Transcutaneous Glucose Sensor With Nested Polymer Encapsulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetes patients are invasive, uncomfortable, and infrequent, leading to delayed detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions, which can result in dangerous side effects due to the lack of timely and accurate glucose level information.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous analyte measurement system with a mounting unit and electronics unit that includes a sensor with an in vivo portion for insertion through the skin and an ex vivo portion connected to the mounting unit, featuring electronic circuitry encapsulated in a polymer material, RF circuitry for wireless communication, and a biointerface material for vascularized tissue ingrowth to support continuous glucose monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional finger pricking methods are used for blood glucose monitoring, then measurement can be performed, but the method is uncomfortable and infrequent leading to delayed detection of glucose conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger pricking system with a transcutaneous sensor system that uses electrochemical measurement through the skin. The sensor employs a membrane system with enzyme layers that react with glucose in interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for painful needle insertion while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium between the blood vessels and the sensor electrodes. The sensor measures glucose in the interstitial fluid, which naturally equilibrates with blood glucose levels, providing indirect but accurate blood glucose monitoring without direct blood sampling.
2Loss of information
If finger pricking is performed only two to four times per day, then comfort is maintained, but glucose level trends cannot be determined and dangerous conditions are detected too late
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring by maintaining the sensor in the interstitial space for extended periods (typically 7-14 days). The sensor continuously measures glucose levels and transmits data, providing an uninterrupted time series that reveals glucose trends, patterns, and early warnings of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a feedback loop where continuous glucose measurements are transmitted to a receiver device that provides real-time alerts and trend analysis. The system compares current glucose levels with historical data and threshold values, providing feedback to the user about glucose trends and prompting timely intervention when dangerous conditions are predicted.
3Reliability
If a transcutaneous sensor with electronic circuitry is used, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the circuitry requires encapsulation to protect from body fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested encapsulation structure where the electronic circuitry is first coated with a conformal dielectric layer, then embedded in a first encapsulant material, and finally surrounded by a second encapsulant material that interfaces with the membrane system. This multi-layer nesting provides comprehensive protection while maintaining a compact sensor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite encapsulation materials with different properties: a conformal dielectric coating for electrical insulation, a first encapsulant material for mechanical protection and stress distribution, and a second encapsulant material for chemical resistance and interface with the membrane system. This composite approach optimizes protection against various environmental factors.
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 continuous, comfortable, and accurate monitoring of blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of delayed condition detection and allowing for timely insulin therapy decisions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor body is encapsulated in a polymer material, the polymer material is water vapor permeable
Implementation Method 2
RF circuitry and an antenna adapted for RF transmission from the sensor in vivo to a receiver ex vivo
Implementation Method 3
a biointerface material disposed adjacent to the sensing region that supports vascularized tissue ingrowth for transport of the analyte to the sensing region
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.