Miniaturized Two-Electrode Glucose Sensor Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-electrode biosensor probes are too large for implantation using needles smaller than 26-gauge, leading to increased patient discomfort and foreign body response, which results in biofouling and inaccurate glucose concentration measurements.
Innovation Solution
A two-electrode sensor probe is used, with inter-digitated electrodes formed using laser ablation techniques, and a processor-implemented method to apply voltage pulses and measure current responses to form a quasi-Cottrell profile for calibration, mitigating voltage drift and biofouling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-electrode biosensor is used to maintain stable working electrode voltage, then measurement accuracy is improved, but needle size increases causing increased patient discomfort and foreign body response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reference electrode from the traditional three-electrode configuration, extracting only the essential working and counter electrodes to create a two-electrode sensor. This extraction reduces the overall sensor size and needle diameter, thereby decreasing patient discomfort and foreign body response while maintaining adequate glucose measurement capability through alternative voltage control methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the working electrode and counter electrode into a more integrated two-electrode structure where the counter electrode serves dual purposes: completing the circuit and providing reference potential. This merging of functions allows for a more compact design that fits within smaller needle diameters, reducing the harmful effects of larger needle implantation.
2Ease of operation
If needle size is reduced to decrease patient discomfort, then ease of implantation is improved, but sensor size must be reduced which compromises voltage stability control
Solution Approach 1:
The two-electrode sensor design allows the counter electrode to serve its own function as both circuit completion and reference potential source. The system self-regulates voltage stability through the inherent properties of the simplified electrode configuration, eliminating the need for separate reference electrode infrastructure and reducing overall device complexity despite smaller size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic voltage control parameters and computational algorithms that adapt to the two-electrode configuration. By changing control parameters and using real-time signal processing, the system maintains voltage stability in the reduced two-electrode setup, compensating for the limitations of smaller size without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If two-electrode sensor is used to reduce needle size, then patient discomfort is reduced, but voltage drift occurs affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor the voltage at the working electrode and adjust the counter electrode potential accordingly. This feedback loop compensates for voltage drift by detecting deviations and applying corrective potentials, maintaining stable operating conditions in the two-electrode configuration and preventing measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical reference electrode infrastructure with computational and electronic voltage control methods. Instead of relying on physical reference electrodes to provide stable potential, the system uses electronic potential control and signal processing to maintain voltage stability, thereby achieving stability without the mechanical complexity of three-electrode configurations.
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
The two-electrode sensor probe allows for accurate glucose concentration measurements with reduced patient discomfort and biofouling, while the calibration method ensures stable voltage and accurate current responses, even with smaller needle sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The product H2O2 is then electrochemically oxidized on the working electrode surface of a probe of the biosensor, thereby generating an electrical current response signal to be measured.
Implementation Method 2
A two-electrode sensor probe is used, with inter-digitated electrodes formed using laser ablation techniques
Implementation Method 3
a processor-implemented method to apply voltage pulses and measure current responses to form a quasi-Cottrell profile for calibration
Implementation Method 4
monitoring the amount of H2O2 which is produced from the catalyzed reaction of glucose by GOx to gluconic acid and H2O2
Implementation Method 5
Glucose+GOx(FAD)→Glucorolactone+GOx(FADH2); GOx(FADH2)+O2→GOx(FAD)+H2O2
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed techniques include applying one or more voltage pulses to a working electrode of a sensor probe. The techniques may also involve measuring, using a current sensor, a set of one or more current responses corresponding to the applied one or more voltage pulses, wherein the set of one or more current responses form a quasi-Cottrell profile that approximates a portion of a Cottrell curve. The techniques may further involve comparing a characteristic of the quasi-Cottrell profile to sets of predetermined Cottrell profiles. The techniques may further involve calibrating the current sensor based on the comparison.