Dual-Electrode Continuous Analyte Sensor for Interstitial 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 lack of continuous and accurate glucose level monitoring.
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 to isolate the analyte signal from non-analyte related electroactive compounds using a scaling factor, allowing for continuous and accurate glucose monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single point blood glucose meter is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of glucose monitoring deteriorates due to infrequent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual finger-pricking mechanical testing with an automated electrochemical sensor system that continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for repeated manual operations while providing continuous precise monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring through a dual-electrode sensor that continuously measures analyte levels in interstitial fluid, replacing discrete single-point measurements with uninterrupted continuous monitoring to detect hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic events in real-time
2Device complexity
If conventional single-electrode sensors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from non-analyte electroactive compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into two separate electrodes: a first working electrode with enzymatic membrane for total electroactive compound detection and a second working electrode without enzyme for interferent detection, allowing signal differentiation and elimination of measurement interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an enzymatic membrane as a selective intermediary layer on the first working electrode that catalyzes analyte oxidation while blocking non-analyte electroactive compounds, enabling specific analyte detection in the presence of interferents
3Measurement precision
If frequent blood glucose monitoring is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to uncomfortable finger pricking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces painful mechanical finger-pricking with a minimally invasive subcutaneous sensor that continuously samples interstitial fluid, eliminating discomfort while enabling frequent continuous monitoring without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring system where the continuous glucose sensor automatically performs measurements without requiring user action, eliminating the need for manual finger-pricking while providing continuous precise glucose data
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 facilitating more informed insulin therapy decisions.
Implementation Method 1
an analyte (or a species derived from it) that is electro-active generates a detectable signal at an electrode
Implementation Method 2
the non-analyte related electroactive compounds have an oxidation potential that substantially overlaps with an oxidation potential of the analyte
Implementation Method 3
an enzyme is provided that reacts with the analyte to be measured, and the byproduct of the reaction is qualified or quantified at the electrode
Implementation Method 4
An enzyme has the advantage that it can be very specific to an analyte and also, when the analyte itself is not sufficiently electro-active, can be used to interact with the analyte to generate another species which is electro-active
Data Source
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.