Antimicrobial Sensor Control Surfaces for Biofilm Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-body analyte sensors are prone to microorganism incursion at the insertion site and along the sensor, leading to potential infection, biofilm formation, and erroneous analyte measurements due to chemical and physical disturbances, which can affect sensor functionality and accuracy during extended wear.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an antimicrobial agent, such as titanium with a titanium layer and an antimicrobial coating, into the skin-facing surfaces of the sensor control device to prevent microbial colonization and biofilm formation, ensuring stable connectivity and accurate analyte measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an on-body analyte sensor is positioned on the skin using a needle or introducer to create a transdermal skin wound, then the sensor can be implanted for continuous analyte monitoring, but microorganism incursion into the wound and along the sensor may occur leading to infection and biofilm formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies antimicrobial agents to the sensor surfaces and insertion site before microorganisms can colonize. The antimicrobial coating is pre-applied to the sensor housing and plug assembly surfaces that contact skin, creating a protective barrier that prevents microorganism incursion and biofilm formation before the harmful process begins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antimicrobial agents as an intermediary substance between the sensor and microorganisms. This intermediary layer on the sensor surfaces and at the insertion site acts as a mediator that blocks microorganism attachment and growth, preventing direct contact between harmful microorganisms and the sensor system
2Duration of action of stationary object
If microorganisms grow at the insertion site and along the sensor, then infection and biofilm formation occur, but this leads to altered sensor functioning, shortened sensor life, and erroneous data
Solution Approach 1:
The antimicrobial coating is applied in advance to sensor surfaces before deployment, preventing biofilm formation from the outset. This preliminary protective measure stops the harmful process of biofilm development before it can begin, thereby extending sensor operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful interaction between sensor surfaces and microorganisms into a beneficial protective effect. By applying antimicrobial agents to the sensor surfaces, the previously harmful microorganism contact is transformed into a controlled interaction where the antimicrobial coating neutralizes threats and protects the sensor, extending its functional lifespan
3Measurement precision
If microorganisms incursion occurs at the sensor insertion site, then chemical and physical disturbances affect analyte measurements, but this reduces measurement accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The antimicrobial coating serves as an intermediary barrier that prevents microorganisms from reaching the sensor and causing chemical disturbances. This protective layer blocks the transmission of harmful chemical effects from microorganisms to the analyte measurement process, preserving measurement accuracy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 2F~2G
AI summary
A sensor control device and methods of making them are described. The sensor control device includes an electronics housing and a plug assembly. The electronics housing includes an upper shell matable to a lower mount having a skin-facing surface. The plug assembly is coupled to the electronics housing and includes a sensor module that has a sensor and a sharp module having a sharp. The plug assembly includes a base having a skin-facing surface and a plug portion comprising a lumen therethrough. At least a portion of a surface of the electronics housing or the plug assembly comprises an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a metal and/or a metal oxide.