Intersecting Electrochemical Test Strip for Minimal Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical-based analytical test strips require larger sample volumes and often introduce unwanted reagents due to the presence of enzymatic reagents in multiple chambers, complicating the determination of analytes in bodily fluids.
Innovation Solution
The design features a T-shaped configuration with a reagent-less first sample-receiving chamber and a second sample-receiving chamber intersecting the first, allowing a small sample volume to be applied through either opening, with electrodes in both chambers for efficient analyte determination, using a patterned conductor layer, enzymatic reagent layer, and hydrophilic layer on an electrically-insulating substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If enzymatic reagents are placed in multiple chambers for analyte determination, then the analyte can be measured in different chambers, but unwanted reagents are introduced and cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into functionally distinct segments: a first chamber containing only electrodes for hematocrit measurement, and a second chamber containing enzymatic reagents for analyte measurement. This segmentation prevents reagent cross-contamination while maintaining measurement capabilities in both chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different chambers are assigned different reagent configurations based on their specific measurement functions. The first chamber is deliberately kept reagent-less for electrical impedance measurements, while the second chamber contains enzymatic reagents for chemical analyte detection, optimizing each chamber's quality for its intended purpose.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chambers are used for different measurements, then multiple analytes can be determined, but the sample volume required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second chambers are connected in series, allowing a single small sample volume to flow through both chambers sequentially. This merging of chambers enables multiple measurements (hematocrit and analyte determination) to be performed using the same sample, eliminating the need for separate samples for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The intersecting chamber design allows the same sample to serve multiple functions: it fills both chambers and enables both electrical impedance measurement (hematocrit) and electrochemical measurement (analyte concentration) to be performed on the identical sample volume.
3Volume of moving object
If chambers are designed to intersect for space efficiency, then the device size is reduced, but the complexity of fluid flow control increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex valves or pumps to control fluid flow through intersecting chambers, the design inverts the approach by allowing gravity-driven or capillary-driven natural flow through the intersecting chambers. The intersecting geometry itself becomes the flow control mechanism, simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 configuration enables accurate determination of analytes with minimal sample volume and prevents cross-contamination of reagents, facilitating efficient and reliable analysis of bodily fluids like blood.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second electrodes are disposed in the first sample-receiving chamber between the first and second sample-application openings
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) and/or a characteristic of the bodily fluid sample (for example, hematocrit) includes a first sample-receiving chamber with first and second sample-application openings, and first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are disposed in the first sample-receiving chamber between the first and second sample-application openings. The electrochemical-based analytical test strip also includes a second sample-receiving chamber and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the second sample-receiving chamber. In addition, the second sample-receiving chamber intersects the first sample-receiving chamber between the first and second electrodes, thereby defining a chamber intersection.