Needle-Based Multimode Sensor Integration for Aptamer Longevity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of aptamer sensors into commercial platforms is hindered by sensor longevity issues and incompatibilities with other sensing modalities, particularly when combining enzymatic and aptamer sensors, which require different deposition methods.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device with a needle-shaped feature integrates a first sensor for a first analyte and a second sensor for a second analyte, utilizing enzymatic and aptamer-based sensors, which are fabricated using compatible methods to ensure compatibility and longevity, with the option of a sacrificial layer for easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If enzymatic sensors are applied using simple lamination or dip-coating methods, then ease of manufacture is improved, but compatibility with aptamer sensors requiring solution-phase deposition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor platform is divided into separate functional zones: an enzymatic sensor region accessible by lamination/dip-coating and an aptamer sensor region accessible by solution-phase deposition. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be applied using its optimal fabrication method without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and multi-sensor compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sensor platform are designed with distinct surface properties and deposition characteristics. The enzymatic sensor area has properties optimized for lamination or dip-coating, while the aptamer sensor area has properties optimized for solution-phase deposition. This local differentiation enables both fabrication methods to work effectively on the same platform, improving both ease of manufacture and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If aptamer sensors are integrated onto existing platforms, then adaptability is improved, but sensor longevity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsensor longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is pre-functionalized with appropriate surface treatments and protective layers before aptamer sensor integration. This preliminary preparation creates an optimized environment that enhances the stability and longevity of the aptamer sensors while maintaining their integrability into existing platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor platform uses composite material structures that combine the benefits of existing platform materials with additional protective and stabilizing layers. This composite approach improves sensor longevity while preserving adaptability to existing platform architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution enables efficient, continuous monitoring of multiple analytes with improved sensor longevity and compatibility, facilitating affordable and reliable integration into existing platforms like continuous glucose meters.

Implementation Method 1

The redox couple can transfer electrical charge to or from the electrode. When an analyte binds to the aptamer, the aptamer changes shape, bringing the redox couple closer to or further from, on average, the electrode. This results in a measurable change in electrical current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

When an analyte binds to the aptamer, the aptamer changes shape, bringing the redox couple closer to or further from, on average, the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular binding:

Data Source

PatentUS20250248632A1Multimode sensor integration onto needle-based sensing systems

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

AI summary

A wearable device for sensing at least one analyte in a biofluid is provided. The wearable device includes at least one feature configured to penetrate a skin of a use. The wearable device further includes a first sensor coupled to the feature, the first sensor configured to detect a first analyte. wherein the first sensor is in fluid communication with the feature. The wearable device further includes a second sensor configured to detect a second analyte. the second analyte being an analyte different from the first analyte. wherein the second analyte is in fluid communication with the feature.