Embedded Excreta Analysis Device for Real-Time Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fecal biomarkers, while useful for diagnosing and managing inflammatory bowel diseases, have limited specificity in distinguishing between intestinal inflammation and other conditions, leading to a high negative predictive value but low positive predictive value, and existing methods for analyzing excreta are not integrated with excreta disposal units for real-time analysis.
Innovation Solution
An embedded excreta analysis system within an excreta disposal unit that collects and analyzes excreta using electronic devices, including microprocessors, microfluidic devices, and optical devices, capable of homogenizing, detecting, and quantifying biomarkers, and self-sanitizing, to provide immediate results on disease presence and nutrition status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fecal biomarker testing is used to diagnose intestinal inflammation, then the negative predictive value is high, but the positive predictive value is low due to limited specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the analysis into multiple independent assays targeting different biomarkers (calprotectin, lactoferrin, S100A12, myeloperoxidase) that can be measured simultaneously in the same fecal sample. This multi-marker approach allows for better differentiation between intestinal inflammation and other conditions, improving positive predictive value while maintaining high negative predictive value.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is designed to perform multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously by detecting various biomarkers in a single fecal sample. This multi-functional assay can distinguish between different types of inflammation, assess disease activity, and differentiate IBD from other gastrointestinal conditions, thereby improving specificity without requiring multiple separate tests.
2Loss of time
If traditional excreta analysis methods are used, then manual analysis is required with delayed results, but real-time analysis capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical analysis methods with automated electronic detection systems including microfluidic devices, optical sensors, and electronic readers. This substitution eliminates the need for manual processing steps and enables rapid, real-time analysis of fecal biomarkers, reducing analysis time from days to minutes while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is designed as a self-contained unit that performs sample processing, analysis, and result generation automatically without requiring external laboratory infrastructure. The embedded electronic devices and microfluidic systems enable the device to conduct the entire analysis process autonomously, providing real-time results at the point of care.
3Measurement precision
If invasive procedures like endoscopy are used for diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is high, but patient discomfort and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses fecal biomarkers as intermediary markers that reflect intestinal inflammation without requiring direct visualization or contact with the intestinal mucosa. These biomarkers serve as mediators that convey diagnostic information about bowel health through a non-invasive fecal sample, maintaining high diagnostic accuracy while eliminating the discomfort and risks associated with invasive endoscopic procedures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple biomarkers are analyzed separately, then comprehensive diagnosis is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple individual biomarker assays into a single integrated test system that can detect and quantify multiple biomarkers (calprotectin, lactoferrin, S100A12, myeloperoxidase) simultaneously in one fecal sample. This consolidation reduces device complexity by integrating sample processing, multiple detection channels, and result interpretation into a unified platform, while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability.
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 real-time detection and quantification of biomarkers in excreta, reducing the need for invasive procedures and providing immediate feedback on health and nutrition, with high sensitivity and specificity, and the ability to analyze multiple users' samples efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
optical devices, capable of homogenizing, detecting, and quantifying biomarkers
Implementation Method 2
microfluidic devices, and optical devices, capable of homogenizing
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a system for analyzing excreta, wherein the system is configured to collect and analyze at least a portion of an excreta, wherein at least a portion of the system is configured to be embedded in an excreta disposal unit, and wherein the system comprises at least one electronic device. In a further embodiment, an analysis system for analyzing excreta, comprises a first portion configured to be connected to an excreta disposal unit and configured to collect at least a portion of an excreta, and a second portion configured to homogenize the at least a portion of the excreta collected by the first portion. In a further embodiment, an analysis system for analyzing excreta comprises a first portion of configured to be connected to an excreta disposal unit and configured to collect at least a portion of an excreta, and wherein the analysis system is configured to detect analyte from multiple users.