Enzyme-Coated Transdermal Patch for Non-Invasive Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transdermal sampling techniques are invasive, require external chemical analysis, and are dependent on sweat rate or volume, making them impractical for rapid, inexpensive, and pain-free monitoring of biomedical markers and environmental toxin exposure.
Innovation Solution
A microfabricated transdermal sampling system with a sampler unit, detector system, and logic module for retrieving, identifying, and quantifying analytes from the skin, using thermal or laser ablation to enhance permeability and a photonic detection system for colorimetric or fluorescence-based analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional transdermal sampling techniques are used, then analyte collection is achieved, but the techniques are grossly invasive and potentially injurious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical invasive sampling methods with a chemical/enzymatic approach. An enzyme-coated patch is applied to the skin, where the enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the analyte into a detectable product. This eliminates the need for mechanical skin penetration or sweat collection, achieving non-invasive sampling while maintaining reliable analyte detection through biochemical transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an enzyme as an intermediary substance between the skin and the detection system. The enzyme-coated patch acts as a mediator that facilitates analyte extraction from the skin without direct mechanical contact, and converts the analyte into a detectable form. This intermediary approach enables reliable sampling while avoiding the harmful effects of direct mechanical invasion.
2Ease of operation
If sweat-dependent transdermal sampling is used, then analyte collection is achieved, but the system requires sweat extraction by centrifugation and external chemical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained sampling system where the enzyme-coated patch performs multiple functions autonomously: it extracts the analyte from the skin, converts it into a detectable product, and enables direct reading without external equipment. The patch itself serves as both the sampling device and the detection system, eliminating the need for separate centrifugation and chemical analysis steps, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sampling function and detection function into a single integrated patch device. The enzyme coating on the patch simultaneously performs analyte extraction and conversion to detectable forms, combining what were previously separate processes (sweat collection, centrifugation, external chemical analysis) into one unified operation. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate steps and external equipment, reducing device complexity while preserving operational convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive non-sweat dependent transdermal sampling is used, then sampling independence from sweat rate is achieved, but the techniques still require extraction and external chemical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for active sweat stimulation or collection mechanisms with a passive enzyme-based biochemical approach. The enzyme-coated patch continuously extracts and converts analytes from the skin without requiring sweat production or mechanical extraction processes. This substitution eliminates dependence on sweat rate while also eliminating the need for complex external extraction and chemical analysis equipment, as the patch itself performs the detection function.
4Measurement precision
If thermal or laser ablation is used to enhance permeability, then transdermal analyte retrieval is improved, but the procedures become minimally invasive rather than completely non-invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical ablation methods (thermal or laser) with a biochemical enzyme-based approach for enhancing skin permeability. The enzyme-coated patch uses enzymatic action to facilitate analyte extraction without causing physical damage or thermal disruption to the skin. This substitution maintains measurement precision for analyte detection while avoiding the harmful effects of skin permeability disruption associated with ablation techniques.
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 minimally invasive, rapid, and cost-effective monitoring of biomedical markers and toxins, allowing for real-time health assessment and drug delivery, with enhanced sensitivity and specificity through integrated photonics and capillary-based fluid handling.
Implementation Method 1
thermal or laser ablation to enhance permeability
Implementation Method 2
thermal or laser ablation to enhance permeability
Implementation Method 3
photonic detection system for colorimetric or fluorescence-based analysis
Implementation Method 4
photonic detection system for colorimetric or fluorescence-based analysis
Implementation Method 5
capillary-based fluid handling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a system and method for transdermal sampling, comprising: at least one sampler for retrieving and transferring at least one analyte obtained transdermally from the skin of a subject; at least one detector system for identifying and quantifying said at least one analyte; and at least one logic module for (i) receiving and storing input data from said at least one detector, (ii) relating the input data to other data obtained from the subject, (iii) displaying output information, (iv) transmitting the output information to another system, and (v) controlling the operation of said at least one sampler and at least one detector.