Ocular Surface Potential Difference Measurement System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating ocular surface health and ion transport function are limited in their ability to accurately measure potential differences at the ocular surface, particularly in clinical and research settings, and do not effectively assess the impact of therapeutic compounds on ion transport mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring ocular surface potential difference (OSPD) using a perfusion catheter, measuring electrode, and reference electrode, which involves perfusing the ocular surface with solutions to assess changes in millivolt potential differences indicative of ion transporter or channel activation/inhibition, allowing for the evaluation of candidate compounds and therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional clinical evaluation methods (slit lamp examination, fluorescein staining, Schirmer test) are used to assess ocular surface health, then the evaluation process is simple and non-invasive, but the ability to accurately measure potential differences and assess ion transport function is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid chamber system that allows non-contact measurement of ocular surface potential differences. The fluid chamber acts as a mediator between the ocular surface and the measurement electrodes, enabling precise potential difference measurement while maintaining a simple, non-invasive clinical setup. This resolves the contradiction by providing accurate measurement capability without requiring complex direct tissue penetration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact with electrical field-based measurement through the fluid chamber intermediary. Instead of requiring physical contact with the ocular surface, the system uses voltage-sensitive electrodes to detect potential differences through the fluid medium, substituting mechanical interaction with electromagnetic field interaction. This enables precise measurement while keeping the system clinically simple and non-invasive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ion transport function is assessed using traditional methods, then the evaluation is quick and requires minimal equipment, but the ability to evaluate therapeutic compound effects on ion transport mechanisms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal measurement platform that can assess both baseline ocular surface health and therapeutic compound effects using the same fluid chamber and electrode system. The system's versatility is achieved through its ability to measure potential differences under various experimental conditions (baseline, drug treatment, ion substitution), allowing multiple assessment functions within a single device framework. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptable therapeutic evaluation capability without requiring additional specialized equipment or significantly extending measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes (ion substitution, pH modification, temperature variation) as experimental manipulations to assess therapeutic compound effects. By systematically varying these parameters during measurement, the system can detect changes in ion transport function caused by test compounds. This approach enables versatile therapeutic assessment while maintaining quick measurement times, as the same baseline protocol can be repeated under different experimental conditions without requiring system reconfiguration.
3Loss of information
If ocular surface potential difference measurement is implemented, then functional data on ion transport mechanisms can be obtained, but the measurement procedure becomes more complex requiring perfusion systems and specialized electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid chamber serves as an intermediary that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling functional measurement. It mediates between the complex requirements for ion transport assessment and the need for a manageable clinical setup, allowing voltage-sensitive electrodes to measure potential differences without requiring direct tissue access or complex perfusion infrastructure. This resolves the contradiction by providing functional data capability through a relatively simple intermediary-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified functional copy of the ocular surface ion transport system in the fluid chamber model. By measuring potential differences in this controlled fluid environment, the system obtains functional information about ion transport mechanisms without requiring direct measurement of the complex in vivo ocular surface. This copying approach enables functional data acquisition while keeping the measurement system manageable and clinically applicable.
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
Enables precise measurement of OSPD in human subjects, providing functional data on ocular surface physiology and allowing for the assessment of therapeutic efficacy on ion transport mechanisms, including the evaluation of ocular surface diseases and the safety of ocular prosthetics.
Implementation Method 1
epithelial cells lining the ocular surface express ion transport proteins that can facilitate active fluid secretion or absorption to regulate tear fluid volume and osmolality
Implementation Method 2
measurement of the millivolt (mV) potential differences at the ocular surface (OSPD) in human subjects produced by ion transport
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to ocular surface potential difference (OSPD) measurement, and in particular, to the devices, methods, and design principles allowing for such measurement and the use of the measured OSPD in various research and clinical settings.