Liquid-Activated Micro-Chamber Sealing for Saliva DLMO Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) are complex, requiring hospitalization and strict compliance, limiting their use for assessing circadian phase in sleep disorders outside clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
Development of liquid-activated devices with chamber sealing and sealed reservoir systems, utilizing a liquid degradable membrane to expose a micro-chamber for saliva analysis, allowing for accurate measurement of melatonin levels in a non-clinical setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional DLMO measurement protocols are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the saliva collection process into multiple independent micro-chambers, each capable of autonomous sealing and sampling. This segmentation allows the complex 24-hour monitoring protocol to be broken down into simple, repeatable units that can be used outside clinical settings while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-chambers are designed with automatic sealing mechanisms that activate upon saliva detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device performs self-sampling and self-sealing operations, reducing protocol complexity and enabling non-clinical use while preserving DLMO measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional DLMO measurement protocols are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to strict compliance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously performs saliva collection, chamber sealing, and sample preservation without requiring patient intervention. Patients simply wear the device during sleep, and it automatically collects and seals saliva samples at predetermined intervals, eliminating the need for strict compliance with complex sampling protocols while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with multiple sealed micro-chambers ready for automatic activation. The sealing mechanisms and sampling protocols are predetermined and built into the device architecture, allowing patients to use it without needing to understand or follow complex instructions, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving diagnostic precision.
3Reliability
If multiple saliva samples are collected over 24 hours, then measurement reliability improves, but loss of time increases due to frequent sampling intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically activates micro-chambers at predetermined periodic intervals during the 24-hour monitoring period. This periodic activation ensures reliable multi-point sampling of melatonin levels while minimizing the actual time patients need to spend on sampling activities, as the device handles collection and sealing automatically at each interval.
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 convenient and accurate assessment of circadian phase outside the clinic, facilitating widespread use of DLMO measurement for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid degradable membrane stretching across the reservoir such that the at least one reservoir component is sealed inside the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the at least one support component comprises liquid-activated material, and wherein the at least one support components is configured to change shape and/or size when contacted by a liquid causing the chamber-sealing component to seal the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems, devices, kits, and methods employing liquid activated devices and systems. In certain embodiments, the liquid activated devices comprise a base substrate and a chamber sealing system (CSS) and/or a sealed reservoir system (SRS). In some embodiments, the CSS is sealed inside the reservoir of the SRS by a liquid degradable membrane. In particular embodiments, a liquid (e.g., saliva) un-seals the reservoir exposing the CSS, which seals the micro-chamber therein upon exposure to the liquid (e.g., trapping some of the liquid in the micro-chamber for analysis).