Analyte Sensor Membrane Property Measurement Using Fast-Transient Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical sensors for continuous glucose monitoring face limitations such as enzyme turnover number, enzyme inactivation, electron transfer kinetics, local glucose depletion, and counter electrode limitations, leading to inaccurate and unreliable measurements due to membrane permeability challenges that are difficult to quantify in vivo.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining membrane properties of analyte sensors using a fast-transient voltage signal to evaluate electrical resistance, allowing for in-operando monitoring of membrane permeability and implementing a failsafe step to ensure accurate analyte concentration measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane is used in the analyte sensor to control analyte diffusion, then the sensor can achieve selective detection and controlled response, but the membrane permeability is difficult to quantify in vivo leading to measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (ferrocene or other redox-active compounds) that mediates electron transfer between the enzyme and electrode, enabling indirect measurement of membrane properties through electrical signals rather than direct physical measurement, thus resolving the difficulty of quantifying membrane permeability in vivo
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/physical measurement of membrane permeability with electrical measurement methods using fast-transient voltage signals and impedance spectroscopy, substituting a difficult-to-measure physical property with an easily quantifiable electrical property
2Measurement precision
If fast-transient voltage signals are applied to measure membrane properties, then in-operando monitoring of membrane permeability becomes possible, but the sensor operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement electrodes multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their primary function (analyte detection through enzymatic reactions) and secondary function (membrane property measurement through fast-transient voltage signals), eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-characterization by using its own electrodes and circuitry to measure its own membrane properties without requiring external measurement equipment, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Duration of action of moving object
If the sensor operates continuously in vivo for long periods, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but membrane properties change over time leading to measurement drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where membrane properties are continuously or periodically measured using fast-transient voltage signals, and these measurements are used to correct or compensate for changes in sensor response, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy throughout the sensor's lifetime despite membrane property drift
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of membrane properties before and during sensor operation to establish baseline values and detect changes early, enabling proactive compensation or calibration before significant measurement drift occurs
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 method provides reliable and accurate quantification of analyte concentrations by compensating for membrane effects, enhancing sensor performance and reducing measurement errors, while maintaining the sensor's steady-state operation.
Implementation Method 1
evaluating electrical resistance of the membrane element
Implementation Method 2
at least one membrane element having the at least one membrane property
Implementation Method 3
membrane permeability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a membrane property of an analyte sensor that has at least two measurement electrodes and at least one of the measurement electrodes has a membrane having the membrane property. The method includes generating a fast-transient voltage signal and applying the fast-transient voltage signal to the measurement electrodes. A response signal is measured, and the membrane property is determined by evaluating the response signal.