Test Sensor Reagent Cellulose Polymer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test sensors experience instability due to incompatible components, particularly polyethylene oxide (PEO), which affects the enzyme and electron transfer mediator, leading to poor stability and prolonged assay times, especially when the total assay time is less than 35 seconds.
Innovation Solution
A test sensor reagent composition incorporating a cellulose polymer, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), an enzyme like glucose oxidase, and an electron transfer mediator, along with rheological additives, is used to stabilize the sensor and reduce assay time by improving compatibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polyethylene oxide (PEO) is used as a reagent component, then the reagent can be formulated, but test sensor stability deteriorates due to incompatibility with enzyme and electron transfer mediator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the reagent by replacing PEO with cellulose polymer. This substitution fundamentally alters the reagent's chemical properties, eliminating the incompatibility issue while maintaining the desired formulation capabilities and improving test sensor stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable test sensor design where the reagent is pre-formulated with cellulose polymer. Each sensor is designed for single use, eliminating the need for long-term stability of the reagent components beyond the assay period, while ensuring optimal performance during the brief assay window.
2Ease of manufacture
If test sensor reagent contains incompatible components, then formulation is achieved, but assay time increases beyond 35 seconds due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the reagent composition by substituting PEO with cellulose polymer, which changes the chemical environment to be compatible with the enzyme and electron transfer mediator. This parameter change enables the assay to complete within the target 35 seconds by eliminating instability-related delays.
3Ease of manufacture
If reagent components are incompatible with enzyme and electron transfer mediator, then reagent can be manufactured, but test sensor stability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition from PEO-based to cellulose polymer-based reagent. This fundamental parameter change creates a compatible chemical environment that maintains enzyme and electron transfer mediator activity throughout the intended shelf-life and use-life of the test sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the test sensor as a disposable device with a reagent formulated for optimal short-term performance. The cellulose polymer-based reagent ensures stability throughout the product's shelf-life and brief use-life, after which the sensor is discarded, eliminating the need for long-term component compatibility.
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 use of cellulose polymers in the reagent composition enhances test sensor stability, reduces assay time to less than 35 seconds, and extends the shelf-life and use-life of the sensors by maintaining enzyme activity and reducing background current.
Implementation Method 1
The reagent comprises an enzyme, an electron transfer mediator, a cellulose polymer and a rheological additive... assists in stabilizing the test sensor and reducing background current
Implementation Method 2
The fluid is drawn into a capillary channel that extends in the test sensor from the testing end to the reagent material by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A test sensor reagent for measuring the concentration of analytes in body fluids includes cellulose polymers for improving the stability of the test sensor and reducing the total assay time. The test sensor reagent also includes an enzyme, an electron transfer mediator and a rheological additive.