Self-Powered Glucose Sensor Using Supercapacitor and Microneedle Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous glucose monitoring devices face issues with device lifespan due to the need for external power, discomfort, and inaccurate glucose measurement, especially in young diabetes patients, and struggle to monitor glucose changes in real time.
Innovation Solution
A glucose sensor with a microneedle array, enzyme layer, and integrated supercapacitor that stores charge generated by glucose oxidation, allowing for self-powered operation, high accuracy, and real-time glucose monitoring without external power, using a wireless communication module for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional continuous glucose monitoring device measures glucose by detecting tissue fluid movement through capillary action, then glucose can be measured continuously, but a time difference occurs in the reflection of glucose
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple microneedles (array of 3-10 microneedles) that penetrate the skin to directly access tissue fluid, eliminating the need for capillary action and reducing the time delay in glucose detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from surface-level capillary action to subsurface microneedle penetration, changing the dimensional approach from surface detection to deep tissue fluid access, thereby improving measurement timing accuracy
2Measurement precision
If a conventional glucose sensor applies voltage to measure current during enzyme reaction, then glucose can be measured electrochemically, but the device lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor serves itself by storing electrical charge generated from the glucose oxidation reaction, creating a self-powered system that eliminates the need for external voltage sources and extends device lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional electrochemical current measurement system with a voltage measurement system using a supercapacitor, substituting the need for continuous external power with a self-charging mechanism
3Loss of information
If a wireless communication device is added to transmit glucose signals, then glucose data can be recorded externally, but tens of microwatts of power are consumed per measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module is merged with the supercapacitor power system, allowing the supercapacitor to simultaneously power both the glucose sensing and wireless transmission functions, optimizing energy utilization
4Ease of operation
If glucose is measured by detecting light intensity from a light emitting unit, then glucose information can be determined, but accuracy is low and measured information cannot be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the optical detection system with an electrical voltage measurement system using a supercapacitor, substituting light intensity detection with electrical charge measurement to improve accuracy and enable data recording
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
The solution extends device lifespan, reduces user discomfort, and enables precise, real-time glucose monitoring with high accuracy, improving power efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a charge generated by oxidation of glucose in the enzyme layer may be stored in the supercapacitor
Implementation Method 2
as glucose is measured due to tissue fluid moving from the surface of a needle inserted into the skin to the inside of the sensor due to capillary action
Implementation Method 3
a supercapacitor located on the other side of the flat part
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage measurement type glucose sensor comprises a microneedle array including a flat part and a plurality of microneedles located on one surface of the flat part; an enzyme layer located on a surface of the plurality of microneedles and including glucose oxidase; a supercapacitor located on the other side of the flat part; and a wireless communication module electrically connected to the supercapacitor, and a glucose measurement method using the same. The glucose sensor is self-driving without the need to apply separate external power, improving the lifespan of the device and enabling close monitoring of accurate glucose levels in real time,