Flat Electrochemical Probe for Non-Invasive Lactate Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vivo lactate concentration measurement technologies are primarily invasive, limiting their application to hospital settings and not suitable for broader use in monitoring physiological or pathological changes outside clinical environments.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive measuring arrangement using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with a substantially flat probe and analyzer circuitry, integrated into a wristband, allowing for intermittent operation in different frequency ranges to determine lactate concentration and heart rate, and featuring contactless energy charging and data transfer for user-friendly and versatile application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive probes are used for in-vivo lactate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate due to limited application to hospital settings only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (lactate oxidase enzyme) that specifically reacts with lactate in the blood, converting it to a measurable signal. This enzyme layer acts as a mediator between the blood and the electrode, enabling non-invasive measurement while maintaining precision. The intermediary approach allows the measurement to be performed through the skin without direct blood contact, thus expanding adaptability to non-hospital settings.
2Measurement precision
If invasive probes are used for in-vivo lactate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex insertion procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion system with an electrochemical measurement system. Instead of physically inserting a probe into the body, the invention uses electrodes that can be placed on the skin surface and utilize electrochemical reactions (lactate oxidase enzyme catalysis) to detect lactate levels. This substitution eliminates complex insertion procedures while maintaining measurement precision through the specific enzymatic reaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-invasive measurement methods are used, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a highly specific measurement zone at the electrode surface using lactate oxidase enzyme. This enzyme is localized in a thin layer on the electrode, creating a controlled micro-environment where only lactate molecules can be converted to measurable signals. This local enzymatic reaction zone filters out interference from other substances in the blood, maintaining high precision in non-invasive conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electrochemical reaction - specifically measuring the current generated by the enzymatic conversion of lactate. By monitoring changes in electrical current parameters resulting from the lactate oxidase reaction, the system can precisely quantify lactate concentration despite the non-invasive measurement approach, as the enzymatic reaction provides a specific and measurable electrical signal.
4Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing measurements at regular intervals rather than continuously. The measuring arrangement can be activated at predetermined time periods to measure lactate levels, allowing the system to remain in a low-power state between measurements. This periodic measurement approach maintains the ability to monitor lactate trends over time while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
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, user-friendly, and cost-effective monitoring of lactate concentration and heart rate, expanding the use of lactate measurement beyond clinical settings into preventive and medical applications, with the ability to differentiate patient groups and ensure hygiene through color-coded wristbands.
Implementation Method 1
in-vivo determination of the lactate concentration in blood by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, wherein the probe is excited in the frequency range around 100 MHz for determination of the lactate concentration by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
in the frequency range around 5 kHz for determination of the heart rate by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Data Source
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AI summary
There are proposed a measuring arrangement (1) for in-vivo determination of the lactate concentration in blood by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, comprising a substantially flat shaped probe (2) having a longitudinal extension (11), a transverse extension (12) and a thickness (13), wherein the longitudinal extension and the transverse extension of the probe (2) are each a multiple of the thickness (13) of the probe, an analyzer circuitry (4) connected to the probe, and communication means (6) connected to the analyzer circuitry (4) for transferring data via a WPAN, wherein the substantially flat shaped probe (2) is arranged at an edge of the measuring arrangement (1), so that the probe (2), during operation of the measuring arrangement (1), faces the animal or human body (14) to be examined, in such a manner that the probe (2) is arranged with its longitudinal and transverse extensions approximately parallel to the surface of the body (14) to be examined, a wristband (26) therefor, and a method for the operation thereof.