Biodegradable Coated Biosensor Array for Continuous Insulin Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetes patients are invasive and uncomfortable, leading to infrequent measurements that can result in delayed detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor array with a plurality of sensor cells, each containing an electrode and an insulin antibody immobilized on its surface, coated with a biodegradable material such as gelatin or polylactic acid, which degrades over time to expose the antibody for continuous analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If finger pricks are used to obtain blood samples for glucose measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger prick method with an implantable biosensor that uses electrochemical detection. The biosensor contains electrodes that interact with glucose in the interstitial fluid through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for mechanical blood sampling while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary biodegradable coating layer between the electrode and the external environment. This coating initially protects the electrode and controls the degradation rate, allowing the sensor to function continuously without repeated invasive procedures. The coating degrades over time, enabling sustained measurement capability.
2Productivity
If frequent finger pricks are performed to monitor glucose levels continuously, then detection frequency is improved, but patient comfort and compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through an implantable biosensor that operates continuously in the body. The sensor remains implanted and continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, providing uninterrupted data without requiring repeated patient actions. The biodegradable coating ensures continuous protection and controlled release over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensor system is self-contained and self-operating once implanted. It automatically detects glucose levels without requiring patient intervention for sampling or operation. The sensor performs measurements autonomously, converting chemical signals from glucose into electrical signals that can be transmitted and analyzed.
3Ease of operation
If implantable sensors are used for continuous monitoring, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures in the biosensor design. The sensor combines electrodes with a biodegradable coating layer, creating a composite structure that integrates multiple functions: electrochemical detection, biological compatibility, and controlled degradation. This composite approach allows the complex functionality to be achieved through material properties rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the biodegradable coating material to control sensor behavior. By adjusting the degradation rate parameter of the coating material, the sensor can be tuned to provide continuous protection and controlled release over specific time periods. This parameter-based control simplifies the device design compared to mechanical control mechanisms.
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 continuous and comfortable monitoring of insulin levels, reducing the risk of dangerous glycemic events by providing frequent and accurate measurements without the need for frequent finger pricks.
Implementation Method 1
a biodegradable coating in direct contact with the at least one antibody
Implementation Method 2
the biodegradable coating comprises one or more of polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA)
Implementation Method 3
at least one antibody immobilized on a surface of the at least one electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally devices for detecting analytes in a subject. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a biosensor array for detecting analytes in a subject. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a biosensor array comprising a plurality of sensor cells for detecting an analyte in a subject. In accordance with these embodiments, the plurality of sensor cells comprises at least one electrode, at least one antibody immobilized on a surface of the at least one electrode, and a biodegradable coating in contact with the at least one antibody.