Liver Enzyme Sensor Strip Using Electrochemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing liver enzyme levels, such as ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT, require blood samples and are not suitable for point-of-care applications due to complexity and reliability issues with existing detection technologies.
Innovation Solution
A disposable test cartridge system for a point-of-care analyzer that uses electrochemical techniques to measure liver enzyme levels in blood, featuring a reactant mixture specific to each enzyme and an analyte test strip for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional blood sample testing methods are used for liver enzyme measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and reliability issues prevent point-of-care application
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into separate functional modules: a disposable test cartridge containing reactant mixture and an analyte test strip with electrochemical sensor. This segmentation allows the complex analytical chemistry to be pre-packaged in a simple disposable unit, making the point-of-care device straightforward while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary electrochemical reaction system is introduced between the liver enzymes and the measurement device. The reactant mixture converts liver enzyme activity into detectable electrochemical signals through mediator molecules, enabling simple electronic detection without complex optical or mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If traditional detection technologies are used, then liver enzyme measurement capability is achieved, but reliability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical or optical detection systems are replaced with an electrochemical detection system. The analyte test strip uses electrochemical reactions that produce electrical signals directly proportional to liver enzyme levels, providing reliable and reproducible measurements with simpler technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection approach changes from measuring physical or optical properties to measuring electrochemical parameters (current, voltage, or impedance). This parameter change enables more reliable quantification of liver enzyme activity through electrical signals that are easier to standardize and measure consistently.
3Measurement precision
If complex testing procedures are used, then accurate liver enzyme measurement is achieved, but ease of operation for point-of-care is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reactant mixture is pre-prepared and pre-combined with all necessary components for accurate liver enzyme measurement in the disposable test cartridge. This preliminary preparation ensures measurement precision while eliminating the need for complex sample preparation or reagent mixing procedures at the point of care.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system performs self-service through the disposable cartridge design that contains all reagents and reaction components pre-assembled. The system automatically manages the chemical reactions and signal generation, requiring minimal user intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 reliable and accurate point-of-care measurement of liver enzyme levels, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by simplifying the testing process and improving accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
uses electrochemical techniques to measure liver enzyme levels in blood
Implementation Method 2
Aminotransferases are enzymes that the liver uses to make glycogen
Implementation Method 3
a capillary element removably insertable into the cartridge cover. The capillary element extends into one of the plurality of chambers when the removable cartridge cover is connected to the cartridge body
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte sensor strip configured for use with a disposable test cartridge to determine the concentration of one or more liver enzymes in a blood sample includes a cartridge body having a plurality of chambers where at least one of the chambers contains a reactant mixture that reacts when catalyzed by one of the liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, or GGT in a blood sample forming a reaction solution, a removable cartridge cover connected to the cartridge body, and a test strip module connected to the cartridge body. The test strip module containing at least one analyte test strip configured for receiving a portion of the reaction solution and electrochemically measuring at least one analyte that is a reaction product in the reaction solution.