Skin Patch Detecting Nitric Oxide via Colorimetric Reactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively detect nitric oxide (NO) and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) on skin surfaces, as existing technologies are either limited to detecting nitrite in urine, saliva, or air, or are not designed for skin applications.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device comprising a patch with chemical compounds that react with nitrite, nitrogen dioxide, and nitric oxide to produce a color indicator, which can be monitored using a camera, utilizing aromatic primary amines and nucleophilic aromatic amine detection reagents to form diazonium ions and azo indicators, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing detection methods are used for nitrite in urine, saliva, or air, then detection of nitrite is achieved, but detection of nitric oxide and other nitrogen oxides on skin surfaces is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different chemical compounds with specific reactivities toward different nitrogen oxide species (NO, NO2, nitrite) at different locations within the patch. The patch contains multiple detection zones with chemically distinct reagents that selectively react with target analytes, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple species on skin surfaces where existing universal methods fail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a patch with multiple chemical compounds is used to detect multiple nitrogen oxides, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by dividing the patch into distinct detection zones, each containing specific chemical compounds tailored for detecting particular nitrogen oxide species. This segmentation allows complex multi-analyte detection to be achieved through modular, independent chemical regions rather than a single complex reagent system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes as a simple visual indicator for detection results. Different chemical compounds produce distinct color changes when reacting with different nitrogen oxide species, allowing complex chemical interactions to be read through simple colorimetric changes that can be monitored by cameras or visually assessed, thereby simplifying the reading interface despite chemical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If color indicators are used to show concentration levels, then measurement visualization is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by color perception variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback by using cameras to capture images of the color indicators and comparing them against reference color standards or calibration data. This feedback loop allows objective quantification of color intensity and hue changes, converting subjective visual assessment into precise, digital measurements of nitrogen oxide concentrations, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
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 non-invasive, real-time measurement of NO and NOx concentrations on the skin surface by correlating color changes with known values, providing a practical and accurate method for monitoring NO/NOx status over time.
Implementation Method 1
aromatic primary amines and nucleophilic aromatic amine detection reagents to form diazonium ions and azo indicators
Implementation Method 2
nucleophilic aromatic amine detection reagent capable of reacting with the diazonium ion to form an azo indicator to exhibit a color that is different from a color of the nucleopilic aromatic amine detection reagent
Implementation Method 3
monitoring the indicator over a predetermined period of time to provide at least one measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for detection at least one of nitrite (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) on a substrate, such as skin. According to one aspect, a diagnostic device for measuring a concentration of at least one of nitrite (NO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) on a substrate comprises a patch comprising at least one chemical compound capable of reacting with the at least one of nitrite, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and other nitrogen oxides to provide an indicator.