Fluorophore Breath Acetone Sensor Covalent Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring acetone concentrations in breath, such as those using a xerogel matrix with Nile Red, face challenges including long measurement times, limited sensitivity, and impractical restoration processes, making them unsuitable for detecting sub-thousands ppm acetone levels characteristic of human exhalation.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a fluorophore that changes spectral properties upon interaction with acetone, allowing for rapid and sensitive detection of acetone in breath samples by combining the sample with a fluorophore and using light sources and spectral detectors to determine acetone concentration, with the fluorophore potentially immobilized on a substrate to enhance interaction and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a xerogel matrix containing Nile Red is used for acetone detection, then the method can detect acetone vapor, but the measurement time becomes excessively long (20 minutes or more instead of the claimed 5 minutes)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacetone detection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical bonding mechanism from hydrogen-type bonding in xerogel to covalent bonding between acetone and fluorophore. This parameter change in chemical interaction strength and type enables rapid response (seconds vs. 20+ minutes) while maintaining detection accuracy for sub-ppm acetone concentrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a porous substrate material to immobilize the fluorophore, providing high surface area for acetone interaction. The porous structure allows rapid diffusion of acetone molecules to contact sites, reducing measurement time while maintaining sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Quantity of substance

If a xerogel matrix with Nile Red is used, then acetone can be detected at high concentrations, but the sensitivity is insufficient for detecting sub-ppm levels characteristic of human exhalation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacetone concentration rangeVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection mechanism from hydrogen bonding (weak interaction) to covalent bonding (strong interaction) between acetone and fluorophore. This enables detection of trace amounts of acetone at sub-ppm levels in human breath, overcoming the sensitivity limitation of xerogel-based methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the physical absorption mechanism in xerogel with a chemical reaction mechanism using fluorophores. This substitution provides superior sensitivity for low-concentration detection while enabling selective detection of acetone amidst other breath components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If high-temperature annealing is used to restore the xerogel-Nile Red compound, then complete chemical structure restoration is achieved, but the process becomes impractical and causes decomposition of Nile Red

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical structure restorationVSAvoidrestoration practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism to covalent bonding, which forms stable, irreversible bonds that eliminate the need for restoration processes. This parameter change in bond strength and permanence makes the sensor inherently reusable without complex restoration procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable sensor design where the fluorophore-coated substrate is discarded after use. This approach eliminates the impractical restoration process while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as the simple fluorophore-coating can be easily replaced without requiring expensive restoration equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 rapid and accurate measurement of acetone concentrations in breath, including sub-ppm levels, with improved sensitivity and practicality, allowing for repeated measurements without the need for high-temperature restoration, thus overcoming the limitations of previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

a fluorophore that exhibits a change in fluorophore spectral properties upon interaction of acetone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

allowing any acetone in said sample to interact with said fluorophore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11344223B2Method and an apparatus for measuring acetone concentrations in breath

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SOLVAX SYST INC 9717579 CANADA CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and device for measuring acetone concentrations in breath. Measuring acetone concentrations is based on changes the spectral properties of the fluorophore caused by the chemical interaction of a specific fluorophore with the exhaled air containing acetone which.