Saliva Glucose Sensor Electrode Reagent Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing blood glucose levels rely on invasive blood samples, making them undesirable for frequent monitoring, particularly for diabetics seeking non-invasive alternatives.
Innovation Solution
Development of a device capable of detecting glucose in saliva using a sensor with electrodes and reagents, such as glucose dehydrogenase and an electron mediator, which measures electrical parameters to calculate glucose concentration without sample preparation, enabling non-invasive glucose monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood samples are used to assess glucose levels, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses saliva as an intermediary fluid to indirectly measure blood glucose levels. Instead of directly measuring blood glucose through invasive blood sampling, the device measures glucose in saliva, which correlates with blood glucose levels, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating the invasiveness of blood draws
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive blood sampling system with a non-invasive saliva collection system. The sensor device collects saliva through passive salivation or suction, eliminating the need for needles, lancets, and blood draw procedures while maintaining glucose monitoring capability
2Ease of operation
If saliva is used as a sample, then ease of operation is improved through non-invasive collection, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to lower glucose concentration and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the measurement parameters by using an electrochemical sensor system specifically designed for saliva matrix. The sensor uses enzymes (glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase) and electron mediators optimized for detecting glucose in saliva, which has different electrical and chemical properties compared to blood, thereby achieving accurate measurements despite lower glucose concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs composite materials including enzyme layers (glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase), electron mediators (such as ferricyanide or osmium complexes), and conductive polymers. This composite structure enhances the sensor's ability to detect glucose in saliva by improving electron transfer efficiency and reducing interference from saliva components
3Productivity
If non-invasive saliva monitoring is implemented, then patient compliance and frequency of monitoring are improved, but device complexity increases due to sensor design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: a disposable sensor strip containing the electrochemical sensing elements, a reusable reader device for signal processing, and a display/communication module. This segmentation allows the complex sensor technology to be contained in a disposable component, simplifying the overall system and enabling frequent use without requiring the main device to be complex
4Measurement precision
If electrochemical sensors with enzymes are used, then measurement precision is improved through specific glucose detection, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enzyme and electron mediator are pre-loaded onto the electrode surface during sensor manufacturing, creating a ready-to-use sensing layer. This preliminary action ensures that the sensor is pre-calibrated and prepared for specific glucose detection, eliminating the need for complex assembly steps and ensuring consistent performance across manufacturing batches
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 device provides a rapid, accurate, and non-invasive means to predict blood glucose levels with a correlation lag time of approximately 15 minutes, ensuring safe and reliable glucose monitoring for diabetic patients, with 98.7% of readings meeting ISO 15197-2013 safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is provided that includes a substrate containing one or more electrodes. One or more reagents are provided on the electrode(s). A detection device is operably coupled with the sensor to detect glucose based on measurement of an electrical parameter when electricity is applied to the electrode(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods capable of detecting glucose in saliva (FIG. 12). The devices feature a sensor having a substrate containing electrodes and one or more reagents on the electrodes. A detection device is operably coupled with the sensor to detect glucose based on measurement of an electrical parameter when electricity is applied to the electrode.