Non-Invasive PPG Biosensor for Continuous Nitric Oxide Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients are invasive, time-consuming, and discontinuous, often requiring blood samples and laboratory analysis, which are inconvenient and painful, and are limited to measuring oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry with restricted wavelength ranges.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive biosensor system utilizing photoplethysmography (PPG) circuits that emit light at multiple wavelengths, including ultraviolet and infrared ranges, to detect NO levels in blood flow, enabling continuous monitoring and predicting infection severity, such as sepsis, through processing circuits that generate indications of infection risk based on NO measurements, heart rate, respiration, and skin temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive blood sampling and laboratory analysis are used to measure nitric oxide levels, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to patient discomfort and procedural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenitric oxide level measurementVSAvoidpatient comfort and procedural convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive blood sampling system with an optical detection system using photoplethysmography. The PPG sensor uses light absorption principles to measure nitric oxide levels non-invasively through skin tissue, eliminating needles and laboratory processing while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to transfer information about nitric oxide levels from the blood to the sensor. The optical signal passes through tissue and blood, carrying absorption characteristics that reveal NO concentrations without direct blood contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If blood sampling is performed intermittently for NO level measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to discontinuous monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring systemVSAvoiddetection delay for infection severity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring by keeping the PPG sensor actively measuring nitric oxide levels over time. The optical detection system operates continuously without requiring repeated invasive sampling, providing real-time data on infection progression and enabling timely clinical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If pulse oximetry is used for oxygen saturation measurement, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to restricted wavelength ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement convenienceVSAvoidnitric oxide level detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the functionality of pulse oximetry technology to measure multiple substances including nitric oxide, hemoglobin, and other blood components. By using multiple wavelengths beyond the traditional red and infrared, the system achieves multi-analyte detection while maintaining the non-invasive convenience of optical sensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The biosensor provides a continuous, non-invasive, and accurate measurement of NO levels, enabling early detection of sepsis and other infections, reducing patient discomfort and improving timely medical intervention.

Implementation Method 1

A non-invasive biosensor system utilizing photoplethysmography (PPG) circuits that emit light at multiple wavelengths, including ultraviolet and infrared ranges, to detect NO levels in blood flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10973470B2System and method for screening and prediction of severity of infection

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 TRILINEAR BIOVENTURES LLC

AI summary

A photoplethysmography (PPG) circuit obtains PPG signals at a plurality of wavelengths of light reflected from tissue of a user. A processing device generates parameters using the PPG signals to screen the user for an infection, such as sepsis, influenza and/or COVID-19. The processing device may also determine a severity level of the infection and a confidence level in the determination. The parameters may include a measurement of nitric oxide (NO) level, respiration rate, heart rate and/or oxygen saturation.