Wearable Analyte Indicator with Colorimetric Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors for detecting environmental and health-related conditions, such as microbiome analysis, are bulky, expensive, and difficult to apply and read, lacking sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The development of an indicator comprising a substrate with an interface that includes multiple sensors responsive to different analytes, providing colorimetric signals that can be combined to produce a readily understandable readout, suitable for wearable or surface application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sensors are used for detecting environmental and health-related conditions, then detection capability is achieved, but the sensors are bulky, expensive, and difficult to apply and read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent sensor elements, each responsive to different analytes, arranged in an array on a substrate. This segmentation allows each sensor to be simple and small while the collective system provides comprehensive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces colorimetric indicators as intermediary substances that translate sensor responses into visible color changes. This intermediary mechanism enables simple visual reading without complex instrumentation, solving the readability problem while maintaining detection precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated to detect different analytes, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors and their respective colorimetric indicators into a single integrated interface on one substrate. This merging allows the system to detect multiple analytes simultaneously while presenting a unified, simple visual readout that does not require complex external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection platform where the interface can respond to multiple different analytes (microbiome components, environmental contaminants, health markers) through a single multi-functional design, eliminating the need for separate devices for each detection target.
3Measurement precision
If sensitive and specific detection is achieved, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in application and reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service detection where the indicator system automatically performs the detection and generates a visible colorimetric readout without requiring external instruments or complex user operations. The system applies itself to the sample and reads itself through color changes that are directly observable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes colorimetric changes as the primary readout mechanism, where different analytes produce distinct color responses. This approach transforms complex detection results into simple, intuitive visual information that is easy to interpret without technical expertise or specialized equipment.
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
This solution enables sensitive, specific, and cost-effective detection of various health and environmental conditions, including microbiome analysis, without the need for external instruments, functioning at room or body temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor responsive to a first analyte, the first sensor comprising a first sensing modality, the first sensing modality being a biochemical modality or a chemical modality, and the first sensor being configured to provide a first colorimetric signal upon interaction with the first analyte
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and indicators for determining the presence or absence of specific environmental, exposure, or biological conditions are provided. Indicators include a plurality of sensors, each sensor independently having a biological or chemical sensing modality to detect one or more analytes of interest. Analytes of interest include nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA, etc.), proteins, peptides, and other amino acid chains and may come from a subject or the microbiome of a subject. The signals from the plurality of sensors may be processed to provide a readily understandable readout concerning a health condition or predisposition of a subject, such as cancer and exposure to coronavirus. The signals from the plurality of sensors may be colorimetric (e.g. a color change in response to the presence or absence of an analyte), and a plurality of colorimetric signals may be combined to provide a readily understandable colorimetric output. Indicators may be wearable.