Cross-sensitivity-compensated Biosensor Using Segmented Hydrogels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biosensors based on hydrogels face challenges in precise detection of analytes due to high cross-sensitivity to temperature and pH variations, which complicates the measurement of concentration changes in bodily fluids, particularly in implantable systems where temperature and pH can fluctuate.

Innovation Solution

A cross-sensitivity-compensated biosensor design that incorporates a pressure measurement chamber with a sensor material and a compensation material, where the compensation material mechanically decouples temperature and pH effects from the analyte concentration signal, allowing for independent measurement of concentration-dependent pressure changes without temperature or pH dependency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If smart hydrogels are used for analyte detection, then sensitivity to the target analyte is improved, but cross-sensitivity to temperature and pH variations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection sensitivityVSAvoidcross-sensitivity to temperature and pH

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into two separate compartments: a first compartment containing the sensor hydrogel for analyte detection and a second compartment containing the compensation hydrogel for temperature and pH compensation. This segmentation allows each compartment to independently respond to its specific stimulus without interfering with the other, thereby resolving the cross-sensitivity issue while maintaining analyte detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the two compartments. This membrane allows mechanical coupling of the hydrogels while preventing direct contact between the sensor hydrogel and the compensation hydrogel. The flexible membrane transmits swelling forces from both compartments to the pressure sensor, enabling independent measurement of analyte concentration while compensating for temperature and pH effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If compensation material is added to mechanically decouple temperature and pH effects, then measurement precision for concentration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation function is merged into the sensor structure by incorporating a second hydrogel compartment that mechanically couples to the first compartment through a flexible membrane. Both compartments contribute to the overall pressure measurement, allowing the system to simultaneously detect analyte concentration and compensate for temperature and pH variations without requiring separate compensation devices or complex electronic circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If pressure sensors are used to measure concentration, then detection capability is improved, but the impact of temperature-induced pressure changes cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration detection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability in fluctuating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature-induced pressure changes, which were originally harmful interference, are converted into a beneficial compensation mechanism. The second compensation hydrogel is specifically designed to swell or shrink in response to temperature changes, generating pressure changes that oppose and cancel out the temperature-induced pressure changes in the first compartment. This transforms the harmful temperature effect into a useful compensation signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This design enhances the measurement resolution and reduces the need for precise temperature and pH sensors, enabling accurate detection of analytes like biomarkers in fluctuating environments, such as in the human body, with improved sensitivity to the target analyte concentration.

Implementation Method 1

the concentration-dependent volume change may be converted into a concentration-dependent pressure change

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling:

Implementation Method 2

a compensation material, which compensates at least in part for a cross-sensitivity-induced change in volume of the sensor material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-sensitivity compensation:

Data Source

PatentUS10274408B2Cross-sensitivity-compensated biosensor

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention include a biosensor, such as an implantable biosensor, that includes a sensor material sensitive to at least one analyte in a pressure measurement chamber coupled to a pressure sensor. In embodiments of the invention, a pressure prevailing in the pressure measurement chamber may be determined by the pressure sensor. The sensor material is coupled in the pressure measurement chamber to a compensation material, which includes a relationship between a temperature and a volume of the pressure. The relationship is opposite to a temperature-dependent change in pressure or volume of the sensor material and at least partially compensates for a cross-sensitivity-induced change in volume of the sensor material.