Fluorescent Probe Kidney Function Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring kidney function, such as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and proteinuria, are invasive, time-consuming, and not suitable for real-time monitoring, and existing drug pharmacokinetic measurement techniques are painful and rely on expensive imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the injection of fluorescent probes of different molecular weights to determine physiological diagnostics, including GFR, filtration resistance, and drug or glucose metabolic rates, using a non-invasive apparatus with light sources and detectors to measure fluorescence intensity ratios and calculate relevant physiological data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (urine creatinine clearance, urine dip sticks, 24-hour urine collection) are used to measure kidney function, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming (6-24 hours) and not suitable for real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent probes as intermediary substances that are injected into the animal and interact with the kidney filtration system. These probes serve as mediators to transfer the measurement function from direct urine collection to optical detection in blood or urine, enabling real-time monitoring while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through fluorescent signal measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical collection and laboratory analysis system (urine collection containers, centrifuges, chemical assays) with an optical detection system. By substituting mechanical urine collection with optical measurement of fluorescent probes in blood or urine, the system achieves real-time monitoring without requiring lengthy collection periods
2Measurement precision
If blood and urine samples are drawn for glucose level measurement, then diagnostic information is obtained, but the process is invasive and relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent probes as intermediaries that bind to or interact with glucose molecules in the blood or urine. These probes transfer the glucose detection function from direct invasive sampling to optical measurement, allowing non-invasive or minimally invasive monitoring while maintaining glucose level detection accuracy through fluorescent intensity measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical blood drawing and laboratory glucose assay system with an optical detection system. By substituting invasive mechanical sampling with optical measurement of fluorescent signals, the system achieves glucose monitoring without requiring painful blood draws while maintaining diagnostic precision
3Measurement precision
If MRI imaging devices are used to measure drug pharmacokinetics, then comprehensive pharmacokinetic data is obtained, but the process is expensive and requires heavy medical imaging equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent probes as intermediary tracers that are injected into the animal and interact with the drug pharmacokinetics. These probes serve as mediators to transfer the pharmacokinetic measurement function from expensive MRI imaging to simpler optical detection systems, enabling comprehensive pharmacokinetic data collection through fluorescent signal measurement in blood or urine over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy, expensive MRI imaging system with a simpler optical detection system. By substituting complex magnetic resonance imaging with optical measurement of fluorescent probes, the system achieves comprehensive pharmacokinetic measurement without requiring expensive medical imaging equipment, reducing both cost and device complexity
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, real-time monitoring of kidney function and drug pharmacokinetics, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing patient discomfort and costs associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second molecules may be fluorescent probes
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining physiological data related to an animal, such as kidney diagnostics data, is provided. The method includes injecting a mixture of a first and a second molecule into an animal (e.g., a human patient), determining a molecular ratio of the molecules, and determining the physiological data based on the molecular ratio. The apparatus includes a number of finger receiving apertures, a light generation circuit, a light detection circuit, a pulse counting circuit, and a user interface.