Layered Iron Sensor Strip for Rapid Whole Blood Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing iron deficiency and hemochromatosis are costly and time-consuming, requiring licensed professionals and taking up to 24 hours to provide results.
Innovation Solution
A sensor strip with multiple membrane layers for processing body fluid samples, including a first layer for receiving the sample, a second layer for reducing iron (III) to iron (II), and a third layer for chelating iron (II) to form a chromogen complex, which causes a color change correlated with iron concentration, allowing for rapid and accurate iron measurement using a mobile device and image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional laboratory methods are used for iron concentration measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but testing time increases to up to 24 hours and requires licensed professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sensor strips that are discarded after a single use. Each strip contains pre-loaded reagents and filtration membranes that perform the complete iron measurement function in a single-use format, eliminating the need for complex laboratory equipment and professional operation while providing results in minutes rather than hours
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip is designed for self-service operation by patients or caregivers without requiring licensed professionals. The strip automatically performs sample application, filtration, chemical reactions, and color development, with results readable by a simple device, enabling patients to monitor their own iron levels at home
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory methods are used for iron concentration measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip uses inexpensive disposable components including filter paper membranes and common chemical reagents (ascorbic acid, Ferene S) that can be manufactured at low cost. The strip integrates multiple functions into a single low-cost unit that eliminates expensive laboratory equipment while maintaining adequate measurement precision for clinical screening
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the chemical reaction parameters including reagent concentrations, pH conditions, and reaction time to achieve accurate iron measurement within 5-15 minutes. The formulation of reagent solutions and the sequence of chemical reactions are carefully controlled to ensure precision while reducing costs compared to traditional laboratory methods
3Reliability
If multiple membrane layers are used for sample processing, then measurement reliability is improved through filtration, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip divides the sample processing function into three distinct membrane layers, each with a specific role: the first layer filters large particles, the second layer removes cellular components, and the third layer allows plasma passage to the sensing zone. This segmentation ensures reliable sample processing while keeping each individual layer simple and the overall structure manageable
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 system provides rapid, cost-effective, and accessible iron concentration measurement in minutes, correlating color changes with iron levels, and can also detect ferritin, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count, reducing the need for professional involvement and time.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer 106/206 configured for primary filtration of cellular components and saturated with a first reagent for reducing iron (III) to iron (II)
Implementation Method 2
a third layer 108/208 configured for secondary filtration of cellular components and comprising a sensing area saturated with a second reagent for chelating iron (II) to form a chromogen complex
Implementation Method 3
formation of the chromogen complex causes a color change to the sensor that correlates with the concentration of iron in the body fluid sample
Implementation Method 4
a second layer 106/206 configured for primary filtration of cellular components and a third layer 108/208 configured for secondary filtration of cellular components
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods of assessing a concentration of iron in a body fluid sample, such as whole blood. Systems include a highly stable, fast reacting, and accurate sensing area of a sensor for contacting with a body fluid sample, wherein upon contact, the body fluid sample causes a color change to the sensor that correlates with the concentration of iron in the body fluid sample. The disclosed systems and methods generate one or more signal outputs of light intensity data, from which the concentration of iron in the body fluid sample is determined.