Analyte Sensor Catalytic Agent Reactive Oxygen Species

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vivo analyte sensors face challenges such as non-linear glucose response due to high analyte flux and spurious low-glucose readings, particularly during periods of stillness, which can lead to improper insulin dosage and reduced sensor credibility.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of biocompatibility-promoting catalytic agents, such as superoxide dismutase/catalase catalysts, at the interface between biofluids and the sensing mechanism to degrade reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, reducing local concentrations and enhancing sensor performance and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If in vivo analyte sensors are used to provide continuous glucose information, then clinical benefit for diabetic patients is improved, but spurious low-glucose readings occur particularly during periods of stillness leading to improper insulin dosage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor accuracyVSAvoidspurious low-glucose readings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies superoxide dismutase/catalase catalysts to convert harmful reactive oxygen species (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide) generated during sensor operation into beneficial effects. These catalysts degrade the reactive oxygen species that cause spurious low-glucose readings, particularly during periods of stillness, thereby converting a harmful byproduct into a benefit that improves sensor reliability and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces superoxide dismutase/catalase catalysts as intermediary substances between the biofluid and the sensing mechanism. These catalysts act as mediators that degrade reactive oxygen species before they can interfere with the glucose sensing process, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of continuous glucose monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If sensors operate in vivo with high analyte flux, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but non-linear glucose response occurs reducing measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidglucose response linearity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes superoxide dismutase/catalase catalysts to convert the harmful effects of high analyte flux and associated reactive oxygen species generation into beneficial outcomes. By degrading these reactive species, the catalysts maintain linear glucose response even during continuous monitoring operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Duration of action of moving object

If reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are present at the sensor interface, then sensor operation is maintained, but biocompatibility deteriorates increasing failure rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operating lifetimeVSAvoidsensor failure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies superoxide dismutase/catalase catalysts to convert harmful reactive oxygen and nitrogen species into beneficial effects. These catalysts degrade the reactive species that would otherwise cause biocompatibility problems and sensor failure, thereby extending sensor operating lifetime and reducing failure rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical environment at the sensor interface by introducing catalysts that alter the concentration and reactivity of oxygen and nitrogen species. This parameter change improves biocompatibility and sensor reliability without compromising operational functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of catalytic agents improves sensor biocompatibility, reducing failure rates, increasing operating lifetime, decreasing signal noise, and preventing spurious hypoglycemic incident reporting, while providing more accurate and consistent glucose data.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS8165651B2Analyte sensor, and associated system and method employing a catalytic agent

Publication Date: 2012.04.24 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC

AI summary

An analyte sensor for use in connection with a biofluid is described. The analyte sensor may comprise any suitable interface between the biofluid and a derivative of the biofluid and any suitable transducer of information concerning an analyte. At least one catalytic agent is provided in a locale or vicinity of the interface. The catalytic agent, such as a proteinaceous agent or a non-proteinaceous, organic-metal agent, is sufficient to catalyze the degradation of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species that may be present in the vicinity of the interface. An analyte-sensing kit and a method of sensing an analyte are also described.