the detector 100 to the subject, a vacuum pressure (e.g., a negative pressure) created at volume between the detector 100 and the subject (e.g., via the pump 134 or other suitable mechanism) may be used to accelerate a withdrawal of sebum from the subject and / or accelerate the release of other analytes within the volume defined by the detector 100 and the subject. By accelerating a withdrawal of analytes from the skin of the subject, the time of use of the detector 100 and / or the time to detection by the detector 100 of key properties of target location of the subject (e.g., of the skin, sebum, metabolism, or general health of the subject) may be mitigated relative to when the detector 100 is applied to the subject without creating a vacuum pressure between the detector 100 and the subject.

[0190] FIG. 9 is a schematic side of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 9 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 9. Although the configuration of the detector 100 in FIG. 9 includes the pump 134, the first valve 140, and the second valve 146, one or more of these components, among others, may be omitted.

[0191] The schematic side view of the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 9 may illustrate a position of the reactant array 132, which may be at a location between the cover component 115 of the detector 100 and the target facing component 111 of the detector 100. For example, the reactants 128 may be located between a first side and a second side of the housing 144. This spacing of the reactants 128 from the first and / or second sides of the detector 100 may facilitate maximum analyte exposure to the largest areas of the reactants 128, while allowing fluid flow through the detector 100 and ensuring that the reactants 128 do not come into direct contact with the surface of the subject, skin, sebum, sweat, cosmetics, or liquids which may contaminate the reactants 128.

[0192] As discussed, the reactants 128 may include or may be on the substrate 130 that contains and / or suspends the 128 in a desired orientation within or at the detector 100. The substate 130 may be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, a porousAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111material, a polypropylene, PDMS, a perforated plastic, a hydrophobic material, and / or other suitable material discussed herein or other suitable materials.

[0193] As discussed, the detector 100, in some examples, may be adhered to the subject via adhesive at or near a target location of the subject (e.g., at skin or around skin of the subject from which analytes are to be detected). The adhesive, when included, may facilitate securing the detector 100 to the subject at or near a target location of the subject (e.g., at skin or around skin of the subject from which analytes are to be detected). As depicted in FIG. 9, the detector 100 may include an adhesive substrate or layer 138.

[0194] The adhesive layer 138 may be located at any suitable location of the detector 100 configured to interface with the subject. In some examples, the adhesive layer 138 may extend from or be part of the target facing component 111, but other suitable locations are contemplated. In some examples, the adhesive layer 138 may extend around a circumference of the housing 144 at the target facing component 111. In some examples, the adhesive layer 138 and / or the target facing component 111 may be compliant to conform to contours of the surface of the subject.

[0195] An adhesive cover (not shown) may be located at a target-facing side of the adhesive layer 138 (e.g., sticky tape / sub stance, hydrogel, foam with sticky tape / hydrogel, etc.) and may be peeled away from the adhesive layer 138 prior to securing the detector 100 with the subject. In some examples, the adhesive layer 138, when included, may be on a subjectfacing side of the detector 100 and the adhesive cover may be configured to seal reactants 128 (e.g., analyte-sensitive formulations configured to detect one or more analytes) of a reactant array of the detector 100 from an ambient environment prior to use (e.g., prior to securing the detector 100 to the subject. Once the adhesive cover has been removed from the detector 100, the detector 100 may be placed onto the surface of the subject and, optionally, may be pressed against the subject (e.g., pressed lightly) to ensure the adhesive layer 138 is in contact with surface of the subject around an entire circumference of the detector 100 (e.g., around the circumference of the housing 144) and is secured to the surface of the subject.

[0196] FIG. 10 is a schematic side of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 10 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 10. Although the configuration of the detector 100 in FIG.Atty. Docket No. 1519.101411110 includes the pump 134, the first valve 140, and the second valve 146, one or more of these components, among others, may be omitted.

[0197] A strap or band 142, in some examples, may be part of, attach to, and / or encompass the detector 100 and wrap around the subject (e.g., around a head of the subject, the neck of the subject, an arm of the subject, a leg of the subject, a circumferential surface of a subject, and / or other suitable portion of the subject). A length of the band 142 may be adjustable such that the detector 100 may be secured to various portions of the subject at or proximate target locations or sites on the surface of the subject. The band 142, when included, may be used on its own or with the adhesive substrate 138 to facilitate securing the detector 100 to the subject at or near the target location of the subject.

[0198] The band 142 may have any suitable configuration. In some examples, the band 142 may be elastic and stretchable. In some examples, a length of the band may be adjustable. In some examples, the band 142 may include a first strap and a second strap configured to extend in different directions (e.g., opposite directions or other suitable directions) from the housing 144. Other suitable configurations of the band 142 are contemplated.

[0199] FIG. 10 is a schematic side of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 10 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 10. Although the configuration of the detector 100 in FIG.10 includes the pump 134, the first valve 140, and the second valve 146, one or more of these components, among others, may be omitted.

[0200] FIG. 11 is a schematic top perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 11 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 11. Although the configuration of the detector 100 in FIG. 11 includes the pump 134, the pump 134, among other components, may be omitted.

[0201] As depicted in FIG. 11, the detector 100 may have a bandage type configuration. In the bandage type configuration depicted in FIG. 11, the cover component 115 may be optically transparent for viewing the reactant array 132 and the target facing component 111 may be flexible and configured to bend with the contour of the surface of the subject. In someAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111examples, the target facing component 111 may be a band 142 and may be formed of or may be coupled with an adhesive layer (not shown). Some configurations may omit the adhesive layer. Although not depicted, the detector 100 may include a light source (e.g., ultraviolet light, blue light, green light, red light, near-infrared light, etc.) and / or a user may have an external light source (e.g., a flashlight) that may be activated and / or light sensitive reagents (e.g., photochromic switches, photochemistry, photocatalysis, etc.) that may be utilized to aid in the detection of analytes with the detector 100.

[0202] The pump 134 of the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 11 may be actuated to create a vacuum or negative pressure within a volume between the detector 100 and the subject. The vacuum pressure may be used to secure the detector 100 to the subject and accelerate a rate at which analytes enter the volume between the detector 100 and the subject, increase a concentration of the analytes in the volume, and accelerate a rate which the reactants 128 are exposed to the analytes. Increasing the adhesion of the detector 100 to the subject and the movement of the analytes into the volume defined by the detector 100 lessen a time required to analyze the analytes and increases a sensitivity of the detector to the analytes.

[0203] The reactants 128 may have a three-dimensional (3D) configuration, as depicted in FIG. 11. The reactants with a 3D configuration may provide greater surface area for detecting analytes than reactants 128 configured in a two-dimensional manner.

[0204] FIG. 12 is a schematic top perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 12 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 12.

[0205] As depicted in FIG. 12, the detector 100 may have a bandage type configuration. In the bandage type configuration depicted in FIG. 12, the cover component 115 may be optically transparent for viewing of the reactant array 132 and the target facing component 111 may be flexible and configured to bend with the contour of the surface of the subject. In some examples, the target facing component 111 may be a band 142 with a first band portion 142a extending in a first direction from the reactant array 132 and a second band portion 142b extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, from the reactant array 132. In some examples, the band 142 may be formed of or may be coupled with an adhesive layer (notAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111shown). Some configurations may omit the adhesive layer and may be secured to the subject in one or more other suitable manners.

[0206] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 13 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 13.

[0207] As depicted in FIG. 13, the detector 100 may have a bandage type configuration. In the bandage type configuration depicted in FIG. 13, the cover component 115 may be optically transparent for viewing of the reactant array 132 and the target facing component 111 may be flexible and configured to bend with the contour of the surface of the subject. In some examples, the target facing component 111 may be a band 142 with a first band portion 142a extending in a first direction from the reactant array 132 and a second band portion 142b extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, from the reactant array 132. In some examples, the band 142 may be formed of or may be coupled with an adhesive layer 138. Some configurations may omit the adhesive layer and may be secured to the subject in one or more other suitable manners.

[0208] The detector 100 may include the opening 122 in the target facing component 111 and below the substrate 130 carrying the reactants 128. In some examples, the substrate 130 and / or the target facing component 111 may suspend the reactant array 132 within the housing 144 to prevent direct contact between the reactants 128 and the subject when the detector 100 is secured to the subject. The opening 122 may provide space for defining the volume between the subject and the detector 100 and through which analytes may pass from the subject, into the detector 100, and to the reactants 128. Other suitable configurations are contemplated.

[0209] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 14 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 14.

[0210] As depicted in FIG. 14, the detector 100 may have a bandage type configuration. In the bandage type configuration depicted in FIG. 14, the cover component 115 may be optically transparent for viewing of the reactant array 132 and the target facing component 111 may be flexible and configured to bend with the contour of the surface of the subject. In someAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111examples, the target facing component 111 may be a band 142 with a first band portion 142a extending in a first direction from the reactant array 132 and a second band portion 142b extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, from the reactant array 132. In some examples, the band 142 may be formed of or may be coupled with an adhesive layer 138. Some configurations may omit the adhesive layer and may be secured to the subject in one or more other suitable manners.

[0211] As depicted in FIG. 14, the target facing component 111 may extend below the substrate 130 carrying the reactants 128. The portion of the target facing component 111 below the substrate 130 may be configured to contact a surface of the subject to actively draw (e.g., via capillary action, negative pressure caused by material properties, negative pressure caused by a pump action, etc.) sebum, sweat, gasses, and / or other fluids into the volume between the subject and the detector 100 at which the reactants 128 are located. The drawing of fluids from the subject may facilitate increasing a concentration of analytes within the volume and accelerate the overall detection process.

[0212] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100 applied to the surface 126 of the subject 124. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 15 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 15.

[0213] As depicted in FIG. 15, the detector 100 may have a bandage type configuration. In the bandage type configuration depicted in FIG. 15, the cover component 115 may be optically transparent for viewing of the reactant array 132 and the target facing component 111 may be flexible and configured to bend with the contour of the surface of the subject. In some examples, the target facing component 111 may be a band 142 with a first band portion 142a extending in a first direction from the reactant array 132 and a second band portion 142b extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, from the reactant array 132. In some examples, the band 142 may be formed of or may be coupled with an adhesive layer 138. Some configurations may omit the adhesive layer and may be secured to the subject in one or more other suitable manners.

[0214] The detector 100 may include the opening 122 in the target facing component 111 and below the substrate 130 carrying the reactants 128. The opening 122 may provide spaceAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111for defining the volume between the subject 124 and the detector 100 and through which analytes may pass from the subject 124, into the detector 100, and to the reactants 128. Other suitable configurations are contemplated.

[0215] One or more wicking members 148 may be used with or may be part of the detector 100. In some examples, the wicking members 148 may be configured to contact the surface 126 of the subject 124. As depicted in FIG. 15, one or more wicking member 148 may extend from the substrate 130, the detecting component 113, and / or the reactant(s) 128 to the subject 124 or a location proximate the subject. In some examples, the wicking member 148 may be configured to wick sebum, sweat, gasses and / or other liquid from the subject toward and / or into contact with one or more reactants 128. In some examples, the sebum, sweat, and / or other liquid may be wicked toward, but spaced from the one or more reactants 128 such that no liquid contacts the reactants 128. In some examples, one or more of the reactants 128 may be configured to react to analytes in a non-liquid fluid and one or more of the reactants 128 may be configured to react to analytes of or in the liquid of the sebum, sweat, and / or other liquid. In some examples, the wicking members 148 may be configured to transfer fluid (e.g., liquid, sweat, sebum, etc.) directly to or at least closer to (e.g., and spaced from) the substrate 130, the detecting component 113, and / or one or more of the reactants 128. The drawing of the fluid to or toward the substrate 130, the detecting component 113, and / or one or more of the reactants 128 may facilitate the reactant(s) 128 detecting parameters of volatile analytes (e.g., gasses) and / or parameters of non-volatile analytes (e g., pH, presence of sweat, presence of a biofilm, etc.)

[0216] The wicking member(s) 148 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the wicking members 148 may be flexible, rigid, elongate strips, rods, strings, and / or may have other suitable configurations. In one example, the wicking members 148 may be flexible elongate strips as depicted in FIG. 15. Although two spaced-apart wicking members 148 are depicted in FIG. 15, a single wicking member 148 or more than two wicking members 148 overlapping or spaced apart from one another may be utilized.

[0217] The wicking member(s) 148 may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the wicking member(s) 148 may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cellulose, bacterial cellulose, nitrocellulose, nanofiber mesh, mesh, cellulose nanofiber, cotton textile, cellulose textile, regenerated cellulose, and / or other suitableAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111materials. Tn some examples, the wicking member 148 may be or may include a cellulose membrane configured to draw the sebum, sweat, and / or other liquid into the wicking member 148. The wicking member 148 may be or may include one or more reactants to check for pH and / or other parameters of a sample.

[0218] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-section perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 16 may include features similar to those of the configurations of the detectors 100 previously discussed and those features may not be readdressed with respect to FIG. 16.

[0219] As depicted in FIG. 16, the detector 100 may have a bandage type configuration. In the bandage type configuration depicted in FIG. 16, the cover component 115 may be optically transparent for viewing of the reactant array 132 and the target facing component 111 may be flexible and configured to bend with the contour of the surface of the subject. In some examples, the target facing component 111 may be a band 142 with a first band portion 142a extending in a first direction from the reactant array 132 and a second band portion 142b extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, from the reactant array 132. In some examples, the band 142 may be formed of or may be coupled with an adhesive layer 138. Some configurations may omit the adhesive layer and may be secured to the subject in one or more other suitable manners.

[0220] As depicted in FIG. 16, the target facing component 111 may extend below the substrate 130 carrying the reactants 128. The portion of the target facing component 111 below the substrate 130 may be configured to contact a surface of the subject to actively draw (e.g., via capillary action, negative pressure caused by material properties, negative pressure caused by a pump action, etc.) sebum, sweat, gasses, and / or other fluids into the volume between the subject and the detector 100 at which the reactants 128 are located. The drawing of fluids from the subject may facilitate increasing a concentration of analytes within the volume and accelerate the overall detection process.

[0221] One or more wicking members 148 may be used with or may be part of the detector 100 depicted in FIG. 16. In some examples, the wicking members 148 may be configured to contact extend from the substrate 130 and contact the target facing component 111 to facilitate actively drawing the sebum, sweat, gasses, and / or other fluids to or toward the substrate 130, the detecting component 113, and / or the reactant(s) 128.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0222] FIGS. 17 and 18 schematically depict the detector 100 in a bandage configuration and applied to a human subject 124. Although the detectors 100 depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 have a bandage configuration, other suitable configurations of the detectors 100 are contemplated. FIG. 17 schematically depicts the detector 100 applied to a forehead 150 of the subject 124. FIG. 18 schematically depicts the detector 100 applied to a neck 152 of the subject 124. The detector 100 may applied to other portions of the human subject 124 and / or to nonhuman subjects 124.

[0223] FIGS. 8-18 depict illustrative configurations of the detector 100 without the sensing system 200. It is contemplated that the sensing system 200 may be used in conjunction with the detectors 100 depicted in FIGS. 8-18 and / or other detectors. In some examples, the sensing system 200 and / or components of the sensing system 200 may be incorporated into the detectors 100 to form a combined detector-sensor system that can read and / or analyze the detector 100 (e g., the reactant arrays 132) in an automated manner. Additionally or alternatively, the detector 100 may be read by a user without the use of the sensing system 200, independent of whether the sensing system 200 is used with or combined with the detector 100.

[0224] Sensors and / or detectors not depicted in FIGS. 8-18 may be part of and / or used with the detector 100. In some examples, packaging of the detectors 100 may include one or more sensors and / or detectors that sense or react to humidity outside of a desired range, a seal being broken, liquid seeping into the detector 100, undesirable forces acting on the detector 100, temperatures outside of a desired range, and / or other conditions that could damage or contaminate the detector 100. In some examples, the detector 100 may include one or more sensors and / or detectors configured to detect liquid contact with a substrate or reactant array of the detector 100, a force above a threshold acting on the detector 100, premature egress of fluid to the reactant array of the detector 100, temperatures outside of a desired range, humidity outside of a desired range, a seal being broken, and / or other conditions that could damage or contaminate the reactant array and / or comprise testing of analytes with the detector 100. The sensor and / or detectors of or used with the detector 100 may be operable before, during, and / or after use of the detector 100 to test analytes from a target site.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0225] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative method 300 of analyzing health of a subject. As discussed, the subject being analyzed can be a human, a non-human animal, a plant, a food product, smells, liquids, solids, and / or other suitable subjects.

[0226] The method 300 may include positioning 302 a detecting device on a subject. In some examples, the detecting device may include a housing and a reactant array entirely within or at least partially within the housing. The reactant array may include one or more reactants configured to interact with analytes in fluid from the subject. The detecting device may include other suitable components discussed herein.

[0227] In some examples, positioning the detecting device on the subject may include securing the detecting device to the subject. Any suitable technique may be utilized for securing the detecting device to the subject. For example, the detecting device may be secured to the subject with a vacuum pressure at the detecting device, adhesive secured to the detecting device, one or more straps extending from the detecting device to and / or around the subject. Securing the detecting device may facilitate creating an enclosed volume between the subject and the detecting device.

[0228] The method 300 may include creating 304 a vacuum pressure (e.g., a negative pressure) in the enclosed volume between the subject and housing. In some examples, creating the vacuum pressure in the enclosed volume at the detecting device may facilitate securing the detecting device to the subject. In some examples, creating the vacuum pressure in the enclosed volume at the detective device may facilitate increasing the excretion of fluids from the subject for sensing by the reactant array, which may improve the accuracy of detecting / sensing by the detecting device and reduce time for obtaining accurate results from the detecting / sensing.

[0229] The vacuum pressure may created in any suitable manner. In some examples, the vacuum pressure may be created with a pump of the detecting device, a pump coupled with the detecting device, by applying a force to the detecting device, and / or in one or more other suitable manners. In some examples, the vacuum pressure may be created manually or in an automated manner. In one example, the vacuum pressure may be created by manually actuating a pump of the detecting device to remove fluid from the enclosed volume and exhale the fluid to ambient and / or to one or more other suitable locations (e.g., a waste container, back to the enclosed volume, etc.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0230] The method 300 may include analyzing 306 changes in the reactant array to determine one or more conditions of the subject. The analysis of and / or monitoring of the changes in the reactant array may occur in real time during the application of analytes to the reactant array and / or may occur after the reactant array has been exposed to the analytes.

[0231] Analyzing the changes in the reactant array may be done in any suitable manner, including in a manual manner and / or in an automated manner at the detecting device and / or the subject or remote from the detecting device and / or the subject. For example, analyzing the changes in the reactant array (e.g., identification and / or interpretation of the changes and or time period of change(s) of the reactant array) may be performed by human visualization, image comparison before, during, and / or at the end of or after application using human or computer vision, machine learning techniques, computer vision, spectral comparisons over time, and or any combination thereof.

[0232] Imaging or observing of the reactant array may occur while the detecting device is in place at or on the surface of the subject to monitor with high precision the rate and locations of changes in the reactants of the reactant array, which may not be achieved if the reactant array is not imaged or observed while the detecting device is in place on or at the subject. This real time monitoring may be useful in correlating metabolic changes to stimuli (e.g., food consumed, lotion applied, cosmetic applied, drug intake, and / or other suitable stimuli applied to, received by, or encountered by the subject). In some examples, imaging or observing the reactant array may occur after the detecting device is removed from the subject or imaging or observing the reactant array may occur while the detecting device is on the subject and after the detecting device has been removed from the subject.

[0233] As discussed, monitoring and / or analyzing the reactant arrays allow for the detection of one or more conditions of a subject. For example, the analysis of changes in the reactant array facilitate identifying metabolic changes of the subject in response to external stimuli (e.g., detecting metabolic changes to the subject in response to applying a treatment to the subject, such as a medicine, a lotion, makeup, consumed food, etc.), detecting markers of oxidative stress in the subject, detecting markers of inflation in the subject, detecting markers of collagen synthesis or degradation in the subject, detecting markers of a food sensitivity or allergy in the subject (e.g., celiac disease, seafood sensitivity / allergy, nut sensitivity allergy, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.), detecting a health level or condition of the subjectAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111(e g., the age and or health of a plant, person, etc.), and / or identifying or detecting other parameters related to the subject based on changes in the reactant array.

[0234] Detecting elevated levels of certain analytes, such as lactic acid or urea, from the subject based on changes in the reactant array may indicate the subject is dehydrated. Using the detecting device to identify the subject is dehydrated may guide or establish a recommended moisturizing product (e.g., a product with humectants and / or emollients) to restore hydration.

[0235] Detecting a hydration condition of a subject by detecting analytes with the detecting device may provide a more direct measurement than standard approaches such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements. Additionally, the detection of analytes to determine the hydration condition may offer a more comprehensive and immediate understanding of skin hydration than can be offered using TEWL and other standard approaches.

[0236] Detecting certain levels of certain analytes, such as certain aldehydes or ketones, from the subject based on changes in the reactant array may indicate the subject is inflamed (e g., the subject has a skin or surface irritation or sensitive). Using the detecting device to identify the subject is inflamed or has an irritation or sensitivity may guide or establish a recommended product (e.g., a product with anti-inflammatory ingredients) to address the condition.

[0237] Detecting certain levels of certain analytes from the subject based on changes in the reactant array may indicate a level of antioxidants in or at the surface of the subject, wherein antioxidants at the surface of the subject may play a role in protecting the subject from environmental conditions. Using the detecting device to identify the subject has low antioxidant levels may guide or establish a recommended product (e.g., a product rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C or E) to address the condition.

[0238] Detecting certain changes in the reactant array when the detecting device is applied to a subject at discrete times over a period of time may reflect the aging process, such as decreased production of collagen or increased oxidative stress. Using the detecting device to identify the subject has decreased production of collagen or increased oxidative stress may guide or establish recommended products (e.g., product with ingredients that stimulate collagen production and / or protect against free radical damage) to address the condition.Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111

[0239] Skin exhibits diurnal rhythms, with variations in sebum production, hydration, and barrier function throughout the day. Detecting certain changes in the reactant array of the detecting device applied to the subject may capture these fluctuations, allowing for personalized skincare recommendations based on the time of day (e.g., a recommendation for lighter moisturizers to be used in the daytime and richer creams to be used in the nighttime).

[0240] Skin undergoes seasonal adaptations in response to changes in temperature, humidity, UV exposure, etc. Detecting certain changes in the reactant array of the detecting device applied to the subject may capture these shifts, guiding the recommendation of products that address specific seasonal concerns (e.g., a recommendation to use a product during winter, when skin tends to be drier, with enhanced moisturizing properties).

[0241] The analysis of reactant arrays in detecting devices may be performed with the sensing system and / or other automated analysis systems. The detecting devices and the sensing systems may be part of or in communication with digital platforms and wearable sensor technology, which opens up possibilities for remote monitoring of skincare regimes and / or remotely monitoring a health of a subject. Such remote monitoring facilitates adherence to skincare regimens, optimization of product efficacy, continuous support for achieving longterm skin health goals, compliance with treatments, compliance with health goals, etc.

[0242] Although the detecting device may be discussed herein as being placed on or at locations on the surface of the subject to be analyzed, a sample of the sebum and / or other analytes may be obtained from the skin of the subject (e.g., via a swab, etc.) and the constituents of the sample may be analyzed with the detecting device and / or a remote analysis system (e.g., remote from the subject). In some examples, the remote analysis system may be or may include a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and / or other suitable analysis system. In some examples, the remote analysis system may be a mobile device, a cartridge (e.g., with a sample to be analyzed inserted in the cartridge), a reader device, and / or other suitable remote analysis system. Examples of remote analysis systems configured as cartridges and / or reader devices are disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT / US2023 / 083024, filed on December 8, 2023, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND RECORDING A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2023 / 83063, filed on December 8, 2023, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS TO MEASURING ANDAtty. Docket No. 1519.1014111RECORDING SPECTRUM OF A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2023 / 083076, filed on December 8, 2023, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND RECORDING A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2023 / 083104, filed on December 8, 2023, titled REACTANT ARRAY DEVICE, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2023 / 083073, filed on December 8, 2023, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND RECORDING A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2023 / 083068, filed on December 8, 2023, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND RECORDING A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2024 / 058789, filed on December 6, 2024, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND RECORDING A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2024 / 058796, filed on December 6, 2024, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND RECORDING A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes; PCT Application No. PCT / US2024 / 058809, filed on December 6, 2024, titled DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND RECORDING A REACTANT ARRAY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes.

[0243] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in detail, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A device for analyzing analytes from a subject, comprising:a housing configured to be secured to the subject with vacuum pressure;a reactant array disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of reactants; a window configured to allow visual observation of the reactant array through the housing; andwherein the housing is configured to create an enclosed volume between the subject and the housing when the housing is secured to the subject.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reactants comprise a first set of reactants with a first set of dimensions and a second set of reactants with a second set of dimensions larger than the first set of dimensions.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first set of reactants is configured to monitor spatial adsorption of one or more analytes.

4. The device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second set of reactants is configured to monitor temporal adsorption of one or more analytes.

5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a pump configured to create the vacuum pressure between the housing and the subject.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the pump comprises a bulb-type pump with one or more one-way valves.

7. The device of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising:an adhesive substrate on a surface of the housing, the adhesive substrate is configured to facilitate securing the housing to the subject.Atty. Docket No. 1519.10141118. The device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the housing comprises a compliant material to conform to contours of a surface of the subject.

9. A method for analyzing health of a subject, comprising:positioning a device comprising housing and a reactant array within the housing on the subject;creating a vacuum pressure in an enclosed volume between the subject and the housing; andanalyzing changes in the reactant array to determine one or more conditions of the subject.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:detecting metabolic changes in response to external stimuli based on changes in the reactant array.

11. The method of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising:detecting markers of oxidative stress based on changes in the reactant array.

12. The method of any one of claims 9-11, further comprising:detecting markers of inflammation based on changes in the reactant array.

13. The method of any one of claims 9-12, further comprising:detecting markers of collagen synthesis or degradation.

14. The method of any one of claims 9-13, further comprising:monitoring real-time changes in the reactant array while the device is positioned on the subject.

15. A system for monitoring skin health of a subject, comprising:a housing; anda reactant array located within the housing,Atty. Docket No. 1519.1014111wherein the housing is configured to be actuated to create a vacuum pressure between the housing and the subject to secure the housing to the subject.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises a pump and the pump is configured to create the vacuum pressure and accelerate release of analytes from the subject within an enclosed volume between the housing and the subject.

17. The system of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the reactant array is suspended within the housing to prevent direct contact with the subject.

18. The system of any one of claims 15-17, further comprising:a carrier substrate within the housing, the carrier substrate contains and suspends the reactant array within the housing.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the carrier substrate comprises a porous material.

20. The system of any one of claims 15-19, wherein reactants of the reactant array are configured within the housing to monitor spatial adsorption of one or more analytes and temporal adsorption of one or more analytes.

Images