Enzymatic Ink Roller Pen for Reusable Glucose Sensor Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and frequent replacement of single-use glucose strips for blood glucose monitoring in diabetes management pose a significant financial burden on patients, and existing reusable sensors face issues with memory effects and biofouling due to repeated use.

Innovation Solution

The development of enzymatic ink-based roller pens that allow for the direct drawing and regeneration of active enzyme layers on reusable sensor strips, enabling multiple uses without the need for fresh strips, and integration of these sensors into unconventional surfaces like smartphones for decentralized monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If single-use sensor strips are used for blood glucose monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are maintained, but the cost per test increases and patient burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidcost per test

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor strip is designed to be reused multiple times by discarding and recovering the enzyme layer. After each use, the enzyme layer is removed (discarded) and a fresh enzyme layer is applied (recovered) to restore sensing capability, allowing the same sensor strip to be used repeatedly without degradation of measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is segmented into two independent components: the reusable sensor strip substrate and the consumable enzyme layer. This segmentation allows the expensive sensor strip to be retained and reused while only the inexpensive enzyme layer is replaced, significantly reducing the cost per test while maintaining measurement quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If reusable sensor strips are used to reduce cost, then cost per test decreases, but memory effects and biofouling occur due to repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost per testVSAvoidsensor performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The enzyme layer is designed to be completely removed after each use and fully regenerated with a fresh layer. This complete discarding and recovering process eliminates memory effects and biofouling accumulation, ensuring that each measurement cycle starts with a clean sensor surface and maintaining consistent sensor performance across multiple uses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The enzyme layer is extracted as a separate, removable component from the sensor strip substrate. This extraction allows the enzyme layer to be completely removed and replaced without affecting the underlying sensor structure, preventing the accumulation of interfering substances that would otherwise degrade sensor performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If enzyme layer is applied to sensor strip, then sensing function is enabled, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing functionVSAvoidfabrication process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enzyme solution is prepared in advance with all necessary components (enzyme, binder, conductive material) pre-mixed in optimal concentrations. This preliminary preparation simplifies the application process, as the user only needs to apply the pre-formulated solution without dealing with complex formulation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A specialized applicator device serves as an intermediary between the enzyme solution and the sensor strip. This intermediary tool ensures uniform, controlled application of the enzyme layer and facilitates easy removal and regeneration processes, reducing the complexity of the overall fabrication process

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 approach reduces the cost per blood test, minimizes memory and fouling effects, and provides a cost-effective, user-friendly method for repeated glucose monitoring with maintained sensor performance, suitable for diverse healthcare and environmental applications.

Implementation Method 1

The enzymatic ink includes biomaterials, for example but not limited to, one or more biocompatible binders, one or more biocompatible mediators, an enzyme, an enzyme stabilizer, or a conductive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

electrochemical sensor attached to the case and having a reference electrode, a working electrode and a counter electrode arranged to provide a flat surface for application of the enzyme compound and a chemical for sensing and to produce an electrical signal resulting from the sensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS11365435B2Multiple-use renewable electrochemical sensors based on direct drawing of enzymatic inks

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for providing a portable enzymatic-ink dispensing system. The system includes an enzymatic-ink including one or more biocompatible binders, one or more biocompatible mediators, an enzyme, an enzyme stabilizer, and a conductive material. The system includes a dispenser including a chamber to hold the enzymatic-ink and an applicator to apply the enzymatic ink dispensed from the chamber onto a target substrate.