Transdermal Sampling Device Microchannel Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for obtaining biological samples, such as blood glucose levels, are invasive, painful, and require large sample volumes, leading to discomfort, risk of infection, and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal sampling and analysis device that uses a disruptor to create capillary-like channels in the skin, allowing for the non-invasive collection and analysis of interstitial fluid, which requires minimal sample volume and causes minimal discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional invasive methods are used to obtain biological samples, then accurate analysis can be achieved, but the procedure becomes painful and carries risk of infection
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sampling function from invasive blood drawing by using separate microchannels for interstitial fluid collection, allowing non-invasive sampling through the skin while maintaining analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium between the blood vessels and the sensing electrodes, allowing glucose analysis without direct blood contact through the fluid that naturally surrounds cells and can be accessed transdermally
2Measurement precision
If large sample volumes are collected for analysis, then measurement accuracy improves, but the invasive procedure becomes more painful and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses localized sensing zones with multiple small sensing electrodes distributed across the sampling area, each detecting analytes in a small local volume, collectively providing accurate measurement without requiring large total sample volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from requiring bulk blood samples to detecting analyte concentrations in interstitial fluid through electrochemical sensing, enabling accurate measurement with minimal fluid volume
3Measurement precision
If the biologically reactive element layer is made thicker to improve sensing, then analyte detection capability increases, but the layer blocks the flow of collected samples through channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the blockage issue by transitioning from a planar layered structure to a three-dimensional architecture with vertical microchannels that transport samples above and below the reactive element layer, allowing simultaneous thick sensing layers and unobstructed sample flow
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing layer is segmented into discrete sensing zones on electrode surfaces rather than a continuous thick layer, maintaining analyte detection capability while reducing overall blocking of sample flow paths through the device
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 device achieves accurate and real-time analysis of glucose levels and other analytes from small amounts of interstitial fluid, reducing pain, infection risk, and sample volume requirements while enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A transdermal sampling and analysis device that uses a disruptor to create capillary-like channels in the skin, allowing for the non-invasive collection and analysis of interstitial fluid
Implementation Method 2
The current generated may be proportional to the concentration of glucose, given that it is the limiting reactant. For this reaction, the enzyme glucose oxidase converts glucose to gluconolactone, releasing electrons in the process
Implementation Method 3
a transducer or detector elements which work in a physiochemical way (e.g., optical, piezoelectric, electrochemical, etc.), that may transform the signal resulting from the interaction of the analyte with the biological elements into another signal that can be more easily measured and quantified
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for manufacturing a transdermal sampling and analysis device for non-invasively and transdermally obtaining biological samples from a subject and determining levels of analytes of the obtained biological samples are provided. A method of manufacturing the device may improve performance and includes forming channel structures on the lid of the device, thereby making the spacer/channel support structures physically independent and separable from the sensing electrode. Other methods of manufacturing the device may improve performance and include forming at least one of the electrodes on each of the base and the lid, and forming a recessed second spacer layer over the channel support structures, thereby separating the channel support structures and the electrode on the lid to allow a larger area of the electrode to be exposed to the biological sample.