Disposable Electrochemical Test Strip for Nitric Oxide Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas sensing technologies for detecting nitric oxide in exhaled breath, such as chemiluminescence and electrochemical sensing, are complex, costly, and cumbersome, making them unsuitable for effective monitoring and management of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, which require frequent and accurate measurements to optimize treatment.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, portable test strip system comprising a substrate with electrode pairs and responsive sensing chemistries that measure nitric oxide concentrations in exhaled breath, using a membrane layer and blocking layer to inhibit interference, allowing for quick and accurate analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemiluminescence or electrochemical sensing technologies are used to detect nitric oxide in exhaled breath, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test strips containing electrochemical sensing elements that are pre-assembled and sealed. Each test strip is a low-cost, single-use device that eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and reusable sensor systems. The test strip includes a substrate with electrochemical sensing material, electrodes, and a protective membrane that are integrated into a disposable unit, allowing accurate nitric oxide measurement without requiring costly desktop-sized instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensing system into separate functional components: a disposable test strip containing the electrochemical sensing element, electrodes, and protective layers; and a separate reader device that processes the electrical signal. This segmentation allows the complex signal processing and data analysis functions to be isolated from the simple, low-cost sensing element, reducing the complexity and cost of the primary measurement device while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If chemiluminescence or electrochemical sensing technologies are used to detect nitric oxide in exhaled breath, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test strips containing electrochemical sensing elements that are pre-assembled and sealed. Each test strip is a low-cost, single-use device that eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and reusable sensor systems. The test strip includes a substrate with electrochemical sensing material, electrodes, and a protective membrane that are integrated into a disposable unit, allowing accurate nitric oxide measurement without requiring costly desktop-sized instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized test strip design that can be mass-produced using conventional manufacturing techniques. The electrochemical sensing elements are replicated across multiple identical test strips, allowing for economies of scale in production. The reader device serves as a reusable copy that can interface with multiple disposable test strips, further reducing per-unit costs through standardized interfaces and bulk production of the sensing elements.
3Measurement precision
If chemiluminescence or electrochemical sensing technologies are used to detect nitric oxide in exhaled breath, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the test strip to be self-contained and self-explaining. The test strip includes built-in reference electrodes and sensing electrodes that automatically perform calibration and measurement functions without requiring user intervention. The protective membrane self-seals to prevent contamination, and the test strip automatically interfaces with the reader device, eliminating the need for users to perform complex setup, calibration, or maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-assembles the test strip with all necessary components including the electrochemical sensing material, electrodes, protective membrane, and sealing structures before use. The test strip is pre-calibrated and ready for immediate measurement, eliminating the need for users to perform setup, calibration, or preparation procedures. The protective membrane is pre-positioned to prevent contamination, and the test strip is designed to be immediately insertable into the reader device for measurement.
4Measurement precision
If complex sensing systems with multiple components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup and operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-assembles the test strip with all necessary components including the electrochemical sensing material, electrodes, protective membrane, and sealing structures before use. The test strip is pre-calibrated and ready for immediate measurement, eliminating the need for users to perform setup, calibration, or preparation procedures. The protective membrane is pre-positioned to prevent contamination, and the test strip is designed to be immediately insertable into the reader device for measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensing system into separate functional components: a disposable test strip containing the electrochemical sensing element, electrodes, and protective layers; and a separate reader device that processes the electrical signal. This segmentation allows the complex signal processing and data analysis functions to be isolated from the simple, low-cost sensing element, reducing the complexity and cost of the primary measurement device while maintaining measurement precision.
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 system provides a cost-effective, user-friendly method for monitoring nitric oxide levels in exhaled breath, enabling better management of chronic respiratory diseases by providing immediate and accurate data for healthcare providers and patients.
Implementation Method 1
The second available technology uses an electrochemical signal, typically via cyclic voltammetry
Implementation Method 2
A low-cost, portable test strip system comprising a substrate with electrode pairs and responsive sensing chemistries that measure nitric oxide concentrations in exhaled breath, using a membrane layer and blocking layer to inhibit interference
Data Source
AI summary
Materials and manufacturing techniques to produce test strips in high volume at low-cost for the measurement of gas in various industries and environments are disclosed. The test strip is generally comprised of a substrate, at least one electrical connection, at least one sensing chemistry and at least one additional layer. The test strip may provide a quantitative author a qualitative read out. A method for collecting and analyzing data to monitor and manage patients with chronic respiratory disease is disclosed. Implementations include software applications, connected medical devices, web servers and electronic catalogs. A method for identifying treatment trends from a population combining medical, biological and environmental data is disclosed. A method for proactively alerting and patients, caregivers and medical providers to trends in health by using the implementations of the invention are disclosed.