SWCNT Biosensor Hydrogel Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SWCNT-based biosensor implants require invasive surgical procedures for implantation, which limits their application to non-invasive, long-term monitoring of analytes in various physiological locations.

Innovation Solution

Development of an optical sensor system using DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) embedded in a polymer matrix of methylcellulose or sulfonated methylcellulose, allowing for the formation of an optically sensitive hydrogel in vivo that can detect analytes without invasive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SWCNTs are administered intravenously or surgically implanted, then biosensing capability is achieved, but invasive procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiosensing capabilityVSAvoidinvasive procedure requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a hydrogel matrix as an intermediary carrier that encapsulates SWCNTs, enabling non-invasive delivery through injection while maintaining biosensing capability. The hydrogel acts as a mediator between the SWCNTs and the biological environment, allowing the sensor to function without surgical implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical implantation process with a non-invasive injection method. By formulating SWCNTs in an injectable hydrogel carrier, the system substitutes the mechanical trauma of surgery with a minimally invasive injection procedure, achieving the same biosensing outcome without the harmful mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If SWCNTs are dispersed in pre-gelled polymers, then non-invasive administration is possible, but the polymer must be pre-gelled requiring complex preparation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive administrationVSAvoidpre-gel preparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates redox initiators into the hydrogel formulation before injection, enabling the gelation process to occur automatically upon injection into the biological environment. This preliminary preparation of the gelling mechanism eliminates the need for pre-gelled polymers, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining non-invasive administration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes redox-induced phase transition from a liquid injectable state to a solid gel state within the body. The redox initiators trigger a chemical reaction that causes the polymer to gelate in situ, transforming the delivery mechanism from requiring pre-gelled material to enabling on-demand gelation upon injection, thereby simplifying preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Duration of action of moving object

If SWCNTs are implanted for long-term monitoring, then extended analyte detection is achieved, but fluorescence stability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring durationVSAvoidfluorescence stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogel matrix serves as a protective intermediary that shields SWCNTs from degradation by the biological environment. This carrier system maintains the structural integrity and fluorescence properties of SWCNTs over extended periods, enabling long-term monitoring while preserving the sensor's optical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining SWCNTs with hydrogel polymer matrix. This composite structure leverages the fluorescence properties of SWCNTs while the hydrogel provides mechanical support, biocompatibility, and protection against environmental degradation, achieving both long-term durability and fluorescence stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system enables precise analyte quantification and maintains stability and functionality in vivo for extended periods, with SWCNTs retaining fluorescence properties for at least 61 days and effectively detecting analytes such as MgCl2, NaHCO3, BSA, and doxorubicin.

Implementation Method 1

semiconducting SWCNTs exhibit near-infrared fluorescence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

SWCNTs exhibit large stokes shifts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStokes shift:

Implementation Method 3

facilitate analyte diffusion into the gel while preventing SWCNT diffusion out of the gel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

a redox initiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS20250177575A1Optical sensor with single-walled carbon nanotube in a polymer matrix

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 RES FOUND THE CITY UNIV OF NEW YORK

AI summary

An optical sensor with a DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) disposed within a polymer matrix of methylcellulose or sulfonated methylcellulose. A hydrogel may be formed in vivo that is optically sensitive to an analyte.