Silicone Hydrogel Fluorescent Assay for Non-Invasive Tear Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring analytes in tear fluid, such as glucose and electrolytes, are hindered by irritation during sample collection and the complexity or cost of existing technologies, particularly contact lenses with embedded electronics.
Innovation Solution
Development of silicone hydrogel-based fluorescent assays that incorporate probe compositions with hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and fluorophore portions, allowing for remote monitoring of analyte concentrations without mechanical contact, using a contact lens as a substrate for microfluidic devices or clinical assays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sample collection methods are used to measure analytes in tear fluid, then analyte concentration can be determined, but eye irritation occurs and stationary analyte concentrations are disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sample collection methods with an optical detection system. Fluorescent probes embedded in the contact lens detect analytes through fluorescence emission changes, eliminating the need for physical sample extraction and thereby preventing eye irritation while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent probes as intermediaries between the analytes in tear fluid and the detection system. These probes bind to target analytes and translate chemical interactions into optical signals that can be detected remotely, enabling non-invasive measurement
2Measurement precision
If contact lenses with embedded electronic sensors are used to measure tear analytes, then in situ measurement is achieved, but device complexity, cost, and operational instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors with simpler optical detection based on fluorescence. The fluorescent probes convert analyte binding events into light emission changes that can be detected by external equipment, eliminating the need for embedded electronics while maintaining in situ measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in fluorescence emission parameters (intensity, wavelength, lifetime) in response to analyte binding. This physical-chemical parameter change provides a simple, reliable signal transduction mechanism that does not require complex electronic components
3Measurement precision
If conventional assay methods are used for tear fluid analysis, then analyte detection is possible, but operational costs and system expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs fluorescent probes with multiple functional portions (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, analyte-binding, fluorophore) that can detect various analytes including glucose, electrolytes, and biomolecules. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate detection systems for different analytes, reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs contact lenses with embedded fluorescent probes that can be manufactured at low cost using standard contact lens materials and fluorescent dye incorporation. The disposable nature of contact lenses eliminates the need for expensive, reusable electronic sensor systems requiring calibration and maintenance
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 and cost-effective determination of analyte concentrations in tear fluid, reducing eye irritation and operational costs, with the potential for daily use in monitoring conditions like diabetes and dry eye disease.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorophore portion is configured to change an optical property of fluorescent light emitted in response to incident excitation light when the probe composition changes between a first state in which the analyte is not bound to the analyte-binding portion and a second state in which the analyte binds to the analyte-binding portion
Implementation Method 2
a silicone hydrogel substrate having a hydrogel network that allows flow of aqueous solution through the solution
Data Source
AI summary
A material, article, system and method include a probe composition that includes a hydrophobic portion, a hydrophilic portion, an analyte-binding portion and a fluorophore portion. The analyte-binding portion is configured to bind to an analyte in an aqueous solution. The fluorophore portion is configured to change an optical property of fluorescent light emitted in response to incident excitation light when the probe composition changes between a first state in which the analyte is not bound to the analyte-binding portion and a second state in which the analyte binds to the analyte-binding portion. A material includes the probe composition and a silicone hydrogel substrate having a hydrogel network that allows flow of aqueous solution through the solution and a silicone network that occupies interstices of the hydrogel network. A contact lens having the material enables remote detection of glucose concentration in tear fluid of a subject.