Annular Conductor Probe for High-Frequency Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter cables are not suitable for high-frequency measurements of biomolecules using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, as they are not compatible with invasive probes due to size constraints and interference issues, limiting the detection of biomolecules like lactate in vivo.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a specific structure featuring a base layer of insulating material, conducting layers formed into an annular conductor and elongate feed line, and a polygonal hole on one side, allowing for measurements in the 70 MHz to 165 MHz range, enabling detection of biomolecules like lactate in vivo with high specificity and broad bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catheter cables are used for impedance measurements, then the probe structure is simple and compatible with existing catheters, but the measurement frequency is limited to low kHz range due to skin effect and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is divided into functionally independent segments: a distal measurement section with annular conductor and polygonal hole for high-frequency biomolecule detection, an insulating base layer providing electrical isolation, and a proximal feed line section for signal transmission. This segmentation allows the measurement section to be optimized for high-frequency performance while the feed line can use conventional structures, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar electrode configurations to a three-dimensional annular conductor structure with a polygonal hole through the base layer. This dimensional change enables high-frequency electromagnetic field distribution optimized for biomolecule measurement while maintaining a compact probe form factor suitable for catheter integration.
2Measurement precision
If shielded coaxial cables are used for high-frequency measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the outside diameter becomes too large for use in catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The probe uses a thin insulating base layer with integrated conducting layers formed into the annular conductor structure, eliminating the need for bulky external shielding. The insulating base layer itself provides sufficient electrical isolation and structural support, enabling a compact diameter suitable for catheter use while maintaining high-frequency measurement precision through the optimized annular geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular conductor structure is nested within the insulating base layer, with the polygonal hole passing through the base layer concentrically with the annular conductor. This nested configuration maximizes the use of available space, enabling high-frequency measurement functionality to be contained within a compact diameter that fits within catheter constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequency range is extended to MHz for biomolecule measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but conventional cables become unsuitable due to interference and size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the measurement electrode structure and the insulating support into a single integrated base layer assembly. The conducting layers are formed directly on the insulating base layer, eliminating the need for separate cable assemblies and reducing integration complexity. This unified structure is optimized for MHz frequency range biomolecule measurement while maintaining compatibility with catheter delivery systems.
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 early detection of sepsis by measuring lactate levels in vivo, reducing mortality through timely intervention, and allows for multiple uses without direct contact with blood, suitable for use in catheters and extracorporeal systems.
Implementation Method 1
Probe for measuring biomolecules by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Data Source
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AI summary
A probe (1) for measuring biomolecules by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is proposed, having a distal end (2) and a proximal end (3), wherein the probe (1) has the following structure in a cross-section oriented transversely to its longitudinal extent: a base layer (4) of an insulating material, on a first side of the base layer (4) at least one layer (5, 6) of a conducting material, on a second side of the base layer (4), which is remote from the first side of the base layer (4), at least one layer (8) of a conducting material, and on the side of the layers of conducting material that is remote from the base layer (4), on the outside, in each case an outer layer (15) of an insulating material, wherein further the at least one layer (5, 6) of a conducting material on the first side of the base layer (4) is formed into an annular conductor structure (9) in the region of the distal end (2) of the probe, wherein the annular conductor structure (9) is followed proximally by at least one elongate conductor (10) which is in the form of a feed line for the annular conductor structure and extends to the proximal end (3) of the probe (1), and wherein the at least one layer (8) of a conducting material on the second side of the base layer (4) covers the predominant part of the base surface of the base layer (4), wherein the layer (8) of a conducting material on the second side of the base layer (4) has in the region of the distal end (2) of the probe (1) a polygonal hole (13) which is arranged concentrically to the annular conductor structure (9).