Glucose Sensor Hydrogel Porosity Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for diabetes management, such as closed loop systems, face challenges with slow response times and potential toxicity from components like concanavalin A, which can lead to suboptimal blood glucose regulation due to matrix changes and uneven component distribution.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a pressure generating means, a sensor to measure flow resistance through a porous membrane that reversibly changes porosity with analyte concentration, and a hydrogel that immobilizes concanavalin A to prevent toxicity, allowing for rapid and accurate glucose monitoring and regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a chemical valve with concanavalin A and dextran molecules is used to regulate infusate flow, then glucose concentration regulation is achieved, but response time becomes too slow (several minutes to one hour)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toxic concanavalin A from the flow path by immobilizing it within the hydrogel matrix, while retaining only the functional dextran molecules that provide glucose-responsive flow regulation. This separation eliminates the toxic component while preserving the desired regulatory function with improved response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the matrix from a traditional chemical valve configuration to a hydrogel-based system, which alters the response characteristics. The hydrogel's gel-sol transition in response to glucose concentration provides rapid flow regulation without the delays inherent in conventional chemical valve systems.
2Measurement precision
If concanavalin A is used in the chemical valve matrix, then glucose-responsive flow regulation is achieved, but toxicity to the patient occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toxic concanavalin A from the flow path by immobilizing it within the hydrogel matrix, while retaining only the functional dextran molecules that provide glucose-responsive flow regulation. This separation eliminates the toxic component while preserving the desired regulatory function with improved response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel matrix serves as an intermediary that binds concanavalin A, preventing its direct contact with the infusate and patient body. The dextran molecules within the hydrogel act as mediators that provide the glucose-responsive flow regulation function without requiring free concanavalin A in the flow path.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the matrix allows component replacement in a fluent state, then self-regeneration occurs, but uneven distribution and clustering of components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-immobilizing concanavalin A within the hydrogel matrix during manufacturing, ensuring uniform distribution before the device is implanted. This prevents the clustering and uneven distribution that would occur if components were allowed to replace themselves in a fluent state after implantation.
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 device provides rapid, accurate, and timely regulation of blood glucose levels with improved response times and reduced risk of toxicity, ensuring optimal glucose monitoring and management.
Implementation Method 1
The needle further comprises a porous membrane (28) which reversibly changes its porosity subject to changes in analyte concentration, which occur in the medium surrounding the implantable member (4)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor (3) adapted to measure a flow resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device comprising a pressure generating means adapted to deliver a liquid, a sensor adapted to measure a flow resistance, and an implantable member comprising an analyte responsive porous membrane which reversibly changes its porosity subject to changes in analyte concentration occurring in the solution surrounding the implantable member. The analyte may in particular be glucose. The medical device may also be used for drug administration.