Ingestible Biomarker Sensor Using Cyclic Voltammetry Against Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ingestible electronics for gastrointestinal disease monitoring face challenges such as interference with other analytes, electrical drift, and low signal-to-noise ratio, hindering effective biomarker detection and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A swallowable or suckable device equipped with a sensor for measuring biomarkers, data storage, wireless communication, and energy source, which processes electrical parameters to estimate biomarker presence using a reduced number of cyclic voltammetry measurements, and includes additional sensors for anomaly detection and interference mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known measurement techniques are used in ingestible electronics, then the device can detect biomarkers, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interferences with other analytes, electrical drift, and low signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using cyclic voltammetry measurements at multiple different voltages (at least three different single voltages) rather than a single fixed voltage. This allows the system to capture the voltammogram curve and identify peak currents that are characteristic of specific biomarkers, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability by distinguishing biomarker signals from background noise and interferences based on their voltage-dependent electrochemical behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a cyclic voltammogram curve as a mediator between the raw electrical measurements and the biomarker identification. The voltammogram curve serves as an intermediate representation that captures the electrochemical response across different voltages, allowing the system to process and interpret complex electrical signals to reliably identify biomarkers despite the presence of interferences and noise.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken to improve accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by systematically taking measurements at multiple different voltages in a cyclic manner, following the cyclic voltammetry protocol. The system measures electrical parameters at at least three different single voltages, processes these measurements to generate a voltammogram curve, and identifies biomarkers based on the periodic voltage sweeping. This structured periodic measurement approach improves accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through a standardized measurement protocol.
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
Enhances biomarker measurement accuracy and reliability by minimizing interference and electrical noise, allowing rapid data transmission and robust estimation of biomarker presence within the digestive system.
Implementation Method 1
processing means configured to receive the measurements of the sensor and to process the measurements to estimate a presence of a biomarker... taking measurements in a large intestine... measurements of electrical parameters... cyclic voltammetry measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising: • a swallowable or suckable device for taking measurements in a part of a digestive system, the device comprising: ∘ a sensor configured to measure a biomarker by providing measurements of electrical parameters; ∘ at least one of a data storage and a wireless communication module for receiving measurements taken by the sensor, the wireless communication module being configured to transmit data outside of the device; ∘ an energy source for providing energy to the sensor and to the at least one of a data storage and a communication module; and ∘ a cover, the cover housing the sensor, the energy source and the at least one of a data storage and a communication module • processing means configured to receive the measurements of the sensor and to process the measurements to estimate a presence of a biomarker.