Dual-Electrode Analyte Sensor for Continuous Glucose Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetic patients are invasive, inconvenient, and often fail to detect hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions in a timely manner, leading to dangerous side effects due to the infrequent measurement intervals and inability to track glucose trends.

Innovation Solution

A dual-electrode continuous analyte sensor system is applied to a host, featuring a first working electrode beneath an enzymatic membrane portion and a second working electrode beneath a non-enzymatic membrane portion, which processes signals from both electrodes to isolate the analyte signal from non-analyte related electroactive compounds, using a scaling factor to subtract noise and provide accurate glucose monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single point blood glucose meter is used for measurement, then the measurement method is simple, but the measurement frequency is insufficient and cannot detect hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions in a timely manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement method simplicityVSAvoiddetection timeliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical finger-pricking method with an electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors glucose levels in interstitial fluid through a catheter insertion, eliminating the need for repeated manual blood sampling while providing continuous real-time data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring by maintaining a sensor in the interstitial fluid that continuously measures glucose levels, replacing the discontinuous single-point measurements with an uninterrupted monitoring process that detects trends and alerts to hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If conventional electrochemical sensors with enzyme membranes are used, then the sensor can detect analyte signals, but non-analyte related electroactive compounds interfere with measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection capabilityVSAvoidinterference from electroactive compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor into two separate working electrodes: one with an enzyme membrane that detects both analyte and interfering compounds, and another without enzyme that detects only interfering compounds. This segmentation allows independent measurement and subsequent subtraction of interference signals to isolate the true analyte signal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second working electrode as an intermediary measurement tool that specifically detects the interfering electroactive compounds. By measuring the interference separately through this intermediary sensor, the system can mathematically subtract the interference component from the total signal to obtain the pure analyte signal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system enables continuous, accurate monitoring of blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of undetected hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic events and allowing for more informed insulin therapy decisions by providing real-time glucose trends.

Implementation Method 1

the enzymatic portion comprises an enzyme for detecting an analyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

an analyte (or a species derived from it) that is electro-active generates a detectable signal at an electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Implementation Method 3

processing the first signal and the second signal to obtain a signal substantially without contribution due to non-analyte related electroactive compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal processing:

Data Source

PatentEP2129285B1Analyte sensor

Publication Date: 2014.07.23 DEXCOM INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C1
Figure 1C2

AI summary

Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor, and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system. The vascular access device can comprise a plurality of analyte sensors (240), a catheter (212) having a lumen (212a) and a small orifice (212b), and a connector or hub (218) including a duct (218b) and an orifice (218c) which is configured for connection with other intravenous equipment via one or more flanges (218a).