Photopolymerized Analyte Sensor Membranes for Multi-Analyte Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in vivo analyte sensors face challenges with poor sensitivity for low-abundance analytes due to excessive background signals from interferents and differential permeability through mass transport limiting membranes, especially when detecting multiple analytes, which complicates detection and increases manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

The use of in situ photopolymerization for forming mass transport limiting membranes with selective deposition on working electrodes, reducing extraneous carbon area and expanding membrane chemistry options, allowing for tailored permeability and improved sensitivity for single or multiple analytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If dip coating techniques are used to apply mass transport limiting membranes, then membrane application is simplified, but manufacturing complexity increases when compositionally distinct membranes are needed for multiple analytes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane application processVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different membrane compositions to different active areas on the same sensor chip. Each active area receives a membrane tailored to its specific analyte detection needs, with distinct permeability characteristics optimized for that particular analyte's properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor chip is divided into multiple active areas, each with its own dedicated mass transport limiting membrane. This segmentation allows independent optimization of membrane properties for each analyte detection site, enabling multi-analyte detection with tailored membrane characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If membrane chemistries other than polyvinylpyridine or polyvinylimidazole are used, then expanded membrane options are available, but dip coating extendibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane chemistry optionsVSAvoiddip coating extendibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical dip coating process with a chemical bonding approach. Membranes are covalently attached to the sensor surface using silane chemistry, allowing a wide variety of membrane materials to be applied without being constrained by dip coating limitations. This chemical attachment method enables use of diverse polymer chemistries including polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid, and other materials incompatible with dip coating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If active areas of different sizes are used to compensate for differing sensitivities, then detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing challenges

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the physical size of active areas, the patent changes the chemical parameters of the mass transport limiting membranes. By adjusting membrane composition, thickness, and permeability characteristics, the system achieves sensitivity balancing without requiring precision fabrication of different area sizes, thereby avoiding associated manufacturing complexities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances detection sensitivity by reducing background signals and enabling accurate detection of low-abundance analytes, while simplifying manufacturing and improving sensor performance for multi-analyte assays.

Implementation Method 1

the membrane may be permeable or semipermeable to an analyte of interest and limit the overall flux of the analyte to the active area(s) of the analyte sensor. Such mass transport limiting membranes may aid in avoiding overload (saturation) of the sensing components within the active area(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass transport limitation: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The use of in situ photopolymerization for forming mass transport limiting membranes with selective deposition on working electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4164488B1Analyte sensors featuring one or more detection-facilitating enhancements

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC

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AI summary

Analyte sensors are being increasingly employed for monitoring various analytes in vivo. Analyte sensors configured to monitor multiple analytes are also in development. Sufficient sensitivity for low-abundance analytes and multiple analytes having differing membrane permeability values may complicate analyte detection in some cases. Analyte sensors may feature enhancements to address one or both of these issues. Some analyte sensors may comprise a carbon working electrode comprising a dielectric substrate, one or more apertures extending through the dielectric substrate and filled with a carbon conductor pillar, a carbon conductor coating on a first face of the dielectric substrate in direct contact with each carbon conductor pillar, and one or more active areas on a second face of the dielectric substrate in electrical communication with the carbon conductor pillars. Photopolymerized mass transport limiting membranes may be used in combination with such carbon working electrodes or with other working electrode types.