Microfluidic Patch for Non-Invasive Physiological Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic technologies for diagnosing and managing diseases are not conveniently integrated with existing processes and lack efficient methods for measuring physiologic parameters, particularly in non-invasive and continuous monitoring applications.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with electrodes positioned at varying distances on a surface is used to measure impedance at distinct frequencies, allowing for analysis of bodily fluids through electrophoretic means, either in a patch on the skin or implanted in the body, utilizing a microfluidic pump or electrophoretic drawing of analytes through microchannels for ion separation and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microfluidic technology is used to measure physiologic parameters, then diagnostic capability is improved, but integration with existing processes and convenience is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: microfluidic channels for fluid transport, electrodes for impedance measurement, and pump mechanisms are merged into one compact unit that can be applied directly to the skin, eliminating the need for separate laboratory equipment and complex sample handling procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously - it can measure various physiologic parameters through different electrodes, pump fluids through microchannels, and communicate wirelessly, making it a universal diagnostic platform that replaces multiple separate devices and processes
2Measurement precision
If impedance is measured at distinct frequencies between pairs of electrodes, then depth resolution of subsurface regions is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement function into multiple electrode pairs positioned at different locations, with each pair measuring impedance at specific frequencies to probe different depths, allowing the complex measurement task to be segmented into manageable components that can be processed independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the frequency dimension to the spatial arrangement of electrodes, using multiple frequencies to probe different depths while maintaining a relatively simple physical electrode layout, thereby achieving depth resolution without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of bodily fluids is implemented, then diagnostic information quality is improved, but invasiveness and patient comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible patch with thin film structure that adheres to the skin surface, allowing continuous monitoring through minimally invasive contact that does not require penetration into the body, thereby maintaining patient comfort while enabling continuous measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an intermediary fluid pathway through microchannels that allows sampling of bodily fluids without direct intrusion into the body, using the skin and natural fluid pathways as intermediaries to obtain continuous samples for analysis
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, continuous monitoring of physiologic parameters like glucose and fluid content, providing non-invasive and minimally intrusive analysis of bodily fluids, with self-powered devices capable of wireless communication and precise fluid management, suitable for both skin-applied and implantable applications.
Implementation Method 1
The analysis may involve pumping a fluid or may involve drawing an analyte electrophoretically through a microfluidic channel
Implementation Method 2
Impedance is measured at distinct frequencies between pairs of the electrodes
Implementation Method 3
The analysis may involve pumping a fluid or may involve drawing an analyte electrophoretically through a microfluidic channel
Implementation Method 4
Information may be obtained in various ways, e.g., based on measuring electroconnectivity
Data Source
AI summary
In a first embodiment, electrodes are coupled to a surface at first, second, and third locations, the first location being further from the third location than from the second location. Impedance is measured at distinct frequencies between pairs of the electrodes. As a result, impedance is measured at differing regions below the surface, one region being deeper below the surface than the other region. In a second embodiment, a microfluidic device carries out an analysis. The analysis may be within a flexible patch adhered to a surface, or may be in a solid device implanted in a body of liquid surrounded by tissue. The analysis may involve pumping a fluid or may involve drawing an analyte electrophoretically through a microfluidic channel.