Dermal Patch Negative-Pressure Sampling for Interstitial Fluid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dermal patches for collecting physiological samples face challenges such as low sensitivity and specificity, and the invasive nature of blood drawing causes discomfort, especially in children, making it difficult to obtain samples in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A dermal patch with a housing containing a sample collection chamber, a pin for generating negative pressure, a septum for puncturing, and a processing fluid reservoir, along with a detector for analyzing target analytes, allowing for facile collection and analysis of physiological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a lancet is used to puncture the skin for blood collection, then a physiological sample can be obtained, but the invasive nature causes discomfort and difficulty in obtaining samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dermal patch as an intermediary device that collects physiological samples through a controlled puncture mechanism. The patch includes a housing with a puncture element that creates a small opening in the skin, allowing interstitial fluid to be drawn into a collection chamber without requiring traditional invasive blood drawing, thus reducing discomfort while maintaining sample collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a vacuum mechanism within the dermal patch to create negative pressure that draws physiological sample fluid into the collection chamber. The vacuum pump creates a pressure gradient that passively pulls interstitial fluid through the puncture site and into the chamber, eliminating the need for manual compression or invasive techniques
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing dermal patches are used for biomarker detection, then non-invasive sampling is achieved, but sensitivity and specificity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and processing parameters of the collected sample by incorporating a processing fluid that modifies the interstitial fluid upon contact. This processing step concentrates and prepares the sample for analysis, enhancing the detection sensitivity and specificity of target biomarkers while maintaining the non-invasive collection method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing fluid as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the collected interstitial fluid and the detection system. This fluid enhances the concentration and detectability of biomarkers, thereby improving measurement precision without compromising the non-invasive nature of sample collection
3Quantity of substance
If a pin is moved to generate negative pressure for sample collection, then physiological sample can be drawn, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pin mechanism to be self-actuating through user interaction. When the user presses the dermal patch, the pin automatically moves to the deployed position, generates negative pressure, and enables sample collection without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The mechanism uses the user's own action to trigger the vacuum generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable pin that transitions between retracted and deployed positions based on user input. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt its state - remaining simple during storage and activating only when needed for sample collection, thus minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining functionality
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 easy and comfortable collection of physiological samples with enhanced sensitivity and specificity, enabling in-situ analysis and storage for further laboratory examination.
Implementation Method 1
The pin is configured to seal the receptacle when in the undeployed position and is further configured to facilitate generation of a negative pressure in the sample fluidic channel when the pin is moved from the undeployed to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
the septum is formed of a self-healing polymeric material (e.g., Polyisoprene and thermoplastic elastomers ("TPE")), which can create a sealed surface after withdrawal of the lancet such that the physiological sample (e.g., blood and/or interstitial fluid) will be drawn into the collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A dermal patch for collecting a physiological sample includes a housing with a collection chamber, a sample channel and a pin within a receptacle of the housing. The sample channel is configured to direct a physiological sample drawn from a subject to the collection chamber. The pin is removably positioned within the receptacle and is configured to move from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The pin is configured to seal the receptacle when in the undeployed position and is further configured to facilitate generation of negative pressure in the sample channel when the pin is moved from the undeployed to the deployed position.