Multi-Enzyme Electrochemical Sensor With Tuned Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte sensors are limited to detecting a single analyte, requiring multiple sensors for multi-analyte monitoring, which is inconvenient, costly, and prone to individual sensor failure, with challenges in membrane permeability complicating multi-analyte analyses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of multiple enzymes in a single analyte sensor, with tailored membrane permeability and enzyme configurations for independent or concerted detection of multiple analytes, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing stability with stabilizers like catalase and albumin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independent analyte sensors are used to monitor multiple analytes, then each analyte can be detected with specific enzymatic analysis, but the device complexity, cost, and inconvenience increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analyte sensing capabilities into a single sensor device by integrating multiple enzymes (e.g., glucose oxidase, lactate oxidase, cholesterol oxidase) onto a single electrode surface. Each enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of its specific analyte substrate, generating electroactive products that can be detected at the electrode, thereby enabling simultaneous multi-analyte monitoring without requiring multiple separate sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The single analyte sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a universal detection platform (electrode with multiple enzymes) that can detect various analytes (glucose, lactate, cholesterol, etc.) through their respective enzymatic reactions, making the sensor versatile for monitoring multiple physiological parameters simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent analyte sensors are used, then comprehensive multi-analyte monitoring is achieved, but the cost burden becomes unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple analyte detection functions into a single sensor unit, reducing the total number of devices needed and thereby lowering manufacturing costs. By integrating multiple enzymes and their respective substrates onto one electrode, the system achieves multi-analyte versatility without the cumulative cost of producing and deploying multiple separate sensors
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent analyte sensors are deployed, then complete analyte coverage is possible, but the risk of sensor failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple analyte detection capabilities into a single unified sensor system, reducing the total number of independent sensors from N to 1. This consolidation eliminates the reliability vulnerabilities associated with multiple independent sensors, as the integrated design ensures coordinated operation and reduces points of potential failure
4Measurement precision
If a mass transport limiting membrane is used to control analyte flux, then sensor overload is avoided, but the differing membrane permeability values lead to significantly different sensitivities for multiple analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating specific membrane materials with tailored permeability properties at different locations or layers of the sensor. By selecting membranes with appropriate permeability characteristics for each analyte (e.g., different pore sizes, material compositions), the system optimizes the mass transport and sensitivity for each specific analyte detection while maintaining overall system 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
Facilitates efficient, stable detection of multiple analytes with reduced sensor size and complexity, minimizing the risk of sensor failure and cost, while maintaining accurate analyte monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one active area comprises a first enzyme, a second enzyme, and a polymer
Implementation Method 2
reacting the analyte with the first enzyme to form a first product; reacting the first product with the second enzyme to form a second product
Implementation Method 3
the membrane may be permeable or semi-permeable to an analyte of interest and limit the overall analyte flux to the active area of the analyte sensor
Implementation Method 4
amperometric sensors configured for assaying glucose in vivo have been developed
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple enzymes may be present in the active area(s) of an electrochemical sensor to facilitate analysis of one or more analytes. The multiple enzymes may function independently to detect several analytes or in concert to detect a single analyte. One sensor configuration includes a first active area and a second active area, where the first active area has an oxidation-reduction potential that is sufficiently separated from the oxidation-reduction potential of the second active area to allow independent signal production. Some sensor configurations may have an active area overcoated with a multi-component membrane containing two or more different membrane polymers. Sensor configurations having multiple enzymes capable of interacting in concert include those in which a first enzyme converts an analyte into a first product and a second enzyme converts the first product into a second product, thereby generating a signal at a working electrode that is proportional to the analyte concentration.