Epidermal Biosensor Hydrogel for Continuous Cholesterol and Lactate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring biochemical data, such as biomarkers in sweat, are invasive, non-continuous, costly, and require sophisticated instruments, making continuous remote patient monitoring difficult, and induction methods cause patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An epidermal biosensor with a diffusion layer, enzymatic bioreceptor, transducer, and processor that allows for continuous electrochemical sensing of solid-phase analytes like lactate and cholesterol, using a hydrogel matrix with additives to enhance solvation and transport, and a stretchable design for comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood tests are used for biomarker monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but invasiveness and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sweat as an intermediary biofluid to access biomarkers indirectly. Instead of directly invading the blood system, the sensor detects biomarkers through sweat, which contains reflective information about blood biomarker levels, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating invasiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive blood collection methods with a non-invasive electrochemical sensing system that detects biomarkers through sweat using enzymatic reactions and electrical signals, substituting mechanical intrusion with chemical/biological detection mechanisms
2Quantity of substance
If sweat induction methods are used to acquire sweat samples, then quantity of substance is improved, but ease of operation and object-affected harmful factors deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor utilizes the body's natural sweat production mechanism without requiring external induction. The biosensor passesively collects and detects biomarkers from endogenous sweat, allowing the body to serve itself by naturally producing the sample needed for monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and detects biomarkers directly from natural sweat using selective enzymatic bioreceptors, removing the need for sweat induction procedures and their associated discomforts while maintaining sufficient sample quantity for accurate measurement
3Measurement precision
If off-line sample collection with sophisticated instruments is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated biosensor device: sweat collection, enzymatic biomarker detection, electrochemical signal generation, and data processing are combined in one wearable unit, eliminating the need for separate sophisticated instruments while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex off-line analytical instruments with a portable electrochemical sensing system that uses enzymatic reactions and electrical measurements to detect biomarkers, substituting sophisticated mechanical/chemical analysis with simpler electrochemical detection mechanisms
4Duration of action of moving object
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then duration of action of moving object is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor enables continuous monitoring by maintaining constant contact with the skin surface and continuously detecting sweat-based biomarkers without interruption. The wearable design allows uninterrupted measurement over extended periods, providing continuous health monitoring data
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to be self-contained and maintain autonomous operation through the skin interface, using the body's natural sweat production to continuously supply samples without requiring external intervention or complex operational procedures
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 non-invasive, continuous, and cost-effective detection of both water-soluble and insoluble biomarkers on the skin, eliminating the need for sweat induction and providing real-time health monitoring without complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusion layer operable to dissolve a solid-phase epidermal analyte
Implementation Method 2
an enzymatic bioreceptor operable to oxidise the dissolved epidermal analyte from the diffusion layer
Implementation Method 3
an enzymatic bioreceptor operable to oxidise the dissolved epidermal analyte
Implementation Method 4
a transducer having an interface with the diffusion layer
Data Source
AI summary
An epidermal biosensor comprising a diffusion layer operable to dissolve a solid-phase epidermal analyte, an enzymatic bioreceptor operable to oxidise the dissolved epidermal analyte from the diffusion layer, a transducer having an interface with the diffusion layer, a processor configured to process electrochemical data from the transducer, and a substrate to which the enzymatic bioreceptor and the transducer are attached. The solid-phase epidermal analyte may include water-insoluble cholesterol and water-soluble lactate. The diffusion-solvation layer may comprise agarose hydrogel and additives including glycerol and/or gelatin to improve mechanical robustness and reduce water evaporation rate of the hydrogel, and ethanol and/or Triton X-100 to facilitate solvation and transportation of hydrophobic analytes.