Lactate-Responsive Sensor for Real-Time Emotional Stress Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring lactate levels in individuals are inadequate for detecting acute changes, particularly during short-lived events, as they lack the frequency and rapidity needed to observe lactate spikes, which can lead to delayed or absent proactive responses to potentially harmful health conditions.

Innovation Solution

A lactate-responsive sensing system comprising a sensor and a processor that detects lactate concentrations in real-time, differentiates between benign and non-benign lactate-altering factors, and alerts users to elevated lactate levels associated with emotional stress events, incorporating a lactate-responsive enzyme and a polymer-based sensing layer, and can be worn on the body for dermal or subcutaneous use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If periodic laboratory measurements of lactate levels are used, then the measurement method is simple and non-intrusive, but the measurement frequency is insufficient to detect acute lactate spikes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement frequencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces periodic mechanical laboratory blood draws with a continuous electrochemical sensing system that uses a lactate-responsive enzyme and polymer-based sensing layer to detect lactate levels in real-time through dermal or subcutaneous placement, eliminating the need for repeated invasive procedures while providing continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing system provides continuous real-time monitoring of lactate levels rather than periodic discrete measurements, enabling the detection of acute lactate spikes as they occur and allowing for immediate proactive intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If continuous real-time lactate monitoring is implemented, then acute lactate spikes can be detected promptly, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in the electrochemical parameters (current, potential) of the sensing system in response to varying lactate concentrations, allowing continuous monitoring through measurement of electrical signals generated by the lactate-responsive enzyme reaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing system employs a composite structure combining a lactate-responsive enzyme with a polymer-based sensing layer, creating an integrated material that selectively detects lactate while providing mechanical stability and biocompatibility for dermal or subcutaneous use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of time

If periodic laboratory measurements are used, then the system is easy to operate, but proactive intervention is impossible due to delayed detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system provides real-time feedback on lactate levels through continuous monitoring and alert generation when threshold values are exceeded, enabling immediate user awareness and proactive intervention before acute conditions worsen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 proactive management of lactate levels, reducing the intensity and impact of emotional stress events by providing timely alerts and allowing users to address potentially harmful conditions promptly, thereby improving health and well-being outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a lactate-responsive sensor adapted for detecting lactate in vivo

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic reaction: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

a polymer-based sensing layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20210228128A1Sensing systems and methods for identifying emotional stress events

Publication Date: 2021.07.29 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC

AI summary

Changes in lactate concentrations in vivo may be indicative of a number of physiological conditions, among which can be emotional stress events. Sensing systems for emotional stress events may comprise a lactate-responsive sensor adapted for detecting lactate in vivo, and a processor communicatively coupled to the lactate-responsive sensor. The processor is adapted to determine a plurality of lactate concentrations measured by the lactate-responsive sensor over a period of time. The processor is further adapted to correlate a lactate concentration spike, a lactate concentration change, and/or a lactate concentration rate of change to an emotional stress event occurring within the period of time. The systems may exclude data received during designated or specified sleeping times, exercise, or after eating in order to determine a genuine emotional stress event.