Electrochemical Analyte Detection via Switching Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to improve the accuracy of electrochemical test systems for measuring analytes like glucose in small volumes of blood, as existing methods are not sufficiently precise.
Innovation Solution
The method involves performing a series of amperometric/potentiometric switching cycles between electrodes, observing signal characteristics, determining an averaged value, and correcting initial measurement values to achieve improved accuracy in analyte concentration determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrochemical detection is used with a single measurement, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and reliability of analyte concentration determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing multiple amperometric/potentiometric switching cycles instead of a single measurement. The system repeatedly switches between amperometric and potentiometric modes, collecting signal characteristics across multiple cycles. This periodic measurement approach allows statistical analysis of the signal characteristics, identifying and correcting for anomalous readings, thereby improving measurement accuracy while managing the increased procedural complexity through systematic repetition.
2Measurement precision
If multiple amperometric/potentiometric switching cycles are performed, then the accuracy of measurement is improved through averaging, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial or excessive action by performing a predetermined number of switching cycles that exceeds a single measurement but is optimized to balance accuracy improvement with time consumption. The system performs multiple cycles (excessive action compared to single measurement) to gather sufficient data for statistical analysis and error correction, while the predetermined cycle count is calibrated to avoid excessive time loss. This approach achieves the necessary measurement precision without incurring prohibitive time costs.
3Reliability
If signal characteristics are observed and averaged across multiple cycles, then anomalous readings are reduced in significance, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring signal characteristics across multiple switching cycles and using this information to correct or reject initial measurement values. The system establishes feedback loops where each cycle's signal characteristics inform the evaluation of subsequent cycles, allowing the system to identify anomalous readings and apply appropriate corrections. This feedback mechanism enhances measurement reliability by systematically eliminating errors while managing processing complexity through structured decision-making algorithms.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of analyte concentration measurements by reducing the significance of anomalous readings through averaging and allows for error detection and correction, improving the reliability of results.
Implementation Method 1
the enzyme oxidizes glucose to form gluconolactone and a reduced form of the enzyme
Implementation Method 2
Oxidized mediator reacts with the reduced enzyme to regenerate the active oxidase and produce a reduced mediator
Implementation Method 3
Reduced mediator is oxidized at one of the electrodes, and then diffuses back to either be reduced at the other electrode or by the reduced enzyme to complete the cycle, and to result in a measurable current
Data Source
AI summary
Determination of an analyte with increased accuracy is achieved by electrochemically determining an initial analyte concentration, performing a plurality of amperometric/potentiometric switching cycles, observing a characteristic of the signal during each of the plurality of switching cycles, determining an averaged value for the characteristic of the signal, and correcting the initial measurement value to arrive at a final measurement value of analyte concentration or rejecting the initial measurement value depending on the averaged value of the characteristic of the signal. The characteristic of the signal that is observed is not per se indicative of the amount of analyte present in a sample. Rather, it is a characteristic of the signal that reflects the quality of the electrodes, the extent of fill of the electrochemical cell or characteristics of the sample other than analyte concentration such as oxygen levels or hematocrit.