Hydrogel Biosensor for Glucose Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glucose sensors have low glucose activity and limited measurement sensitivity and accuracy due to restricted mobility of sensor components in hydrogel matrices and challenges in adjusting binding constants and analyte concentration ranges.

Innovation Solution

A polymer-based hydrogel comprising an alginate matrix with an interpenetrating network of a second hydrogel matrix, allowing for enhanced interaction with glucose-binding proteins and ligands, which increases the concentration and solubility of these components, thereby improving sensor performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If hydrogel matrices are used to enclose sensor components, then the sensor structure is stable and components are contained, but the mobility of sensor components is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structure stabilityVSAvoidmobility of sensor components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydrogel matrices with controlled porosity that allow sensor components to move and interact while maintaining structural stability. The porous network structure provides channels for molecular diffusion while the gel framework ensures mechanical integrity and component containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite hydrogel systems combining multiple polymer networks (e.g., polyacrylamide and polyethylene glycol) to achieve both structural stability and appropriate mobility. The composite structure allows optimization of each component's properties to balance containment and molecular movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If the concentration of glucose-binding protein or ligand is increased to improve measurement sensitivity, then measurement sensitivity improves, but solubility limits are reached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement sensitivityVSAvoidsolubility of molecules

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogel matrix acts as an intermediary medium that enhances the solubility and stability of glucose-binding proteins and ligands. The polymer network provides a favorable microenvironment that prevents aggregation and maintains high concentrations of sensor components beyond their solubility limits in aqueous solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the sensor environment by using hydrogels with specific mesh sizes, crosslinking densities, and polymer compositions. These parameter changes create optimal conditions for high-concentration sensor components while maintaining their functionality and solubility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If average binding constants are used in sensor systems, then the sensor can operate in various conditions, but measurement sensitivity and accuracy are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operational rangeVSAvoidmeasurement sensitivity and accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates local optimization of binding interactions within the hydrogel matrix by positioning glucose-binding proteins and ligands in specific microenvironments. The local concentration, orientation, and interaction conditions are tailored to maximize binding affinity and measurement sensitivity while maintaining overall sensor versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances glucose activity by up to 2.6-fold, allowing for more accurate and sensitive glucose measurements, particularly in in vivo applications where analyte concentrations are fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer-based hydrogel consisting of at least one water-soluble polymer in a sensor for enriching a dissolved glucose-binding protein, wherein the at least one polymer is capable of interacting with the glucose-binding protein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogel interaction: Hydrogel

Implementation Method 2

the sensor is a glucose-binding protein and the ligand is a competitor for glucose, which is initially bound to the glucose-binding protein in the sensor. Due to competition with glucose during the measurement process, the competitor is displaced by the glucose-binding protein.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompetitive binding: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2652510B1Use of hydrogels for biosensors having elevated sensitivity

Publication Date: 2016.06.22 EYESENSE AG

AI summary

The invention relates to measures for determining glucose and for diagnosing diseases that are based on impaired glucose metabolism. In particular, the invention relates to the use of a polymer-based hydrogel comprising at least one water-soluble polymer in a sensor in order to concentrate a dissolved glucose-binding protein, wherein the at least one polymer is able to interact with the glucose-binding protein and wherein the glucose-binding protein is present in a complex together with a ligand.