Optical Sensor for Tear Osmolarity via Surface Plasmon Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for dry eye disease are inadequate due to the lack of accurate and practical tools for measuring tear osmolarity, particularly in clinical settings, where existing osmometers are limited by sample size and complexity, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical sensors with a sensing surface configured to interact with optical signals at different incident angles, enabling the measurement of tear osmolarity using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques, which allow for accurate and efficient diagnosis and monitoring of dry eye disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional osmometers are used to measure tear osmolarity, then measurement capability is provided, but sample volume requirements are too large for clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using surface plasmon resonance optical methods instead of conventional electrical conductivity or freezing point depression methods. This allows measurement of osmolarity in nanoliter volumes by detecting changes in refractive index and optical properties of the tear film, resolving the contradiction between small sample volume and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling and measurement systems with optical detection systems. By using surface plasmon resonance and optical interference patterns, the system eliminates the need for mechanical sample handling and large-volume requirements, enabling precise osmolarity measurement in nanoliter tear samples through optical property changes
2Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then existing tools are available, but diagnostic accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical layer (prism with metal coating) that mediates between the light source and tear sample. This intermediary enables surface plasmon resonance to occur, creating sensitive optical interference patterns that indirectly measure osmolarity with high precision while keeping the overall device configuration relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property changes (analogous to color changes) in the reflected light patterns resulting from surface plasmon resonance. By detecting shifts in optical interference patterns and reflectivity characteristics, the system achieves high diagnostic accuracy for osmolarity measurement without requiring complex analytical instrumentation
3Ease of operation
If existing osmometer technology is used, then measurement function is provided, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated optical platform. The same optical system performs both surface plasmon resonance measurement and reference measurements, eliminating the need for separate measurement chambers and reducing operational complexity despite providing comprehensive diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated optical detection and analysis. The system automatically captures optical interference patterns, processes the data to determine osmolarity, and provides diagnostic results without requiring manual calibration or complex operational procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining sophisticated measurement capabilities
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
These sensors provide a simple and accurate means to diagnose dry eye disease by determining tear osmolarity, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment monitoring, thus addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The development of optical sensors with a sensing surface configured to interact with optical signals at different incident angles, enabling the measurement of tear osmolarity using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical sensors, systems and methods of use thereof are provided. Aspects of the subject systems include a sensor having a sensing surface and a configuration that directs a first optical signal to interact with the sensing surface at a first incident angle, and directs a second optical signal to interact with the sensing surface at a second incident angle. The subject sensors, systems and methods find use, e.g., in the diagnosis of dry eye disease.