Analyte Sensor Interference Correction Using Dual Indicators

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Analyte monitoring systems face interference from blood in interstitial fluid and oxidation-induced degradation of analyte indicators, leading to inaccurate measurements and the need for uncomfortable recalibrations.

Innovation Solution

An analyte monitoring system that includes an analyte sensor with both an analyte indicator and a degradation indicator, capable of measuring the analyte concentration and the extent of degradation, allowing for real-time correction without reference analyte measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an analyte indicator is used to measure analyte concentration, then analyte monitoring is enabled, but the indicator degrades over time due to oxidation by reactive oxygen species, leading to loss of sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor implantation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A membrane layer is introduced as an intermediary between the analyte indicator and the interstitial fluid. This membrane selectively allows analyte molecules to pass through while blocking reactive oxygen species and other interferents from reaching the indicator, thereby protecting the indicator from degradation and maintaining measurement accuracy over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin film membrane is used to enclose the analyte indicator. This flexible membrane provides physical protection against oxidation and degradation while maintaining diffusion of the analyte to the indicator, enabling long-term stable operation of the sensor implant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the analyte indicator is protected from oxidation, then sensitivity loss is reduced, but blood in interstitial fluid still interferes with accurate measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity stabilityVSAvoidanalyte measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into separate functional zones: an analyte indicator region for glucose measurement and a blood indicator region for detecting blood interference. This spatial segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and enables simultaneous monitoring of analyte concentration and interference levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A blood indicator is introduced as a reference element that copies the optical properties of the analyte indicator but responds to blood presence instead. By measuring the ratio between analyte indicator signal and blood indicator signal, the system compensates for blood interference and maintains measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensitivity parameters change over time, then recalibration is required, but recalibration using reference analyte measurements is uncomfortable and undesirable for the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor adaptability to sensitivity changesVSAvoiduser comfort during recalibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs self-calibration by using the blood indicator to automatically detect and compensate for sensitivity changes and interference. The system monitors its own performance and adjusts measurements without requiring external reference measurements or user intervention, eliminating the need for uncomfortable recalibration procedures

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 accurate analyte measurement correction by detecting and compensating for interference, reducing the need for recalibrations and enhancing user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The analyte indicator may have a detectable property that varies in accordance with at least an amount or concentration of the analyte in the medium and an effect on the analyte indicator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical property variation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The interferent indicator may have an absorption that varies in accordance with the effect on the analyte indicator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption variation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12369824B2Detecting and correcting for interference in an analyte monitoring system

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 SENSEONICS INC

AI summary

A sensor, system, and method for detecting and correcting for an effect on an analyte indicator of an analyte sensor. The analyte indicator may be configured to exhibit a first detectable property that varies in accordance with an analyte concentration and an effect on (e.g., degradation of) the analyte indicator. The analyte sensor may also include an interferent indicator configured to exhibit a second detectable property (e.g., absorption) that varies in accordance the effect on the analyte indicator. The analyte sensor may generate (i) an analyte measurement based on the first detectable property exhibited by the analyte indicator and (ii) an interferent measurement based on the second detectable property exhibited by the interferent indicator. The analyte sensor may be part of a system that also includes a transceiver. The transceiver may use the analyte and interferent measurements to calculate an analyte level.