Voltammetric Sensor for Real-Time Bioavailable Drug Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current target-controlled infusion (TCI) devices rely on pharmacokinetic models that do not account for individual patient responses, leading to inaccuracies in drug dosage and concentration monitoring, particularly in real-time adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A voltammetric electrochemical sensor with coated electrodes is integrated into a catheter and drug delivery system to measure bioavailable drug concentrations in real-time, allowing for precise modulation of drug delivery based on detected concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If pharmacokinetic models are used for target-controlled infusion, then drug delivery can be automated and controlled, but measurement precision of bioavailable drug concentration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of drug deliveryVSAvoidmeasurement precision of bioavailable drug concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional optical or electrochemical sensing methods with a voltammetric detection system that measures oxidation/reduction currents. This substitution enables direct measurement of bioavailable drug concentrations with higher precision, resolving the contradiction between automation and measurement accuracy by providing reliable real-time data for the automated delivery system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coating layer containing a water-immiscible organic solvent as an intermediary between the electrode and the aqueous biological fluid. This coating selectively partitions electrochemically active drugs from the fluid sample, enabling the electrode to detect bioavailable drug concentrations that were previously inaccessible to conventional sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional electrochemical sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy of bioavailable drug concentration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of sensor deviceVSAvoiddetection accuracy of bioavailable drug concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite coating material consisting of a water-immiscible organic solvent (such as o-nitrophenyl octyl ether) combined with a structural component. This composite structure provides both the selective partitioning capability for accurate drug detection and the mechanical integrity needed for practical sensor operation, thereby achieving high detection accuracy without excessive device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If real-time detection is implemented, then treatment efficacy and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment safety and efficacyVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor and delivery system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection function and the delivery control function into an integrated system. The voltammetric sensor provides real-time measurement of bioavailable drug concentrations, and this information is fed back to adjust the infusion pump operation automatically. This integration improves treatment safety and efficacy while avoiding the need for separate complex monitoring and control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accurate detection of bioavailable drug concentrations, allowing for real-time adjustments in drug delivery, improving treatment efficacy and safety by accounting for individual patient responses.

Implementation Method 1

the coating comprises a structural component, a water immiscible organic solvent, and a charge transfer component, and wherein the coating is configured to selectively partition an electrochemically active drug from a fluid sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid-liquid extraction: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Implementation Method 2

the two or more electrodes are configured to measure an oxidation/reduction current within the coating when potential applied to one of the electrodes is varied over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltammetry: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP2349442B1Method and device for detection of bioavailable drug concentration in a fluid sample
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
  • EP2349442B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2349442B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2349442B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

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.