On-body Microsensor Array for Continuous Biomonitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biomonitoring devices are limited in their ability to provide detailed, continuous, and comprehensive monitoring of body chemistry, as they are designed for intermittent use and can only analyze a limited number of analytes due to sensor limitations, making them inadequate for continuous biomonitoring applications.
Innovation Solution
A microsensor array comprising filaments with a substrate, conductive layer, insulating layer, sensing layer, and selective coating, configured to penetrate the skin for continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of various analytes, integrated with an electronics module for real-time data processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional biomonitoring devices are used, then they can determine analyte levels and provide information to users, but they are limited to intermittent use and can only analyze a limited number of analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent sensing elements arranged in an array, where each element can detect different analytes. This segmentation allows the system to monitor multiple analytes simultaneously while keeping each individual sensor relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing array is designed with multi-functional capabilities, where each sensing element can detect different types of analytes (electrolytes, metabolites, hormones, drugs) depending on the specific sensor configuration. This universal design enables a single device to perform comprehensive biomonitoring across multiple physiological parameters.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional biomonitoring devices are designed for intermittent use, then they are simpler in design, but they cannot provide continuous monitoring of body chemistry
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous monitoring through persistent contact with the body (via earwear configuration) and continuous operation of the sensing array and processor. The system maintains uninterrupted data collection and processing, providing real-time or near-real-time monitoring of body chemistry parameters over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the sensing array is integrated within the earwear housing, which itself is worn within the ear canal or on the ear. This nested configuration allows the complex monitoring system to be compact and portable while maintaining continuous operation capability.
3Loss of information
If conventional devices provide limited information to users, then they are simpler to operate, but they lack detailed and comprehensive data on body chemistry
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously analyzes data from the sensing array and provides information back to the user through the display or other output interfaces. This feedback loop enables comprehensive presentation of body chemistry status, allowing users to access detailed information about multiple analytes and their interrelationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the raw sensing data and the user interface. It collects, processes, analyzes, and interprets data from multiple sensing elements, then presents this information in a comprehensible and useful format to the user, bridging the gap between complex sensor arrays and user understanding.
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 continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of multiple analytes, providing detailed and comprehensive data on body chemistry, enhancing user insights into their physiological state and facilitating more accurate diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing layer configured to enable transduction of an ionic concentration to an electronic voltage
Implementation Method 2
a conductive layer configured to facilitate analyte detection
Data Source
AI summary
A microsensor and method of manufacture for a microsensor, comprising an array of filaments, wherein each filament of the array of filaments comprises a substrate and a conductive layer coupled to the substrate and configured to facilitate analyte detection. Each filament of the array of filaments can further comprise an insulating layer configured to isolate regions defined by the conductive layer for analyte detection, a sensing layer coupled to the conductive layer, configured to enable transduction, and a selective coating coupled to the sensing layer, configured to facilitate detection of specific target analytes/ions. The microsensor facilitates detection of at least one analyte present in a body fluid of a user interfacing with the microsensor.