Aptamer Microneedle Electrochemical Sensing for Real-Time Biomarkers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring protein biomarkers in interstitial fluid are invasive, time-consuming, expensive, and lack real-time tracking capabilities, posing patient discomfort and generating sharp waste.
Innovation Solution
Aptamer-modified microneedle-based electrochemical sensors for continuous, label-free monitoring of biomarkers in interstitial fluid, utilizing aptamer sequences specific to analytes and redox reporter molecules for electrochemical detection, with anti-biofouling coatings and multiplexed sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional blood sampling methods using hypodermic needles are used for biomarker quantification, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but patient discomfort increases and sharp waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hypodermic needle piercing system with an electrochemical microneedle sensor system that penetrates the skin barrier to access interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for traditional blood drawing while maintaining diagnostic capability through alternative biomarker detection in ISF
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling parameter from blood to interstitial fluid, which can be accessed through microneedle penetration without requiring full blood draw, thereby reducing patient discomfort and waste generation while still providing reliable biomarker information for diagnosis
2Measurement precision
If ELISA method is used for biomarker quantification, then diagnostic precision is achieved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex multi-step ELISA mechanical procedure with an electrochemical detection system that measures biomarker concentrations through electrical signals, dramatically reducing analysis time from hours to minutes while maintaining quantification precision through sensitive electrochemical transduction
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical sensor performs self-detection and self-quantification of biomarkers in interstitial fluid without requiring external laboratory equipment or complex reagent procedures, enabling point-of-care testing that is both rapid and precise
3Measurement precision
If traditional blood sampling methods are used, then comprehensive biomarker analysis is possible, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of biomarkers in interstitial fluid through wearable microneedle sensors that continuously sample and detect biomarker concentrations, providing ongoing trend information and dynamic health status updates rather than discrete snapshot measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium that provides real-time access to biomarker information reflecting systemic physiological status, allowing continuous monitoring without repeated invasive blood draws while maintaining comprehensive analytical capability
4Quantity of substance
If hypodermic needle blood sampling is performed, then sufficient sample volume is obtained, but patient discomfort and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive hypodermic needle blood collection system with a microneedle array system that accesses interstitial fluid through minimal skin penetration, obtaining sufficient analyte volume for accurate measurement while dramatically improving patient comfort and reducing invasiveness
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 non-invasive, real-time, and cost-effective monitoring of multiple biomarkers, providing clinically relevant health information for disease diagnosis and management, and facilitating personalized healthcare through wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode probe structure is configured to produce a signal in response to one or more chemical or biological substances in a biofluid that come in contact with the electrode probe structure
Implementation Method 2
The electrode probe structure of a first microneedle in the at least two microneedles includes an aptamer sequence which is specific for a first analyte
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and methods are described that relate to microneedle-assisted aptamer-based electrochemical sensing for label-free, continuous real-time monitoring of biomarkers in a biofluid. One example device for electrochemical monitoring of one or more analytes in a biofluid includes a substrate and at least two microneedles coupled to the substrate. Each microneedle in the at least two microneedles includes a protruded needle structure and an electrode probe structure. The electrode probe structure of a first microneedle in the at least two microneedles includes an aptamer sequence which is specific for a first analyte and the electrode probe structure of the first microneedle is operable as a working electrode for detection of the first analyte using a first electrochemical detection technique.