Optical Glucose Sensor Using Fluorophore Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glucose monitoring systems with electrochemical sensors face challenges in providing a suitable reference electrode and maintaining sensor longevity, which affects the accuracy and reliability of continuous glucose monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical sensor system that includes a light source, reference and test optical beacons with fluorophores, and a photodetector to detect fluorescence changes indicative of glucose concentration, eliminating the need for a reference electrode and potentially improving sensor longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electrochemical sensors are used for continuous glucose monitoring, then glucose levels can be monitored continuously, but the sensor requires a reference electrode which complicates the device and limits longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reference electrode component from the electrochemical sensor system entirely. By switching to an optical sensing mechanism using fluorophores that respond to glucose concentration changes, the system eliminates the need for multiple electrodes including the reference electrode, thereby simplifying device structure while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrochemical sensing mechanism (which requires electrodes and electrical measurements) with an optical sensing mechanism using fluorophores. This substitution eliminates the need for reference electrodes and electrical contacts, reducing device complexity and potentially extending sensor longevity by avoiding electrochemical degradation
2Measurement precision
If electrochemical sensors are used for continuous glucose monitoring, then real-time data can be obtained, but sensor accuracy deteriorates over time due to chemistry selection limitations and electrode degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrochemical sensing with optical sensing using fluorophores. This substitution improves measurement precision over time because optical fluorophores do not degrade through electrochemical reactions, providing stable baseline signals and consistent glucose-responsive fluorescence changes throughout the sensor's operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in fluorescence parameters (intensity, lifetime) in response to glucose concentration changes. The fluorophore's optical properties change based on glucose binding or metabolic activity, providing a stable and reversible signaling mechanism that maintains accuracy over extended periods compared to electrochemical methods
3Reliability
If electrochemical sensors are implanted subcutaneously, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the system faces challenges with sensor chemistry stability and work electrode longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrochemical work electrode system with an optical fluorophore-based sensing system. This eliminates issues related to electrode fouling, drift, and chemical stability problems inherent in electrochemical sensors, thereby improving overall reliability and extending functional lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system uses stable, non-consumable fluorophores that do not degrade like electrochemical reagents. The sensing mechanism is inherently more stable and does not require replacement as frequently as electrochemical sensors, improving reliability for long-term implantable monitoring
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
This approach enables continuous or near-continuous monitoring of glucose levels with improved accuracy and reliability compared to traditional electrochemical sensors, potentially extending the lifespan of the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorophore configured to absorb at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the light source and emit, based on a concentration of a substance, a fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
a reagent substrate configured to react with an analyte proximate the reagent substrate to modulate a concentration of the substance
Data Source
AI summary
An example medical device includes an optical sensor, processing circuitry, an antenna, and a power source. The optical sensor includes a light source; a reference optical beacon having a first fluorophore that emits a first fluorescence proportional to a first concentration of a substance proximate the beacon; a test optical beacon having a reagent substrate that reacts with an analyte to produce the substance and a second fluorophore that emits a second fluorescence proportional to a second concentration of the substance proximate the test beacon; and a photodetector to detect the first and second fluorescence. The processing circuitry determines a difference between the first and second fluorescence, which is indicative of the concentration of the analyte. The antenna and power source enable the medical device to operate completely within a biological system for continuous analyte monitoring.