Buffer-Protected Biosensor Catheter for Longer Sensor Life
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Biosensors degrade over time due to exposure to biological fluids, leading to reduced effectiveness from material degradation and protein buildup, necessitating frequent replacement or recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based system with a lumen containing a buffer solution is used to purge biological fluid from the sensor area, minimizing exposure and reaction, and a tandem sensor arrangement with controlled buffer solution flow extends the sensor's life by alternating sensor exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the biosensor is continuously exposed to biological fluid for monitoring, then the measurement capability is maintained, but the sensor material degrades and protein buildup occurs, reducing sensor effectiveness and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from continuous exposure to biological fluid by introducing a buffer solution that displaces the biological fluid from the sensor surface. The buffer solution is pumped through the catheter to create a protective barrier, separating the sensor material from harmful biological components while maintaining measurement capability during periodic sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer solution acts as an intermediary substance between the biological fluid and the sensor material. It provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between degrading biological components (proteins, cells) and the sensor, while still allowing periodic measurement of analytes like glucose when the buffer is temporarily displaced or mixed with the biological fluid.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the biosensor is protected from biological fluid exposure, then sensor degradation is reduced and lifespan is extended, but continuous measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic measurement cycles where the buffer solution is pumped through the catheter to protect the sensor during non-measurement periods, and then temporarily displaced or mixed with biological fluid to enable measurement. This periodic alternation between protection mode and measurement mode extends sensor lifespan while maintaining necessary monitoring capability at appropriate intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational states: a protection state where buffer solution continuously flows over the sensor to prevent degradation, and a measurement state where the buffer is temporarily displaced to allow biological fluid contact with the sensor. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both sensor lifespan and measurement frequency based on clinical needs.
3Reliability
If buffer solution is used to purge biological fluid from around the sensor, then sensor protection is improved, but the complexity of the fluid system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer solution serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective barrier against biological fluid degradation, provides a medium for periodic analyte measurement, prevents protein buildup on the sensor surface, and maintains a stable chemical environment for the sensor material. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems while achieving comprehensive sensor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protection function and measurement function into a single integrated system using the buffer solution as both protective medium and measurement enabler. The same buffer solution that protects the sensor during non-measurement periods is also used to facilitate measurement by being temporarily displaced or mixed with biological fluid, eliminating the need for separate protection and measurement systems.
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
The system significantly prolongs sensor life by reducing degradation, allowing for more frequent measurements and quicker response to parameter changes without device interruption.
Implementation Method 1
By advancing the buffer solution along the lumen, the biological fluid (e.g., blood) can be purged from the area around the sensor material to halt any reactions
Implementation Method 2
When a measurement is desired, then the buffer solution is withdrawn (e.g., suctioned) back into the supply so that the biological fluid enters the lumen and contacts the sensor material
Data Source
AI summary
Usable life of a biosensor life is extended while keeping the sensing system enclosed and minimizing the introduction of flushing solutions into a measurement line (e.g., a blood vessel) of a fluid system, such as a human blood vessel, a nutritional fluid line in a tissue cultivation system, or a circulation system in an organ preservation system. A catheter, tube, or other lumen contains the active biosensor. One end of the lumen is introduced to the target fluid, and the other end is connected to a supply of a buffer solution (e.g., heparinized saline solution). By advancing the buffer solution along the lumen, the biological fluid (e.g., blood) can be purged from the area around the sensor material to halt any reactions. When a measurement is desired, then the buffer solution is withdrawn (e.g., suctioned) back into the supply so that the biological fluid enters and contacts the sensor material.