Equilibrium Glucose Sensor with pH Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tight glycemic control in ICU patients are hindered by the lack of accurate, real-time, indwelling glucose sensors, leading to frequent blood sampling and discomfort, and existing sensors face challenges with pH sensitivity and the need for multiple dye-based systems.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular equilibrium glucose sensor using a fluorophore and analyte binding moiety, such as a boronic acid functionalized viologen quencher, that measures glucose levels and corrects for pH fluctuations, allowing for continuous monitoring and administration of a blood glucose regulator to maintain glucose within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent blood sampling is performed for glucose monitoring, then glucose levels can be monitored, but patient discomfort increases and ICU staff burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical blood sampling procedures with an optical sensing system. A fluorophore-based sensor detects glucose levels through optical interactions in the blood, eliminating the need for repeated needle sticks and manual blood draws. This substitution maintains monitoring accuracy while dramatically improving patient comfort by removing the mechanical intrusion entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (fluorophore) that mediates between the glucose molecules and the detection system. The fluorophore binds to glucose and produces a measurable optical signal, allowing indirect detection of glucose levels without direct blood sampling. This intermediary enables continuous monitoring while avoiding repeated patient discomfort from blood draws.
2Measurement precision
If multiple dye-based systems are used for glucose sensing, then glucose detection can be achieved, but device complexity increases and pH sensitivity problems persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single fluorophore system that performs multiple functions: it detects glucose concentration through binding interactions and simultaneously provides pH compensation capability. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dye-based systems for different measurements, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive sensing capability including both glucose detection and pH correction.
3Reliability
If intensive glucose monitoring and control is implemented, then critical illness polyneuropathy can be prevented, but treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where continuous glucose measurements are fed back to guide insulin administration decisions. The sensor provides real-time glucose level data, which is used to adjust treatment intensity dynamically. This feedback mechanism enables effective prevention of critical illness polyneuropathy through automated or guided insulin dosing, reducing the need for complex manual monitoring protocols and making intensive control more manageable.
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 accurate, continuous glucose monitoring and correction, reducing the incidence and severity of critical illness polyneuropathy and other complications by maintaining blood glucose within a target range, thereby improving patient care and reducing ICU stay duration.
Implementation Method 1
When excited by light of a first wavelength, the fluorophore emits light at a second, longer wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The analyte binding moiety is configured to bind to the fluorophore in a pH-dependent manner, wherein the intensity of the emission at the second wavelength is affected by the pH
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring blood glucose concentration in a patient in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises deploying an equilibrium glucose sensor within interstitial fluid in the patient in need and coupling the equilibrium glucose sensor to a monitor configured to detect a signal and configured to display the blood glucose concentration.