Subcutaneous Biosensor Array With Selective Sensor Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensors for long-term implantation in the body face challenges in maintaining sensor longevity and efficiency due to the degradation of chemical enzymes, limiting their effectiveness for continuous monitoring of analytes like glucose.
Innovation Solution
A multi-analyte molecular sensing system with a flexible substrate and sensor protection mechanism that includes a sensor array with individually protected sensing sites, allowing controlled exposure of sensors over time, combined with a biocompatible housing and power system for implantation under the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If chemical enzymes are used in biosensors for long-term implantation, then the sensor can detect analytes continuously, but the sensor degrades over time reducing its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple individually protected sensing sites that can be selectively exposed one at a time. When a sensing site degrades, the system can switch to exposing a fresh sensing site, thereby maintaining continuous monitoring capability throughout the extended lifespan of the implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism to replace degraded sensing sites by exposing fresh sites from the protected array. This allows the system to discard degraded enzymes/sensors and recover functionality by switching to undegraded sensing sites, maintaining reliability over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into a single implant, then multi-analyte monitoring is enabled, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple independently controllable sensing sites, each protected by its own barrier. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple sensors through a modular architecture where each sensor can be independently exposed and controlled, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining multi-analyte capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms to selectively expose sensing sites based on real-time needs. The system can dynamically switch between different sensing sites, allowing flexible multi-analyte monitoring without requiring all sensors to be simultaneously active, thereby reducing processing and system complexity.
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 continuous, long-term monitoring of analytes by selectively exposing sensors as needed, extending the sensor's lifespan and maintaining accuracy over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
the exposed at least one of the sensors electrochemically senses an environment at the exposed at least one sensor
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is a multi-analyte molecular sensing system designed for implantation in a body of a subject, the sensing system including an implant comprising a flexible substrate having a plurality of electronics systems disposed thereon; a sensor array comprising multiple sensors disposed on the flexible substrate; a sensor protection mechanism for providing selective protection and exposure of one or more of the sensors; a power system for providing power to the electronics systems; a data communication system for communicating with one or more external devices; and a biocompatible housing for protecting the implant.