DNA Hydrogel Wound Sensor for Bacterial Infection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting bacterial infections in wounds are either subjective or rely on time-consuming culture-based laboratory tests, leading to delayed treatment due to the lack of continuous, non-invasive monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, wireless, and battery-free sensor based on a DNA hydrogel (DNAgel) that degrades in response to deoxyribonuclease (DNase) secreted by pathogens, modulating its capacitance and enabling wireless transmission of infection data through near-field communication (NFC) for real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If culture-based laboratory tests are used to detect bacterial infections, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from complex laboratory culture systems and implements it in a simplified wearable sensor that directly measures bacterial markers at the wound site, eliminating the need for time-consuming culture processes while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/culture-based laboratory testing system with an electronic sensing system that uses electrochemical or optical detectors to directly measure bacterial presence, enabling rapid results without the time required for bacterial culture growth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable sensor system is designed to autonomously monitor wound conditions and wirelessly transmit data without requiring complex external monitoring infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple sensing capabilities and wireless communication functions into a single wearable device that can monitor various wound parameters simultaneously, improving monitoring efficiency while avoiding the need for multiple separate complex systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If wireless transmission is added to enable remote monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless transmission is implemented as periodic or event-triggered communication rather than continuous transmission, allowing the sensor to conserve energy by activating the transmitter only when data needs to be sent to remote devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible thin-film battery or energy harvesting components that provide sufficient power for intermittent wireless transmission while maintaining the wearable form factor, balancing energy availability with operational convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 prompt and continuous detection of bacterial infections, facilitating timely intervention and improved wound management by converting biological signals into electronic signals for wireless transmission without disturbing the wound site.

Implementation Method 1

When exposed to extracellular DNase, the DNAgel is degraded via non-specific cleavage of DNA strands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic degradation: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

the DNAgel is degraded via non-specific cleavage of DNA strands, resulting in dissolution of the hydrogel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogel dissolution: Hydrogel

Implementation Method 3

This changes the dielectric permittivity of the region above an interdigitated electrode, and therefore modulates its capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity change: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 4

By connecting the electrode to an embedded system, this electronic signal can be read out in a wireless and battery-free manner using near-field communication (NFC)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240341675A1Wound monitoring system and sensor thereof

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

AI summary

The present disclosure concerns a wound monitoring system for monitoring a bacterial 5 infection at a wound site, comprising a biosensing module that is contactable with the wound site, the biosensing module being configured to output a signal indicative of presence of at least one biomolecule released by bacterial cells at the wound site, and a readout circuitry coupled to the biosensing module for wirelessly transmitting the signal to an external device. The signal is a change in dielectric permittivity of the biosensing module. The present disclosure concerns a method of fabricating the wound monitoring system and a method of monitoring a bacterial infection at the wound.