Multi-analyte Sensor Using Hydrogel and Magnetometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of affordable and effective single-use sensors for bioreactors and other reactors, limiting process control and monitoring capabilities in bioprocess industries.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part sensor assembly with smart polymers, hydrogels, and magnetometers, integrated with an electronics module for continuous monitoring of analytes, utilizing offset magnets to enhance sensitivity and range, compatible with both conventional and single-use reactors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used to monitor different analytes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analyte monitoring functions into a single sensor unit by integrating multiple smart polymer films with different analyte-specific chemistries. Each film responds to a specific analyte (e.g., glucose, lactate, ethanol), and all films are housed together with their respective magnetometers in one integrated sensor assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can simultaneously monitor multiple different analytes in various reactor types (bioreactors, fermentation reactors, etc.). The standardized design with multiple smart polymer films allows the same sensor unit structure to perform diverse analytical functions depending on which polymer films are activated.
2Productivity
If traditional glass/steel bioreactors are used, then process control capability is improved, but cost and configurability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed as a universal component that can be used with both traditional glass/steel bioreactors and single-use polymeric vessels. The standardized port interface and magnetic coupling mechanism allow the same sensor unit to provide process control capabilities across different reactor types, enabling single-use reactors to achieve the same functionality as traditional reactors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical connection systems with magnetic coupling. The magnetometer-based detection system uses magnetic fields to sense polymer film displacement, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact or complex sealing mechanisms between the sensor and reactor, thus simplifying integration with both traditional and single-use reactors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-use polymeric vessels are used, then ease of storage and configurability are improved, but sensor compatibility and process control capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit provides universal compatibility across different reactor types including single-use polymeric vessels. The magnetic coupling system and standardized port interface ensure reliable analyte monitoring in single-use reactors, which previously lacked appropriate sensor options.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to be compatible with disposable single-use reactors, enabling the use of inexpensive, single-use sensor assemblies that match the disposable nature of single-use bioreactors. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable sensors while maintaining process control capability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are inserted into reactor ports, then measurement capability is improved, but contamination risk and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analyte monitoring functions into a single sensor unit that can be inserted through one port. By integrating multiple smart polymer films and magnetometers in one housing, the system reduces the number of separate sensor insertions needed, thereby minimizing contamination risks associated with multiple port penetrations.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective multi-analyte monitoring within bioreactors and reactors, improving process control without altering existing reactor designs, reducing contamination risks, and providing a cost-effective solution for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
smart polymers, each having a tailored chemistry for recognition of an analyte... swelling or deswelling of the hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sheet disposed on one side of the hydrogel, and a magnetometer disposed on a side of the hydrogel opposite the magnetic sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor, especially for a reactor, bioreactor, or a clinical or animal research application, is disclosed including a sensor probe having at least one sensor unit associated therewith, each sensor unit including a hydrogel, a magnetic sheet disposed on one side of the hydrogel, and a magnetometer disposed on a side of the hydrogel opposite the magnetic sheet.