Closed Detector Chamber Sensor for Subcutaneous Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous analyte monitoring systems, such as glucose sensors, face challenges including short sensor lifespan due to enzyme consumption and encapsulation, mechanical stress, and difficulties in integrating electronics for subcutaneous use, leading to frequent invasive procedures and limited integration and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a closed detector chamber and electrical sensor electrodes, where the detector chamber is designed for partial or complete insertion into body tissue, allowing reversible analyte penetration and influencing electrical properties based on concentration, using a detector substance that binds analytes and is immobilized within a porous medium to prevent leakage and maintain sensitivity over an extended period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If enzyme-based electrochemical sensors are used for continuous monitoring, then analyte detection sensitivity is improved, but sensor lifespan deteriorates due to enzyme consumption and encapsulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from enzyme-based electrochemical detection to a field effect transistor-based electrical detection method. This parameter change in the detection mechanism eliminates enzyme consumption while maintaining analyte detection capability, thereby extending sensor lifespan without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrochemical reaction system (enzyme-based) with an electrical field-based system (FET sensor). This substitution eliminates the need for consumable enzymes while maintaining the ability to detect analyte concentration changes through electrical property variations
2Productivity
If transcutaneous sensor systems are used for continuous monitoring, then continuous analyte measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases due to separate reading device and insertion tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor element, detector chamber, and electronics into a single unified implantable device. This merging eliminates the need for separate reading devices and insertion tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous monitoring functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable sensor device performs multiple functions within a single unit: analyte detection, signal processing, and data transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Measurement precision
If detector substance is used to bind analytes in open system, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detector substance leakage occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous medium within the closed detector chamber to immobilize the detector substance. The porous structure allows analyte diffusion while retaining the detector substance, maintaining detection sensitivity while preventing leakage and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The detector substance is nested within the porous medium, which is in turn contained within the closed detector chamber. This nested structure ensures the detector substance remains confined while still being able to interact with analytes, preventing leakage while maintaining detection capability
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 solution enables prolonged analyte detection without significant enzyme consumption, reduces mechanical stress, and allows for highly integrated, cost-effective designs suitable for subcutaneous use, potentially extending sensor lifespan and reducing invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The detector chamber is set up to enable a reversible penetration of the analyte into the detector chamber
Implementation Method 2
At least one receptor is accommodated in the detector chamber and is designed to bind the analyte, wherein the detector substance is set up to influence at least one electrical property of the electrical sensor, in particular at least one electrical property of the sensor electrode and/or the detector chamber, depending on a concentration of the analyte in the detector chamber
Implementation Method 3
the detector substance is set up to influence at least one electrical property of the electrical sensor, in particular at least one electrical property of the sensor electrode and/or the detector chamber, depending on a concentration of the analyte in the detector chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device (110) for detecting at least one analyte (144) in a fluid, in particular in a body fluid. The sensor device (110) comprises at least one closed detector chamber (140) and at least one electric sensor (112) having at least one sensor electrode (162). The detector chamber (140) can be connected to the fluid (146) such that the analyte (144) can penetrate into the detector chamber (140). The detector chamber (140) comprises at least one detector substance (150). The detector substance (150) is designed to influence at least one electric property of the electric sensor (112), in particular at least one electric property of the sensor electrode (162), depending on a concentration of the analyte (144) in the detector chamber (140).