Micro-Cantilever Sensor for Interstitial Glucose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring glucose concentration in blood, such as invasive and non-invasive techniques, face challenges in accuracy, reliability, and the ability to provide real-time, dynamic measurements, particularly in minimizing patient discomfort and interference from other chemicals in interstitial fluid.
Innovation Solution
A resonance-type micro-cantilever sensor with a D-Galactose/D-Glucose Binding Protein layer is used to selectively adsorb glucose molecules from human interstitial fluid, employing a micro-cantilever structure with gold film and electrostatic actuation for precise capacitance measurements to determine glucose concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive detecting method is used to measure glucose concentration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort and risk of infection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (glucose oxidase enzyme) to mediate the detection process. The enzyme acts as a mediator that specifically reacts with glucose in the interstitial fluid, converting it to a measurable signal without requiring direct invasive sampling of blood. This allows accurate glucose measurement through minimally invasive interstitial fluid collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood sampling system with an electrochemical sensing system. Instead of physically extracting blood samples through needles and syringes, the system uses an electrochemical sensor that detects glucose through electrical signals generated by enzymatic reactions, eliminating the need for repeated invasive procedures.
2Measurement precision
If invasive detecting method is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but dynamic and real-time measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement by maintaining a persistent connection between the sensor and the interstitial fluid. The sensor continuously monitors glucose levels as the fluid flows past it, providing uninterrupted real-time data rather than discrete periodic measurements. This enables dynamic tracking of glucose concentration changes over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary preparation by implanting or positioning the sensor in advance within the interstitial fluid pathway. This preliminary action establishes continuous access to the fluid, allowing immediate and ongoing measurements without repeated invasive procedures for each sampling event.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive detecting techniques are used, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized sensing zone with specific enzymatic properties embedded in the interstitial fluid pathway. Rather than attempting non-invasive measurement through skin surface techniques with general properties, the system creates a localized region with optimized glucose-detecting characteristics, combining minimally invasive access with high measurement specificity.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional sensor design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but mass resolution and detection sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor into distinct functional layers: an outer membrane for fluid filtration, an enzymatic layer containing glucose oxidase for specific glucose reaction, and an electrochemical detection layer for signal generation. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through layered fabrication processes.
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
This approach enables selective and accurate detection of glucose in interstitial fluid, reducing interference from other chemicals and allowing for continuous, real-time monitoring with improved mass resolution, meeting the requirements of minimally invasive detection.
Implementation Method 1
a protein layer which is formed on the gold film and used to adsorb, at a surface thereof, the analyte to be detected in human interstitial fluid
Implementation Method 2
a micro-cantilever electrode which is provided on the first substrate at a position where the micro-cantilever is supported, and which is cooperated with the driving electrode so as to drive the micro-cantilever to produce resonance
Implementation Method 3
drive the micro-cantilever to produce resonance in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate
Implementation Method 4
a detecting electrode which is provided on the first substrate and cooperated with the micro-cantilever electrode to detect resonance frequency of the micro-cantilever
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sensor for measuring the amount of an analyte to be detected in human interstitial fluid, comprising a micro-cantilever sensing unit which includes: a first substrate; a micro-cantilever which is substantially in parallel with the first substrate and one end of which is supported onto the first substrate; a gold film formed onto at least one side of the micro-cantilever; a protein layer formed on the gold film, the protein layer being used to adsorb, at a surface thereof, the analyte to be detected in human interstitial fluid; a driving electrode provided on the first substrate; a micro-cantilever electrode which is provided on the first substrate at a position where the micro-cantilever is supported, and which is cooperated with the driving electrode so as to drive the micro-cantilever to produce resonance in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate; and a detecting electrode which is provided on the first substrate and which is cooperated with the micro-cantilever electrode so as to detect resonance frequency of the micro-cantilever. The present invention also relates to a fluid channel unit, a sensor system, and a method for measuring the amount of an analyte to be detected in human interstitial fluid.