Voltammetric Drug Sensor With Membrane Extraction for Infusion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pharmacokinetic models for computer-controlled infusion pumps do not account for individual patient drug-response, leading to inaccuracies in drug concentration and effect-time profiles, necessitating a sensor device for real-time bioavailable drug concentration detection.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical voltammetric sensor device with a water-immiscible coating on electrodes, capable of partitioning hydrophobic drugs like propofol from complex solutions, is integrated into a drug delivery system for real-time feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pharmacokinetic models are used for drug delivery control, then drug delivery can be automated, but measurement precision of bioavailable drug concentration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary component between the electrode and the aqueous sample. This membrane selectively partitions hydrophobic drugs from the aqueous environment into its hydrophobic phase, enabling the electrochemical electrode to detect drug concentrations that would otherwise be undetectable or poorly detectable in aqueous solutions. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling precise measurement of bioavailable hydrophobic drug concentrations, which is the critical missing element for accurate automated drug delivery control.
2Loss of time
If electrochemical sensors detect hydrophobic drugs in aqueous solutions, then real-time detection is achieved, but detection accuracy is reduced due to interference from chloride ions and other molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydrophobic drug from the complex aqueous environment by utilizing the membrane's selective partitioning capability. The membrane separates the hydrophobic drug molecules from the aqueous phase containing interfering ions and molecules, concentrating them in the membrane phase where they can be detected by the electrode without interference. This extraction mechanism enables accurate real-time detection by removing the source of measurement errors while maintaining rapid response time.
3Reliability
If a sensor device is integrated into the drug delivery system, then feedback control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function directly into the drug delivery system by integrating the membrane-coated electrochemical sensor with the infusion pump. This combination creates a unified system where drug delivery and real-time concentration monitoring occur through a single integrated device, enabling closed-loop feedback control. The merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to separate sensing and delivery systems, while providing reliable real-time feedback for precise drug delivery control.
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
Accurately detects sub-micromolar drug concentrations in seconds, overcoming interference from chloride ions and other molecules, enabling precise drug delivery adjustments based on bioavailable drug levels.
Implementation Method 1
the coating partitions a hydrophobic drug from a fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
detecting an oxidation/reduction current within the coating
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the controlled delivery of a drug as a function of bioavailable drug concentration, a sensor device for detecting bioavailable drug concentration, and a delivery device that controls delivery of the drug based on the real-time detection of bioavailable drug concentration.