Biphasic Ion Detection Using Sensing Oil to Avoid Blood Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood analyzers for at-home use require large blood volumes and are complicated due to optical interference from blood components, making them unsuitable for frequent, self-administered electrolyte monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A biphasic device using a water-immiscible sensing oil phase with sensing chemicals that binds analytes, allowing optical detection without interference from the aqueous sample, suitable for small blood volumes and simple operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for direct blood analysis, then detection capability is improved, but optical interference from hemoglobin and blood components degrades measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the blood sample into two separate phases: an aqueous phase containing blood components and an organic phase containing the optical sensor. This segmentation allows the optical detection to occur in the organic phase where there is no interference from hemoglobin and other blood components, while still enabling analyte measurement through phase partitioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the analyte of interest from the aqueous blood phase into the organic phase using liquid-liquid extraction. Once extracted, the analyte is detected by the optical sensor in the organic phase, separating the detection process from the interfering blood components that remain in the aqueous phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional blood analyzers are designed for at-home use, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to required plasma separation and dilution procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single step: the organic phase simultaneously acts as the extraction solvent for analytes and as the medium for optical detection. This eliminates the need for separate plasma separation and detection preparation steps, simplifying the overall procedure for at-home use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables users to perform the entire analysis process themselves without requiring laboratory equipment or complex procedures. The organic phase automatically partitions analytes from whole blood, and the optical sensor provides direct reading, allowing patients to monitor their own health conditions at home.
3Measurement precision
If plasma separation and dilution are performed for optical analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sample volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the phase parameter of the detection medium from aqueous to organic. This parameter change allows the optical sensor to detect analytes in the organic phase without interference from blood components, enabling accurate measurement with small whole blood samples without requiring plasma separation or dilution.
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 accurate, optical detection of electrolytes in small blood samples without optical interference, suitable for at-home use with minimal training and low cost.
Implementation Method 1
a water-immiscible sensing oil phase with sensing chemicals that binds analytes
Implementation Method 2
sensing chemicals that binds analytes
Data Source
AI summary
Devices to detect analytes (e.g., charged species such as ions) in samples are provided as are methods for their use. The devices comprise a tube or container comprising a water-immiscible sensing oil phase comprising at least one sensing chemical that binds the at least one analyte. The tube further receives an aqueous sample. Upon mixing of the two immiscible phases, the analyte partitions into the oil phase and binds to the sensing chemical, delectably changing the optical properties of the sensing chemical (or of an associated reporter molecule). Detection of the changes permits quantification of the amount or concentration of analyte in the sample without optical interference from the sample. The devices are suitable for home use and other decentralized settings.