Semiconductor Analyte Sensor Reducing Sample Volume and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical analyte sensors require large bio-fluid sample volumes for accurate measurements, leading to discomfort and inefficiency, and are costly due to the use of precious metals.
Innovation Solution
An analyte sensor with a hollow member and semiconductor conductors, including a lancet point, that uses a small bio-fluid sample volume and reduces material costs by employing semiconductor materials like silicon carbide for the conductors and catalytic agents for accurate analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional electrochemical analyte sensors are used, then analyte concentration can be detected, but a relatively large sample volume is required which causes patient discomfort and requires repeated lancet insertions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the conductor from conventional materials to semiconductor materials, which fundamentally alters the sensor's sensitivity characteristics. This parameter change enables the sensor to achieve accurate measurements with smaller sample volumes by improving the electrical signal response from the electrochemical reactions at the electrode surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining semiconductor materials with catalytic agents in the active region. This composite approach enhances the electrochemical sensitivity and reaction efficiency, allowing the sensor to detect analytes effectively with reduced sample volumes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If conventional electrochemical analyte sensors are used, then analyte concentration can be detected, but precious metals are required for electrodes which significantly increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precious metal electrodes with semiconductor-based conductors that can be manufactured at lower cost. The semiconductor conductors, combined with catalytic agents in the active region, provide sufficient measurement precision without requiring costly materials like platinum or gold, thereby reducing manufacturing expenses while maintaining analytical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the material composition parameter of the electrode conductor from precious metals to semiconductor materials. This parameter substitution maintains the necessary electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity for accurate analyte detection while eliminating dependence on expensive precious metals, thus resolving the cost-precision trade-off.
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 analyte concentration measurements with a significantly smaller sample volume, reducing patient discomfort and manufacturing costs while maintaining sensor effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical analyte sensor may be employed for the monitoring of a patient's blood glucose level
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor may include one or more conductors received in a hollow portion of a hollow member. The first conductor may be made, at least in part, of a semiconductor material and an active region may be provided in contact with at least the first conductor. The analyte sensor may, in one aspect, include a lancet and an integrated sensor. Manufacturing methods and apparatus and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.