Lipid Patch Matrix for Non-Invasive Skin Biomarker Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing inflammatory skin diseases and skin cancer require invasive biopsies due to the limited accessibility of high molecular weight endogenous substances on the skin surface, necessitating clinical laboratory expertise and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive matrix comprising amphiphiles that form a non-lamellar liquid crystalline phase with an aqueous polar solvent mixture, which extracts low molecular weight endogenous substances through hydrated skin, facilitating the detection of inflammatory diseases and skin disorders without biopsies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biopsy methods are used to detect endogenous substances, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but invasiveness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and analyzes low molecular weight endogenous substances that naturally diffuse to the skin surface, eliminating the need for invasive tissue removal. The matrix selectively captures these substances from the skin surface for diagnostic analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
A matrix acts as an intermediary between the skin and diagnostic analysis. This matrix comprises components that selectively bind to low molecular weight endogenous substances, enabling non-invasive capture and subsequent detection without direct tissue sampling.
2Measurement precision
If biopsy methods are used to detect endogenous substances, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but clinical laboratory expertise requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic capability is extracted from complex laboratory settings and integrated into the matrix itself. The matrix performs selective capture and concentration of target substances, enabling simplified downstream analysis that does not require specialized laboratory infrastructure or expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix is designed to autonomously perform sample preparation and concentration functions. It selectively binds target endogenous substances from complex skin surface extracts, eliminating the need for manual purification steps and reducing dependency on laboratory technical expertise.
3Measurement precision
If biopsy methods are used to detect endogenous substances, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts diagnostic information from easily accessible skin surface substances rather than requiring expensive tissue sampling and processing. The matrix selectively captures target molecules from simple skin extracts, eliminating costs associated with biopsy procedures and complex laboratory analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix is designed as a disposable, cost-effective sampling device that can be manufactured at low cost. It performs the complex function of selective substance capture and concentration in a single-use format, eliminating the need for expensive reusable equipment and specialized laboratory facilities.
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 cost-effective, point-of-care detection of low molecular weight endogenous substances associated with skin disorders, reducing the need for clinical laboratory expertise and providing early warning of skin diseases.
Implementation Method 1
the amphiphile, alone or in combination with at least one structurally related amphiphile, forms a non-lamellar liquid crystalline phase together with an aqueous polar solvent mixture
Implementation Method 2
allows diffusion of low molecular weight (LMW) compounds, i.e. amino acids, peptides, proteins, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, drugs and toxins through the skin
Implementation Method 3
extracts low molecular weight endogenous substances through hydrated skin
Implementation Method 4
wherein it comprises a water activity of at least 0.85 in a temperature range of 20-40° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention related to a matrix, a patch and a method for non-invasive sampling of at least one endogenous substance on a skin surface of an individual, wherein the matrix comprises at least one amphiphile, wherein the amphiphile, alone or in combination with at least one structurally related amphiphile, forms a non-lamellar liquid crystalline phase together with an aqueous polar solvent mixture, said matrix comprising a water activity of at least 0.85 in a temperature range of 20-40° C., wherein the matrix is configured to extract said at least one endogenous substance on the skin surface of the individual.