Distributed Electrode Configuration for Rapid Sensor Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte sensors, particularly glucose sensors, face challenges in rapid initialization and hydration within the body, leading to delayed start-up times and potential interference from local environment changes, fluid stagnation, and immune responses, which hinder their effectiveness in real-time monitoring and management of analytes like glucose.
Innovation Solution
The development of analyte sensor apparatus with a distributed electrode configuration, a biocompatible design featuring a conductive layer with reference, working, and counter electrodes, an analyte sensing layer, and a modulating layer, along with a cover layer aperture for facilitated analyte diffusion, optimized for rapid hydration and initialization, and enhanced by materials like polyimide or ceramic bases and flexible conductive wires, to ensure efficient fluid flow and reduce sensor dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional electrode configuration is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the initialization time is prolonged and hydration is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple functional layers including a base layer, conductive layer with distributed electrodes, analyte sensing layer, and cover layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, with the distributed electrodes ensuring rapid hydration and initialization while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are arranged in a distributed configuration across multiple layers rather than in a single plane. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures that all electrodes are exposed to the analyte environment simultaneously, eliminating shadowing effects and reducing initialization time while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If electrodes are positioned closely together, then the sensor area is reduced, but shadowing occurs that inhibits hydration and capacitive start-up
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode configuration transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement across multiple layers. This ensures that no electrode shadows another, all electrodes are equally exposed to the analyte for rapid hydration, and the effective sensing area is maximized within the compact sensor footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed electrode configuration is designed in advance to eliminate shadowing effects before the sensor is implanted. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that all electrodes are pre-positioned to receive analyte exposure simultaneously, enabling rapid capacitive start-up and hydration without requiring post-implantation adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is made rigid for structural stability, then manufacturing is easier, but the sensor cannot adapt to twisting and bending in vivo
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs a flexible base layer and thin-film conductive layers that can bend and twist without breaking. This flexible construction allows the sensor to adapt to the dynamic in vivo environment while maintaining structural integrity. The layered design with distributed electrodes ensures that flexibility does not compromise the electrical connections or sensing 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
This configuration significantly reduces sensor initialization time, enhances hydration, and maintains functionality even if part of the sensor is dislodged, providing reliable and rapid analyte monitoring with reduced interference from local environment changes.
Implementation Method 1
the analyte modulating layer comprises a composition that modulates the diffusion of an analyte diffusing through the analyte modulating layer
Implementation Method 2
The H2O2 reacts electrochemically as shown in equation 2, and the current can be measured by a potentiostat
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized elements and/or configurations of elements as well as methods for making and using such sensors. Typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.