Portable Diagnostic Device for Physiological Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care and self-test devices for determining properties of physiological fluids are often inaccurate, expensive, and complex, limiting their use for conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and lack reliable methods for measuring biophysical properties such as plasma viscosity and blood viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that creates a concentration gradient of an indicator in the sample and measures its flux to determine analyte concentration, using a small sample volume and static sample, with multiple detectors for spatially resolved information, and indicators arranged in layers for differential interaction with the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional capillary viscometers are used to measure plasma viscosity, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and requirement for laboratory equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex laboratory viscometers by using a simple optical detection system. Instead of measuring viscosity directly through complex mechanical means, the invention extracts the diffusion coefficient information through optical detection and calculates viscosity from this data, thereby eliminating the need for complex viscometer equipment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system of conventional viscometers with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical rotation or flow measurement mechanisms, the invention uses optical detection to measure the diffusion of indicator molecules, substituting mechanical complexity with optical simplicity while achieving the same measurement objective.
2Measurement precision
If flow cell approaches are used to determine diffusivity, then measurement capability is achieved, but sample volume requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flow-based measurement approach to a diffusion-based approach in a static sample. Instead of measuring properties in a flowing stream requiring significant volume, the invention uses dimensional confinement in a micro-chamber where diffusion occurs in controlled dimensions, reducing the required sample volume while enabling diffusivity measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an indicator substance into the sample chamber before adding the physiological fluid sample. This preliminary action allows the indicator to be already positioned and ready for diffusion measurement, eliminating the need for complex flow cell setup and reducing the total sample volume required compared to flow-based methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test steps are used to measure different physiological parameters, then measurement comprehensiveness is achieved, but time to result and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform where a single device with an indicator can measure multiple physiological parameters including viscosity, osmolarity, and concentration of analytes. Instead of requiring separate test systems for each parameter, the invention uses the same diffusion-based measurement principle with different indicators or analysis methods, thereby reducing both time and operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
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 accurate, low-cost, and easy-to-use point-of-care testing for various physiological fluid properties, reducing sample volume requirements and eliminating the need for complex sample preparation, allowing for multiple parameter measurement from a single sample.
Implementation Method 1
An indicator is introduced into a sample chamber and a concentration gradient of the indicator in the sample is set up. The flux of the indicator through the sample is then measured.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a flexible format for diagnostic tests that is applicable to measuring a wide range of properties of fluids, particularly physiological fluids, by creating a concentration gradient of an indicator in the sample under analysis and measuring a flux of the indicator through the sample which is used to determine a property of the sample. Aspects of the invention include a method of testing a property of a physiological fluid in a portable test device, a portable test device and a kit including a portable test device and a processor.