Implantable Biosensor Wireless Power and Backscatter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring analyte concentrations in body fluids are complex, time-consuming, and unsuitable for continuous and long-term monitoring, making them inaccessible for conditions like diabetes and alcohol intoxication.
Innovation Solution
An implantable biosensor system that performs electrochemical measurements on a substrate, including multiple electrodes and a potentiostat, wirelessly powered by radio frequency waves, transmitting backscatter signals for analyte concentration, pH level, and background interference correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used for measuring analyte concentrations, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the methods are complex and time-consuming making them unsuitable for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electrochemical measurement systems with an optical detection system. The biosensor uses fluorescent or colorimetric labels that emit light signals detectable by optical sensors, eliminating the need for complex electrochemical cells and signal processing equipment while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrochemical signals to optical signals (fluorescence or colorimetry). This parameter change simplifies the measurement system architecture while maintaining measurement capability and enabling continuous long-term monitoring through non-invasive optical detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrochemical cells are used, then multiple measurements can be performed, but the system becomes more invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive electrochemical electrodes with non-invasive optical detection. The optical system can detect analytes through light interaction with fluorescent or colorimetric labels in the body fluid without requiring direct contact with invasive electrodes, thereby reducing invasiveness while maintaining multiple measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent or colorimetric labels as intermediaries between the analytes and the detection system. These labels bind to target analytes and convert their presence into optical signals, allowing indirect detection that is less invasive than direct electrochemical measurement while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then implantable biosensor operation is enabled, but energy loss during transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed radio frequency signals for wireless power transmission rather than continuous signals. The biosensor is powered during specific pulse intervals and operates during off periods, reducing average energy loss while maintaining wireless operation capability. This periodic activation also reduces thermal load and energy dissipation.
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 continuous and long-term monitoring of analyte concentrations in body fluids, reducing the complexity and invasiveness of traditional methods, allowing for real-time detection and management of physiological and pathological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna may be further configured to detect one or more radio frequency waves output by the transceiver. The apparatus may be wirelessly powered by the one or more radio frequency waves.
Implementation Method 2
The electrochemical cell may perform a plurality of electrochemical measurements including a first measurement of an analyte concentration in the body fluid
Implementation Method 3
The antenna may be configured to transmit, to a transceiver, a backscatter signal encoding a result of the plurality of electrochemical measurements
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable biosensor may be placed subcutaneously to monitor the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. The biosensor may include an electrochemical cell and an antenna. The components of the biosensor, including the electrochemical cell and the antenna, may be disposed on a same substrate. The electrochemical cell may include multiple electrodes for performing electrochemical measurements that include a first measurement of the analyte concentration in the body fluid, a second measurement of a background interference present in the body fluid, and a third measurement of a pH level within the body fluid. The antenna may receive, from a transceiver, radio frequency (RF) waves for wirelessly powering the implantable biosensor. The antenna may further transmit, back to the transceiver, a backscatter signal encoding a result of the electrochemical measurements.