Multiple-Enzyme Analyte Sensors With Tailored Bilayer Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in vivo analyte sensors are limited to detecting a single analyte, requiring multiple sensors for multi-analyte monitoring, which is inconvenient, costly, and prone to sensor failure, with differing membrane permeabilities 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, using a single sensor to reduce complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analyte sensors are used to detect multiple analytes, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analyte sensors into a single integrated sensor device. Each analyte sensor contains a working electrode, reference electrode, and membrane assembly that can be integrated into one unified structure, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple analytes (e.g., glucose, lactate, ketones) without requiring separate implanted sensors for each analyte.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with universal functionality to detect multiple different analytes through a single implanted unit. The sensor includes multiple membrane assemblies with different permeability characteristics, each selective for a different analyte, allowing one sensor to perform the function of multiple specialized sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analyte sensors are implanted, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple analyte sensors into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the burden on patients who would otherwise need to wear and manage multiple separate sensors. The unified sensor structure simplifies insertion, maintenance, and data monitoring while maintaining the ability to accurately detect multiple analytes simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent analyte sensors are used, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple analyte detection functions into a single sensor system with a unified reference electrode and signal processing architecture. This integration reduces the number of independent components that could fail, as there is only one reference electrode and one set of electronics to manage, while still providing simultaneous monitoring of multiple analytes through different membrane assemblies.
4Measurement precision
If mass transport limiting membrane is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different membrane assemblies with distinct permeability characteristics to different analyte detection sites within the same sensor. Each membrane assembly is specifically designed and positioned to control the flux of its target analyte to the working electrode, allowing tailored mass transport properties for each analyte pair without requiring uniform precision across the entire sensor.
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 complexity and size, minimizing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing sensitivity through tailored membrane permeability and enzyme interactions.
Implementation Method 1
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. That is, the membrane may function as a mass transport limiting membrane.
Implementation Method 2
Such membranes may be highly specific toward limiting mass transport of a particular analyte, with other substances permeating through the membrane at significantly different rates.
Implementation Method 3
In vivo analyte sensors typically are configured to analyze for a single analyte in order to provide specific analyses, often employing an enzyme to provide the analytical specificity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and analyte sensors including at least a first working electrode having a first active area thereon, and performing a dip coating operation to deposit a bilayer membrane upon the first working electrode and the first active area. The bilayer may include an inner layer having a first membrane polymer and an outer layer having a second membrane polymer, the first membrane polymer and the second membrane polymer differing from one another. The dip coating operation may comprise one or more first dips in a first membrane formulation to form the inner layer of the bilayer membrane and one or more second dips in a second membrane formulation to form the outer layer of the bilayer membrane upon the inner layer.