Integrated Analyte Sensor Layout for Dual Glucose and Ethanol Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current analyte sensors are limited in their ability to monitor multiple analytes simultaneously, particularly glucose and ethanol, due to the need for multiple sensors, which increases cost, discomfort for users, and the risk of sensor failure, and existing sensor chemistries for detecting co-regulated analytes in diabetes management have lagged behind.

Innovation Solution

Development of dual glucose and ethanol responsive analyte sensors using a single enzyme-based system with multiple enzymes acting in concert, combined with specific membrane configurations to facilitate concurrent detection, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of both analytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple independent analyte sensors are used to monitor multiple analytes, then measurement precision for each analyte is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple analyte sensors into a single integrated sensor device that can simultaneously detect multiple analytes (glucose, ethanol, and other metabolites). This merging approach maintains the measurement precision of individual sensors while reducing the overall device complexity and eliminating the need for users to wear multiple separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor system is designed with multi-functional capability to detect various analytes including glucose, ethanol, lactate, pyruvate, and other metabolites. This universal detection capability allows a single sensor to perform the functions of multiple specialized sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple independent analyte sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple sensor functions into a single wearable device, the patent eliminates the burden of wearing multiple separate sensors. Users experience improved ease of operation and comfort while the integrated sensor maintains high measurement precision for all monitored analytes through simultaneous detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple independent analyte sensors are deployed, then reliability of individual sensor measurements is improved, but overall system reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensing functions into a single cohesive system, thereby reducing the total number of potential failure points. While maintaining the measurement precision of individual analyte detectors, the unified architecture improves overall system reliability by eliminating the cumulative failure risk associated with multiple independent sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple analyte sensors are used, then adaptability for monitoring different analytes is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-analyte monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor fabrication accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal sensor platform with multi-functional detection capabilities that can monitor various analytes including glucose, ethanol, lactate, and pyruvate. This approach achieves high adaptability through a standardized manufacturing process, actually reducing the precision requirements compared to producing multiple specialized sensors with different fabrication specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improved health outcomes for diabetic individuals by providing concurrent, continuous monitoring of glucose and ethanol levels, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing detection accuracy without increasing user discomfort or failure risks.

Implementation Method 1

A glucose-responsive active area comprises a glucose-responsive enzyme... A first ethanol-responsive active area comprises xanthine oxidase... capable of acting in concert to generate a signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic reaction: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

The transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

A first membrane separates the first ethanol-responsive active area from the second ethanol-responsive active area... The second membrane overcoats the glucose-responsive active area and the second ethanol-responsive active area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3917393B1Analyte sensors and sensing methods for dual detection of glucose and ethanol
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC
  • EP3917393B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3917393B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3917393B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Multiple enzymes may be present in one or more active areas of an electrochemical analyte sensor for detecting one or more different analytes. In particular, an analyte sensor may comprise a sensor tail configured for insertion into a tissue and one or more working electrodes having a glucose-responsive active area and an ethanol-responsive active area to detect glucose and ethanol in vivo.