Implantable Biomarker Sensor Using Capacitance-Shift Oscillator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biomarkers in animals are invasive, time-consuming, and require frequent manual sampling, leading to intermittent monitoring and potential undetected health issues, with existing electrochemical sensors facing challenges in stability, storage, and functionality in diverse biological samples.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device using terahertz sensors based on dielectric spectroscopy with a pair of electrodes and an oscillator that changes frequency in response to biomarkers in biological fluid, integrated with a transponder for wireless communication and a biocompatible housing, allowing for continuous, non-invasive monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling methods are used to detect biomarkers, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but monitoring becomes intermittent and time-consuming requiring frequent human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device performs self-monitoring by automatically detecting biomarkers in biological fluid through integrated electrochemical sensors, eliminating the need for manual sampling and human intervention. The device continuously monitors health parameters and communicates data wirelessly, enabling autonomous health tracking without requiring veterinary personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling procedures with an automated electrochemical sensing system. The sensor detects biomarkers through electrical signals in biological fluid, substituting the mechanical act of blood drawing and manual analysis with an automated electronic detection system that operates continuously.
2Reliability
If frequent manual sampling is performed to ensure continuous monitoring, then health issues can be detected promptly, but the process becomes invasive and distressing for the animal
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous self-monitoring by automatically detecting biomarkers in biological fluid through integrated electrochemical sensors, eliminating the need for manual sampling and human intervention. The device continuously monitors health parameters and communicates data wirelessly, enabling autonomous health tracking without requiring veterinary personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device acts as an intermediary between the animal's biological system and external monitoring. It continuously samples biological fluid through an implanted sensor, processes the data, and communicates health status externally, eliminating the need for repeated invasive manual sampling and animal handling.
3Extent of automation
If electrochemical sensors are used for biomarker detection, then monitoring can be automated, but challenges remain in optimizing stability, storage, and functionality in diverse biological samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes sensor performance by adjusting electrochemical parameters including operating potential, reference electrode selection, and sensor geometry. The device modifies detection parameters to accommodate diverse biological samples, enhancing sensor stability and reliability across different physiological conditions and animal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs composite material structures combining different electrochemical materials with complementary properties. This includes using multiple electrode materials with different selectivities and incorporating protective coatings that enhance stability in biological environments while maintaining detection functionality.
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 continuous, accurate biomarker detection with improved sensitivity and reproducibility, reducing the need for frequent sampling and manual intervention, while maintaining a small size and high integration for easy implantation, offering a more efficient and effective monitoring solution.
Implementation Method 1
The implantable device is based on the dielectric spectroscopy principle for detecting the biomarkers biological fluid of animals.
Implementation Method 2
the biological fluid causes the capacitance of the pair of electrodes to change from the first capacitance to a second capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable device for detecting biomarkers in animals, the device comprises: a sensor comprising: a pair of electrodes spaced apart from each other, the pair of electrodes having a first capacitance; an oscillator configured to oscillate at a first frequency and output a first signal at the first frequency; wherein the sensor is configured to receive an amount of biological fluid wherein the biological fluid causes the capacitance of the pair of electrodes to change from the first capacitance to a second capacitance; wherein the oscillator is coupled to the pair of electrodes and arranged such that a change in the capacitance of the pair of electrodes causes a change in oscillation of the oscillator from the first frequency to a second frequency; and wherein the oscillator is configured to output a second signal at the second frequency, the second signal indicative of a biomarker in the biological fluid.