Fusion Protein Indicator for Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for glucose monitoring in diabetic patients are invasive, painful, and often resisted due to their invasive nature, and existing technologies lack real-time, highly accurate glucose monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Development of indicator compounds, specifically fusion proteins comprising a luminescent protein domain and an analyte binding protein domain, which undergo a conformational change upon glucose binding, emitting a detectable luminescent signal when excited by light, allowing for non-invasive glucose monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive glucose monitoring methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive blood sampling methods with an optical detection system. A waveguide delivers excitation light to indicator compounds in interstitial fluid, and luminescent signals are detected optically, eliminating needles and invasive procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy through fluorescence intensity correlation with glucose concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indicator compounds as intermediary substances that mediate between glucose molecules and the detection system. These compounds bind to glucose and undergo conformational changes that produce luminescent signals, enabling indirect but accurate glucose measurement without direct blood contact
2Productivity
If real-time glucose monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers excitation light to the indicator compounds, collects the emitted luminescent signals, and provides a physical platform for indicator compound attachment. This multi-functionality enables real-time monitoring while reducing the number of separate components needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the analyte binding function and signal generation function into a single fusion protein indicator compound. The analyte binding domain captures glucose while the luminescent domain generates the detectable signal, eliminating the need for separate binding and detection components
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 real-time, non-invasive glucose monitoring with improved accuracy and reduced patient discomfort, facilitating effective glucose level regulation in diabetic patients.
Implementation Method 1
the waveguide is configured to receive the excitation wavelength of light via a proximal end of the waveguide. In some embodiments, the waveguide is configured to transmit the excitation wavelength of light along the waveguide to a distal end of the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
when in the second conformation, the indicator compound is configured to receive the excitation wavelength and to emit a luminescent signal
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments disclosed herein pertain to indicator compounds used to detect the presence of and/or an amount of an analyte. In some embodiments, the indicator compounds are fusion proteins. In some embodiments, when the analyte binds to the indicator compound, the indicator compound undergoes a conformational change. In some embodiments, the conformational change results in a luminescent signal that allows quantification of the amount of analyte present.