Small-Spot Analyte Sensor Layout for Stable Glucose Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte monitoring devices face challenges in optimizing manufacturing protocols to improve yield and uniformity of sensing elements for continuous in vivo glucose monitoring, particularly in electrochemical biosensors.
Innovation Solution
The development of an analyte sensor with a working electrode featuring a sensing surface comprising two or more laterally disposed sensing elements, each with an analyte-responsive enzyme and a polymeric electron transfer agent, arranged in arrays with inter-feature areas to minimize variation in sensor sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensing surface includes multiple sensing elements disposed laterally to each other, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved and measurement precision is enhanced, but the area of the sensing surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing surface is divided into multiple discrete sensing elements (e.g., five sensing elements arranged in a specific pattern) that are laterally disposed to each other. Each sensing element independently measures analyte concentration, and the signals from multiple elements are combined to improve the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing elements are merged into a single integrated sensing surface structure. The sensing elements are electrically and physically combined within a single electrode assembly, allowing their signals to be averaged or combined to enhance measurement precision while occupying a unified spatial footprint.
2Ease of operation
If the sensing surface area is reduced to improve comfort and skin integrity, then patient comfort is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing surface is segmented into multiple discrete sensing elements that can be arranged in a compact pattern (e.g., 2x2 grid or cross pattern). This segmentation allows the total sensing area to be minimized while maintaining multiple measurement points, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without compromising patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing elements are arranged in a lateral dimension pattern rather than expanding the overall sensor footprint. By optimizing the spatial distribution of sensing elements in two dimensions (e.g., arranging them in a compact array), the patent achieves high signal-to-noise ratio with minimal skin contact area.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing elements are disposed laterally to each other, then measurement precision is improved through signal combination, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing elements are merged into a single integrated electrode structure with unified electrical connections. The sensing elements share common reference electrodes and are electrically connected through a single wire, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the benefits of multiple measurement points for improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing elements are designed with universal electrical connections and reference electrodes that serve multiple functions. The same reference electrode structure serves all sensing elements, and the electrical connections are standardized, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from multiple independent sensing assemblies.
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
This design reduces sensor sensitivity variation to 8% or less, enhancing the consistency and efficiency of continuous glucose monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
sensing elements disposed laterally to each other on a working electrode of an in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have a sensing surface that includes two or more sensing elements disposed laterally to each other, where the sensing surface is on a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.