Hollow Microneedle Sensor Electrode Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle sensors require multiple hollow microneedles to accommodate reaction electrodes, counter electrodes, and reference electrodes, leading to increased complexity and reduced accuracy in sensing body fluid components.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle sensor design that incorporates a sensor panel with hollow microneedles, where reaction electrodes are inserted into the hollow holes of the microneedles, and a reference and counter electrode are applied to the sensor panel and outer surfaces of the microneedles, allowing for increased placement density and adjustable sensing sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hollow microneedles are used to accommodate reaction electrodes, counter electrode, and reference electrode, then the sensing range is ensured, but the device complexity increases and the number of microneedles required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the counter electrode and reference electrode onto a single sensor panel substrate, while only reaction electrodes are inserted into hollow microneedles. This combining approach reduces the number of separate microneedles needed from three or more to just one or a few, thereby ensuring sensing range while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor panel serves multiple functions: it acts as the substrate for the counter electrode, the reference electrode, and as the structural base for mounting hollow microneedles containing reaction electrodes. This multi-functionality consolidates components that would otherwise require separate microneedles, reducing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If reaction electrodes are placed inside hollow microneedles, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the placement density of reaction electrodes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional arrangement (each electrode in a separate microneedle) to a two-dimensional arrangement where multiple reaction electrodes can be inserted into a single hollow microneedle, and the counter/reference electrodes are positioned on the sensor panel surface. This dimensional change enables higher placement density while maintaining sensing accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If a body fluid extraction channel is added to sample body fluid, then the body fluid sampling capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow microneedles serve dual functions: they act as insertion elements to penetrate the skin and as body fluid extraction channels through their hollow interiors. This eliminates the need for separate extraction channel structures, maintaining sampling capability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow microneedles self-serve the dual purpose of structural insertion and fluid extraction. By utilizing the inherent hollow structure of the microneedles for both mechanical insertion and fluid sampling, the system avoids adding separate dedicated extraction channels, thereby simplifying the overall device structure
Data Source
AI summary
The microneedle sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor panel placed so that one surface thereof is in contact with the skin of the body; a plurality of hollow microneedles that are formed on one surface of the sensor panel to protrude in the form of micrometer-scale needles, wherein a hollow hole with one side exposed to the outside is provided inside the hollow microneedle; reaction electrodes of a conductive material each inserted into the hollow holes of the hollow microneedles and configured to be inserted into the interior of the skin along with the hollow microneedles; a reference electrode of a conductive material applied to a first region formed on one surface of the sensor panel and applied to the outer surfaces of hollow microneedles located on the first region; and a counter electrode of a conductive material applied to a second region formed on one surface of the sensor panel and applied to the outer surfaces of hollow microneedles located on the second region.