Microchannel Red Blood Cell Rigidity Measurement for Glycated Hemoglobin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glycated hemoglobin level measuring devices are complex, inaccessible, and have limitations in accuracy and usability for home-based management, necessitating improved methods for accessible and reliable measurement.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing microchannel technology to measure glycated hemoglobin levels based on physical characteristics of red blood cells, such as stiffness, through a system with electrodes and microchannels to determine travel time and rigidity, enabling accurate home-based monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional glycated hemoglobin measuring devices are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex biochemical measurement systems with a mechanical/physical measurement system. Specifically, it measures glycated hemoglobin by detecting changes in red blood cell physical properties (stiffness, deformability) as they pass through a microchannel, rather than using complex biochemical reagents and instrumentation. This substitution maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically simplifying the device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention measures glycated hemoglobin levels by detecting changes in physical parameters of red blood cells (stiffness, deformability, passage time) rather than directly measuring chemical composition. Glycated hemoglobin alters the physical properties of red blood cells, and these parameter changes are detected as the cells traverse a constricted microchannel, providing an accurate but simplified measurement approach.
2Reliability
If conventional glycated hemoglobin measuring devices are used, then measurement reliability is maintained, but ease of operation and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device requires minimal user intervention and preparation. A simple blood sample (even from a finger prick) is introduced into the microchannel, and the system automatically performs the measurement by detecting red blood cell physical properties. No complex sample preparation, reagent handling, or specialized training is needed, making the device easy for patients to operate at home while maintaining reliable measurements.
3Ease of operation
If biochemical methods are used for home-based measurement, then accessibility is improved, but measurement accuracy and component lifespan are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable microchannel chip that contains the measurement structure. After a single use, the chip is discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance. This disposable approach ensures consistent measurement accuracy across multiple uses while making the device simple and accessible for home-based diabetes management.
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
Provides accurate and accessible measurement of glycated hemoglobin levels, allowing continuous management and personalized health monitoring, enhancing diabetes management through real-time data analysis and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the microchannel can have one or more dimensions less than that/those of the red blood cells, thereby compressing the red blood cells that travel through the microchannel
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor couplable to the first pair of electrodes and configured to measure a change in an electrical property (e.g., an impedance across the first detection region)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for measuring glycated A1c hemoglobin. A glycated hemoglobin level measuring system includes a sample testing apparatus having a microchannel that compresses a blood sample traveling through, a first pair of electrodes coupled to the microchannel, and a second pair of electrodes coupled to the microchannel. The glycated hemoglobin level measuring system further includes an analysis apparatus having sensors coupled to the first and second pairs of electrodes and configured to calculate a travel time taken by a red blood cell to pass through the first and second pairs of electrodes. The glycated hemoglobin level measuring system can use the travel time to measure a rigidity of the red blood cells and the corresponding glycated hemoglobin level.