Analyte Detection Apparatus with Switchable Distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte detection methods, particularly in biotechnological and medical contexts, face limitations such as restricted measurement ranges, high transport resistance, pressure risks, and complex calibration procedures, which hinder accurate and rapid monitoring of analyte concentrations, especially in fluctuating conditions like diabetic patients' blood sugar levels.
Innovation Solution
An analysis apparatus comprising a sensor chamber, an analyte feed chamber, a distributor with switchable isolating means, and a control system that allows for separate flushing and measurement modes, enabling rapid analyte concentration determination with adjustable sensitivity and minimal fluid volume, thereby avoiding pressure variations and simplifying calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a very thin flexible tube is used to transport glucose from the microdialysis needle to the sensor, then rapid transport of glucose is enabled, but the tube generates very high transport resistance and pressure, creating danger of rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the transport function from a thin flexible tube and replaces it with a microdialysis catheter having a larger internal diameter. The catheter directly introduces dialysis fluid into a vein, eliminating the need for thin connecting tubes and their associated high transport resistance and pressure risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dialysis fluid as an intermediary medium that flows through the microdialysis catheter and exchanges substances with blood via the dialysis membrane. This intermediary fluid system allows efficient transport without requiring thin, pressure-prone connecting tubes.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the sensor is constantly exposed to high glucose concentrations through closed cycle dialysis fluid, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the sensor becomes overloaded and may quickly become inactivated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic action by repeatedly introducing fresh dialysis fluid through the microdialysis catheter. This continuous renewal of dialysis fluid prevents sensor overload by constantly providing fresh medium, enabling long-term reliable operation without sensor inactivation.
3Productivity
If immersion probe is used for analyte detection in bioreactor, then continuous monitoring is possible, but the measurement range is restricted and analyte cannot be diluted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses dialysis fluid as an intermediary medium that selectively exchanges substances with the analyte-containing medium through the dialysis membrane. This allows the sensor to measure analyte concentrations in the dialysis fluid, which can be diluted by controlling the dialysis process, thereby expanding the measurable concentration range while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus allows for precise, rapid, and accurate analyte concentration measurements across a wide range without diluting the analyte medium, maintaining high measurement accuracy and reducing maintenance complexity, while minimizing fluid consumption and pressure risks.
Implementation Method 1
a dialysis membrane for separating the analyte from a medium to be analysed
Implementation Method 2
glucose from the patient's blood can diffuse into a space located behind the dialysis membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for detecting an analyte includes a sensor chamber for detecting an analyte, an analyte feed chamber, a distributor, and a controller for controlling the transport medium flow. The distributor includes an annular channel with four connections with a switchable isolating device between two connections. The controller controls the distributor for flushing the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber without passing through the analyte feed chamber and for measuring the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber while passing through the analyte feed chamber.