Drug Administration Control Using Real-Time Aptamer Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug monitoring methods are resource-intensive, uncomfortable for subjects, provide inaccurate data due to timing inaccuracies and delays, and fail to maintain drug concentrations within therapeutic windows, leading to potential toxicity or inefficacy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using an electrochemical aptamer-based sensor to continuously monitor drug concentrations, allowing for real-time control of drug administration through a processor-controllable agent delivery apparatus, with output values received at intervals as short as 1 millisecond, to maintain drug levels within a therapeutic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional blood sampling and laboratory assay methods are used to monitor drug concentrations, then drug levels can be measured, but the process is resource-intensive, time-consuming, and provides delayed data that does not reflect the subject's current state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological system of blood sampling and laboratory analysis with an electrochemical sensor system. The aptamer-based electrochemical sensor directly measures drug concentrations in interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for blood draws and laboratory processing, thereby providing immediate results without time delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrochemical sensor system that bridges the gap between the subject's body and the measurement system. The sensor uses aptamers as recognition elements and electrochemical transduction to convert drug concentration into measurable signals, providing continuous real-time data without direct blood sampling
2Loss of information
If blood samples are taken at regular intervals to monitor drug concentrations, then pharmacokinetic data can be obtained, but the process is uncomfortable for the subject and requires significant healthcare resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical process of blood sampling with a minimally invasive electrochemical sensor that measures drug concentrations in interstitial fluid through the skin, eliminating needle sticks and making the monitoring process comfortable for subjects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through the electrochemical sensor, which continuously measures drug concentrations in interstitial fluid without interruption. This provides complete pharmacokinetic data including peak concentration and time to peak, replacing discrete intermittent blood samples with continuous measurement
3Productivity
If a limited number of blood samples are taken over a monitoring period, then some pharmacokinetic information can be obtained, but important features such as peak concentration and time to peak concentration are typically missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous measurement by the electrochemical sensor, which continuously monitors drug concentrations without interruption. This ensures that peak concentration (Cmax) and time to peak concentration (Tmax) are captured accurately, as the sensor never misses the peak event regardless of when it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the electrochemical sensor continuously provides drug concentration data to a processor, which automatically adjusts the drug delivery rate to maintain therapeutic levels. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate capture of pharmacokinetic parameters and real-time dosage optimization
4Measurement precision
If manual blood sampling and laboratory analysis processes are used, then drug concentrations can be determined, but the process is resource-intensive and requires significant healthcare infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex healthcare infrastructure (hospitals, laboratories, trained personnel) and embeds it in a portable electrochemical sensor device. The sensor performs complete drug concentration measurement independently, eliminating the need for external laboratory resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service measurement where the electrochemical sensor automatically performs drug concentration determination without requiring external laboratory processing. The sensor integrates sample acquisition, analysis, and data processing in one autonomous device, making the system self-sufficient
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, real-time adjustment of drug dosages to maintain plasma concentrations within therapeutic limits, reducing the risk of toxicity and ensuring optimal drug efficacy by continuously monitoring and adjusting drug administration.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a fluid of the subject with an electrochemical aptamer-based sensor capable of detecting the drug
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is computer-implemented method for administering a drug to a subject. The method includes administering the drug to the subject using a controllable pump, contacting a fluid of the subject, such as interstitial fluid in situ, with an electrochemical aptamer-based sensor capable of detecting the drug, receiving a series of output values of the electrochemical aptamer-based sensor over a period of time, and using the series of output values to control the pump.