Optical Glucose Biosensor Calibration via Temperature Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating chemical and biological sensors are prone to inaccuracies due to aging effects and require complex, time-consuming procedures that cannot be easily performed at the point of use, especially in medical settings where sterility and simplicity are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves varying the temperature of calibration solutions in contact with the sensor to determine sensor output as a function of temperature, allowing for quick, automated calibration at the point of use without relying on pre-determined temperature coefficients, using a system with calibration chambers, heating/cooling elements, and control modules to adjust temperatures and introduce calibration solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If calibration is performed at the point of manufacture, then the calibration process is simple, but inaccuracies occur due to aging effects over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a temperature-independent calibration method that can be performed at the point of manufacture. The calibration parameters are determined in advance using a method that eliminates temperature dependence, allowing the sensor to be calibrated once and remain accurate over time without requiring repeated recalibration at different temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the calibration parameter determination method by using a temperature-independent approach. Instead of determining calibration parameters at a specific temperature, the method transforms the calibration process to eliminate temperature as a variable, allowing accurate calibration regardless of when or at what temperature the sensor is used.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed at the point of use by inexperienced users, then the sensor can be calibrated fresh, but the calibration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the calibration system in advance by pre-filling sealed chambers with calibration solutions at different known concentrations. The temperature control system and fluid handling mechanisms are pre-configured, so that when the user initiates calibration, the system automatically performs the entire process without requiring the user to understand or control the complex steps involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-service by automatically controlling the temperature, managing the calibration solutions, and determining the calibration parameters without human intervention. The system includes automated pumps, temperature controllers, and data processing capabilities that allow it to calibrate itself, reducing the burden on the user to merely initiate and complete the process.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature calibration solutions are used, then temperature-dependent parameters can be determined accurately, but the calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration process into distinct temperature steps, with calibration solutions maintained at different known temperatures in separate sealed chambers. This segmentation allows the system to systematically determine temperature-dependent parameters by measuring sensor response at each discrete temperature level, then using the collected data to calculate the temperature compensation coefficients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that relates sensor output to both analyte concentration and temperature. This mathematical model acts as a mediator that transforms the raw measurements from multiple temperature conditions into accurate calibration parameters, simplifying the overall process by providing a systematic framework for interpreting the multi-temperature data.
4Productivity
If calibration is performed quickly in less than 10 minutes, then the process is efficient, but maintaining sterility and accuracy becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested structure where the sensor is contained within a sterile sealed unit that includes integrated calibration chambers. The calibration solutions are pre-filled and sealed within the same housing as the sensor, creating a nested configuration that maintains sterility throughout the calibration process. The entire assembly can be sterilized as a single unit and remains sterile until the calibration is initiated, at which point the sealed chambers are opened in a controlled manner.
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
This approach enables accurate calibration of sensors by determining temperature-dependent parameters, reducing errors caused by aging effects and simplifying the calibration process, making it suitable for inexperienced users to perform quickly and maintain sensor accuracy across varying patient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
determining the sensor output for the first calibration solution as a function of temperature; varying the temperature of a second calibration solution from a third temperature (T3) to a fourth temperature (T4)
Implementation Method 2
the analyte reversibly binds to a receptor in a sensing region of the sensor at an analyte:receptor ratio of 1:1
Data Source
Figure 1~3a
Figure 3b~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method of calibrating a reversible-binding sensor for detecting an analyte includes: (i) varying the temperature of a first calibration solution from a first temperature (T1) to a second temperature (T2) while the first calibration solution is in contact with a sensing region of the sensor; (ii) determining the sensor output for the first calibration solution as a function of temperature; (iii) varying the temperature of a second calibration solution from a third temperature (T3) to a fourth temperature (T4) while the second calibration solution is in contact with the sensing region, the second calibration solution having a concentration of analyte which is different from that of the first calibration solution; (iv) determining the sensor output for the second calibration solution as a function of temperature; and (v) using the determined sensor output from steps (ii) and (iv) to calibrate the sensor.