Layered Iron Sensor Strip for Rapid Blood Iron 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 fluids, 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, allowing for rapid color change-based iron concentration measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard laboratory methods (CBC, TIBC, serum ferritin) are used for iron concentration measurement, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but testing time increases to up to 24 hours and device complexity increases requiring licensed professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The analytical process is divided into separate functional layers within the sensor strip: a first layer for sample reception and filtration, a second layer containing reducing reagent to convert Fe3+ to Fe2+, and a third layer with chromogen reagent that produces color change. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple analytical steps, reducing total testing time from 24 hours to minutes while maintaining measurement accuracy through specialized reagents in each layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip is pre-loaded with reducing reagent (ascorbic acid) and chromogen reagent (ferene) in separate layers before use. When the blood sample is applied, these reagents automatically react in sequence without requiring additional manual steps. The reducing reagent converts iron to the ferrous state, and the chromogen reagent immediately forms the colored complex, eliminating the need for professionals to perform these preparatory actions in a laboratory setting.
2Measurement precision
If standard laboratory methods are used for iron concentration measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases requiring licensed professionals and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between complex laboratory methods and simple point-of-care testing. It contains pre-formulated reagents and reaction chambers that perform the complex chemical transformations (reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+, chelation with ferene) automatically. The strip converts a complex multi-step laboratory protocol into a single-step user action of applying blood to the strip, eliminating the need for licensed professionals while maintaining measurement precision through controlled reagent interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses color change as a visual indicator of iron concentration. The chromogen reagent (ferene) forms a blue-colored complex with ferrous iron, and the intensity of this color is proportional to the iron concentration in the sample. This colorimetric detection method simplifies the measurement process by converting complex chemical analysis into a visually detectable signal that can be read by simple optical detectors or even by eye, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If standard laboratory methods are used for iron concentration measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases making it less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip is designed as a disposable, single-use device that integrates all necessary reagents and reaction components into a low-cost format. Each strip contains pre-measured amounts of reducing reagent and chromogen reagent in separate layers, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment, specialized facilities, and licensed professionals. The strip is manufactured using cost-effective materials and can be produced at scale, making precise iron concentration measurement accessible in resource-limited settings while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled reagent formulations.
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, suitable for point-of-care settings, with results comparable to standard methods.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer 106/206 being saturated with or otherwise comprising a first reagent for reducing iron (III) to iron (II) in the body fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
a third layer 108/208 comprising a sensing area 108/208A saturated with or otherwise comprising 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 100/200 that correlates with the concentration of iron in the body fluid sample 112
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.