Single Fluorophore Optical Sensor for Simultaneous pH and Glucose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glucose monitoring systems require multiple sensors for simultaneous measurement of glucose and pH levels, leading to patient discomfort and complexity, and existing sensors are prone to inaccurate readings due to pH sensitivity, especially in diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor using a single fluorophore that exists in acid and base forms, coupled with a glucose binding moiety, allowing for ratiometric pH measurement independent of fluorophore concentration, enabling simultaneous measurement of pH and glucose levels with a single indicator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to measure glucose and pH levels simultaneously, then measurement capability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (glucose measurement and pH measurement) into a single sensor device. The sensor includes a fluorophore that responds to both glucose concentration and pH levels, allowing simultaneous measurement of both analytes through a single device rather than requiring multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorophore in the sensor serves multiple functions: it detects glucose concentration through fluorescence intensity changes and simultaneously detects pH levels through fluorescence lifetime changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each analyte.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dyes are incorporated into one sensor for simultaneous readings, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple different dyes, the patent employs a single fluorophore that inherently possesses both glucose-sensing and pH-sensing capabilities. This approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to incorporate, position, and stabilize multiple different dye molecules within the sensor matrix.
3Productivity
If traditional glucose sensors are used, then glucose measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to pH sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor simultaneously measures both glucose concentration and pH levels using the same fluorophore. The pH information serves as feedback that allows the system to correct for pH effects on the fluorescence signal, thereby improving the accuracy of glucose measurements. The fluorescence lifetime provides pH information that can be used to compensate for pH-induced variations in fluorescence intensity.
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
The solution provides accurate, real-time correction for pH effects on glucose measurements, reducing the need for multiple sensors and improving patient comfort by allowing intravascular monitoring of both analytes with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
the fluorophore has a first emission wavelength and a second emission wavelength corresponding to the first and second excitation wavelengths, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a binding moiety that binds a second analyte, wherein the binding moiety is operably coupled to the fluorophore, and wherein binding of the second analyte by the binding moiety causes an optical change in the apparent concentration of the fluorophore related to a concentration of the second analyte
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an optical sensor capable of measuring two analytes simultaneously with a single indicator system. In preferred embodiments, the sensor comprises a fluorescent dye having acid and base forms that facilitate ratiometric pH sensing, wherein the dye is further associated with a glucose binding moiety and configured to generate a signal that varies in intensity with the concentration of glucose.