Dual-Enzyme Analyte Sensor for In Vivo Glucose and Ethanol Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current in vivo analyte sensors are limited to monitoring a single analyte, requiring multiple sensors for multi-analyte analysis, which is inconvenient, costly, and prone to increased sensor failure.

Innovation Solution

Development of analyte sensors employing multiple enzymes to concurrently detect at least two analytes, such as glucose and ethanol, using a single sensor with dual responsive active areas and optimized membrane configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple independent analyte sensors are used to monitor multiple analytes, then measurement precision for each analyte is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple analyte sensing capabilities (glucose and ethanol detection) into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor employs multiple working electrodes, each functionalized with specific enzymes (glucose oxidase for glucose, alcohol oxidase for ethanol), allowing simultaneous multi-analyte monitoring without requiring separate independent sensors for each analyte.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating universal sensing components that can detect multiple analytes. The use of a common sensor platform with multiple enzymatically-active working electrodes enables the device to monitor both glucose and ethanol levels, reducing the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining detection accuracy for each analyte.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent analyte sensors are deployed, then comprehensive analyte coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to wearing multiple sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte monitoring coverageVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device achieves universality by incorporating multiple enzymatically-active working electrodes within a single wearable unit. Glucose oxidase is immobilized on one working electrode for glucose detection, while alcohol oxidase is immobilized on another working electrode for ethanol detection, allowing comprehensive analyte monitoring through one convenient device rather than multiple separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 simultaneous, continuous monitoring of glucose and ethanol levels, improving health management for diabetic individuals by reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing reliability.

Implementation Method 1

employing multiple enzymes for detection of at least two different analytes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

employing multiple enzymes for detection of at least two different analytes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

dual-layer membrane configurations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4552565A1Analyte sensors and sensing methods for dual detection of glucose and ethanol
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC
  • EP4552565A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4552565A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP4552565A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Multiple enzymes may be present in one or more active areas of an electrochemical analyte sensor for detecting one or more different analytes. In particular, an analyte sensor may comprise a sensor tail configured for insertion into a tissue and one or more working electrodes having a glucose-responsive active area and an ethanol-responsive active area to detect glucose and ethanol in vivo.