Transdermal Patch Projections for Interstitial Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biological markers in interstitial fluid are invasive, costly, and require complex equipment, while existing diagnostic techniques often fail to detect markers from solid tissues in a timely and accurate manner, leading to delayed disease detection.
Innovation Solution
A patch with projections coated with reagents that target and bind to analytes, allowing for non-invasive sampling of interstitial fluid by inserting the projections into the skin to detect biological markers, which react with specific analytes and provide a visible indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microdialysis is used for ISF analysis, then analytical accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to complex fluid control apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of microdialysis (ISF sampling) while removing the complex fluid control apparatus. The patch uses passive diffusion through semipermeable membranes to achieve ISF sampling without requiring pumps, valves, or complex equilibration systems, thereby maintaining analytical accuracy while dramatically simplifying device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch employs self-service mechanisms where the semipermeable membranes automatically perform selective permeation and concentration of analytes based on concentration gradients. The device requires no external power source or active control systems, as the physiological gradients themselves drive the sampling process, eliminating the need for complex fluid control apparatus.
2Reliability
If tissue biopsies are taken for disease detection, then detection capability for solid tissue markers is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to painful procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the diagnostic function from invasive tissue biopsy procedures by obtaining ISF through transdermal sampling. Since ISF contains biomarkers that reflect the tissue environment, the patch can detect disease markers without removing or damaging tissue, thereby maintaining detection capability while eliminating procedural pain and tissue injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch uses ISF as an intermediary medium to indirectly assess tissue health status. Rather than directly sampling tissue through biopsy, the device samples the interstitial fluid that surrounds tissue cells, which contains dissolved biomarkers reflecting tissue condition. This intermediary approach provides reliable detection while avoiding direct tissue invasion and associated patient discomfort.
3Ease of operation
If standard blood tests are performed for biomarker detection, then ease of sampling is improved, but detection accuracy for solid tissue diseases deteriorates due to lack of tissue-specific markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patch uses ISF as an intermediary that provides tissue-specific biomarker information while maintaining ease of sampling. ISF directly bathes tissue cells and contains markers released from solid tissues, serving as a better intermediary than blood for detecting tissue-specific diseases. The patch collects this intermediary fluid through transdermal sampling, combining the ease of non-invasive collection with improved detection accuracy for solid tissue conditions.
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 efficient, pain-free detection of biological markers in interstitial fluid, reducing the need for invasive procedures and complex equipment, and allowing for accurate and timely disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
projections coated with reagents that target and bind to analytes
Implementation Method 2
inserting the projections into the skin to detect biological markers
Implementation Method 3
allowing for non-invasive sampling of interstitial fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for use in detecting analytes in a subject, wherein the apparatus includes a number of projections provided on a patch, such that applying the patch to the subject causes at least some of the projections to be inserted into the subject and target one or more analytes and a reagent for detecting the presence or absence of analytes.