Glucose Sensor Calibration via Pre-mixed Alpha Beta Glucose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glucose sensor calibration methods are time-consuming and complex, requiring multiple solutions with varying glucose concentrations, which can lead to inaccuracies due to the degradation of glucose in aqueous solutions and the need for user intervention, resulting in prolonged calibration times.
Innovation Solution
Preparing calibration solutions by adding both alpha and beta glucose to water or an aqueous solution, which equilibrates quickly to provide a stable sensor signal, allowing for rapid calibration of glucose sensors by generating a calibration curve using multiple glucose concentration solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alpha glucose is added to water or aqueous solution for calibration, then the calibration solutions can be prepared, but the equilibration time is prolonged (hours) due to slow mutarotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing alpha and beta glucose in the correct ratio (36:64) before adding to water. This pre-prepared mixture eliminates the need for slow mutarotation during calibration, as the glucose is already in the correct equilibrium composition. The calibration solution can be used immediately without prolonged waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameter of the glucose source by using a specific mixture ratio of alpha and beta glucose (36:64) rather than pure alpha glucose. This parameter change ensures that when dissolved in water, the solution maintains the correct equilibrium composition, achieving both rapid preparation and accurate calibration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calibration solutions with varying glucose concentrations are prepared using conventional methods, then calibration can be performed, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming (25 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-prepared glucose mixtures in correct proportions that dissolve rapidly. This eliminates the need for time-consuming preparation steps and allows multiple calibration solutions to be prepared quickly and accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable calibration solutions that are pre-prepared and ready to use. These single-use solutions eliminate the need for repeated preparation and sterilization processes, significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If glucose is sterilized in aqueous solution, then the solution can be used for calibration, but glucose degrades during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable, pre-sterilized calibration solutions that do not require re-sterilization. The glucose is added after sterilization or the solutions are designed as single-use items, eliminating degradation from repeated sterilization cycles while ensuring sterility for accurate calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary sterilization to the aqueous solution before adding glucose, or uses pre-sterilized containers. This preliminary action prevents glucose degradation during sterilization while ensuring the final calibration solution is sterile and accurate.
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 method significantly reduces the time required for glucose sensor calibration, enabling it to be completed in as little as 2 minutes, improving user compliance and accuracy by eliminating the need for prolonged equilibration and simplifying the calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
In aqueous solution, the two forms will equilibrate by mutarotation of the glucose molecule. The resulting ratio of the two forms will be approximately 64:36 (beta:alpha).
Data Source
AI summary
A method of calibrating a glucose sensor, which method comprises:(a) preparing a first glucose-containing calibration solution by combining water or an aqueous solution with alpha and beta glucose, the alpha and beta glucose being provided in solid form;(b) exposing a glucose sensor to said first glucose-containing calibration solution and determining the sensor output;(c) exposing the glucose sensor to one or more further calibration solutions having different glucose concentrations from each other and from said first glucose-containing calibration solution and determining the sensor output for the or each calibration solution; and(d) determining a calibration curve from the sensor output data collected in steps (b) and (c).