Analyte Sensor Using Fast-Transient Voltage for Conductivity Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining analyte concentration in fluids, such as glucose in bodily fluids, are complex and costly, requiring sophisticated measurement electronics and often involve invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A method using an analyte sensor with an analyte-responsive polymer gel and a fast-transient voltage signal to measure conductivity changes, allowing for precise determination of analyte concentration with simplified and cost-efficient electronics, potentially for in vivo monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional measurement methods are used to determine analyte concentration, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte concentration measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement electronics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional complex electrochemical measurement systems with a simplified electrical conductivity measurement system. Instead of using sophisticated amperometric or potentiometric sensors requiring complex electronics, the invention uses a simple two-electrode system that measures bulk electrical conductivity of the hydrogel, which changes in response to analyte concentration. This substitution of measurement mechanism dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct electrochemical signals (current, potential) to bulk electrical conductivity of the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel's electrical conductivity serves as the transduction mechanism that reflects analyte concentration changes, simplifying the measurement approach to basic conductivity metering that can be performed with simple voltage and current measurements across the hydrogel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If sophisticated measurement electronics are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte concentration measurement precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable sensor design where the hydrogel-containing sensor element is intended for single or limited use. The sensor includes a support structure with a hydrogel layer containing the analyte-responsive component, designed to be discarded after use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex electronics by using a simple conductivity measurement approach that can be performed with basic, low-cost equipment, making the overall system more cost-effective despite the disposable nature of the sensor element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If complex sensor systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte concentration measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a self-contained sensor system where the hydrogel itself performs the transduction function. The hydrogel contains the analyte-responsive component that automatically responds to analyte concentration changes by altering the bulk electrical conductivity of the gel matrix. This eliminates the need for complex signal processing, amplification, or calibration systems, allowing the sensor to provide measurements through simple conductivity readings that are straightforward to obtain and interpret.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables precise and cost-effective analyte concentration measurement with reduced complexity in measurement electronics, suitable for continuous monitoring in bodily fluids.

Implementation Method 1

measuring at least one fast-transient voltage signal and at least one fast-transient current signal in response to the applied fast-transient voltage signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductivity change: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

measuring at least one fast-transient voltage signal and at least one fast-transient current signal in response to the applied fast-transient voltage signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4178438B1Method for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid

Publication Date: 2024.09.04 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG

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AI summary

A method for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid using an analyte sensor (110) is disclosed. The analyte sensor (110) comprises at least two measurement electrodes (112), wherein at least one of the measurement electrodes (112) comprises an analyte-responsive polymer gel (114), the method comprising the following steps: a) contacting at least the analyte-responsive polymer gel (114) of the analyte sensor (110) with the fluid comprising the analyte; b) generating at least one fast-transient voltage signal and applying the fast-transient voltage signal to the measurement electrodes (112); c) measuring at least one response signal; d) determining the analyte concentration by evaluating the response signal.