Microfluidic Biochemical Sensor Assembly for Noninvasive Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems fail to noninvasively and accurately detect and isolate biochemicals in biofluids at in vivo sites with sufficient speed for effective health modeling and guidance.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a biochemical sensor involving a microfluidic layer with fluid conduits, an electrode layer with anisotropic conductive film, and a barrier layer, allowing for noninvasive electrochemical sensing by contacting an electrode array to a biological surface and obtaining a biofluid response current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive sampling methods (biopsy, blood draw) are used to obtain tissue samples for biochemical analysis, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to risk of infection, bleeding, and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (electrochemically active indicator) that mediates between the target biochemical analyte and the detection system. This indicator substance enables indirect measurement through electrochemical reactions, allowing noninvasive detection while maintaining measurement accuracy. The indicator acts as a mediator that translates biochemical information into detectable electrical signals without requiring direct tissue invasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive sampling methods with an electrochemical detection system. Instead of physically extracting tissue samples through biopsy or blood draws, the invention uses electrochemical reactions at a sensor interface to detect biochemical analytes in situ. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical tissue disruption while maintaining measurement capability through electrical signal detection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noninvasive sampling methods are used to obtain tissue samples, then patient safety is improved by eliminating infection and bleeding risks, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient analyte concentration and signal detection challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing electrochemical reactions that amplify the detectable signal from trace analyte concentrations. By converting biochemical concentrations into electrical signals through redox reactions, the system achieves sufficient signal strength for precise measurement without requiring high analyte concentrations. The electrochemical parameters (current, potential) are optimized to maximize detection sensitivity at low analyte levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling with electrochemical detection, where electrical fields and reactions substitute for physical tissue manipulation. This substitution enables detection of biochemical analytes in noninvasive samples (such as interstitial fluid or sweat) by using electrochemical sensors that can detect trace amounts of analytes without requiring large sample volumes or high concentrations.
3Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are performed to implant sensing devices, then device reliability is improved through stable positioning, but device complexity and surgical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing device into separate functional modules: a reusable sensor unit and a disposable indicator substance cartridge. This segmentation allows the complex sensing technology to be delivered through simple noninvasive procedures, while the sensor unit can be externally applied or minimally inserted. The modular design reduces implantation complexity by separating the sophisticated detection components from the delivery mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements such as microfluidic channels that can be activated on-demand and electrochemical reactions that occur only when needed. The device transitions from a static implant to a dynamically controllable system where sensing is activated only during measurement periods. This dynamic operation reduces the need for permanent complex implantation structures while maintaining reliable sensing capability when required.
4Measurement precision
If traditional electrochemical sensors are used with invasive implantation, then measurement precision is improved through direct tissue contact, but ease of operation deteriorates due to surgical implantation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator substance that enables electrochemical detection without direct sensor-tissue contact. The indicator substance is applied to or near the tissue, and its electrochemical reactions provide the detection signal. This intermediary approach maintains the precision of electrochemical sensing while eliminating the need for invasive sensor implantation, as the indicator can be delivered through noninvasive means such as topical application or micro针 injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor implantation with electrochemical indicator delivery. Instead of physically inserting sensors into tissue, the system uses electrochemically active substances that can be delivered through minimally invasive or noninvasive methods. The electrochemical reactions occur at the indicator-tissue interface, providing precise detection without requiring surgical implantation of mechanical sensing devices.
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 noninvasive, accurate, and rapid detection of biochemicals, minimizing torque and stress from user movement, and providing quantitative biochemical responses.
Implementation Method 1
a) performing electrochemical reactions with a target analyte in the biological tissue using an electrochemically active indicator substance
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Example implementations include a method of manufacturing a biochemical sensor by forming a fluid conduit in a microfluidic layer, forming an electrode on an electrode layer, forming a biochemical sensor on the electrode layer, bonding the electrode layer to a first surface of the microfluidic layer, and bonding a barrier layer to a second surface of the microfluidic layer. Example implementations also include a method of electrically detecting a biochemical by contacting an electrode array to a biological surface, obtaining a biofluid at the electrode array from the biological surface, obtaining a response current associated with the biofluid at the electrode array, and generating a quantitative biochemical response based at least partially on the response current. Example implementations further include applying a current to the biological surface. Example implementations further include filtering electrical interference at the electrode array. Example implementations further include generating a quantitative biochemical response based on the response current.