Wearable Biofluid Analysis System Using Interstitial Fluid Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomarker analysis methods are invasive, costly, and limited to discrete time points, making continuous or real-time monitoring of biomarkers in biofluids challenging due to the need for frequent blood sampling and laboratory-based analysis.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device system for collecting and analyzing biofluids from the skin, integrating a collection and delivery module, sensing module, flow regulation module, and waste module, with optional wetting sensor and chemical activation modules, to perform continuous, non-invasive measurement of chemical, physical, and biological properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood sampling is performed frequently for biomarker measurement, then measurement precision and continuity are improved, but user discomfort and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (saliva or interstitial fluid) that serves as a mediator between the blood (source of biomarkers) and the measurement device. This intermediary can be collected non-invasively or minimally invasively while still containing the biomarkers of interest, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and user comfort by decoupling the direct connection between blood sampling and analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical intrusion of blood sampling (needles, lancets) with alternative collection methods such as saliva collection or interstitial fluid sampling through microneedles or optical techniques. This substitution eliminates or reduces the mechanical harm to the user while maintaining the ability to measure biomarkers continuously
2Reliability
If blood samples are collected and transported to laboratories for analysis, then measurement reliability is improved, but analysis time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the analysis function from the centralized laboratory setting and places it directly at the point of care through portable or wearable measurement devices. This extraction eliminates the need for sample transport and centralized processing, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining reliability through on-site measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of laboratory-grade measurement capabilities in portable formats. By replicating essential sensing and analysis functions in miniaturized devices, the system achieves laboratory-quality measurements without the associated time and logistical overhead of sample transport and centralized analysis
3Productivity
If multiple blood samples are acquired for continuous monitoring, then productivity of monitoring is improved, but user discomfort and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses saliva or interstitial fluid as an intermediary that can be collected in larger volumes without significant harm to the user. These fluids serve as surrogate matrices that contain biomarkers reflecting blood composition, enabling high-frequency monitoring without repeatedly drawing blood and thus reducing blood volume loss while maintaining monitoring productivity
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 continuous, real-time monitoring of biomarkers with reduced discomfort and cost, allowing for frequent measurements without the need for invasive blood sampling, improving the speed and accuracy of biomarker analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a collection and delivery module to collect a fluid over a wet or partially wet surface and deliver it to
Implementation Method 2
a wetting sensor module based on conductivity measurements, which are used to determine whether some or all of the above-mentioned modules are wet
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are systems, methods for collecting fluid from a surface (e.g., skin) and analyzing the fluid (e.g., to measure chemical, physical and/or biological properties of the fluid). For example, a system for fluid collection on a surface (e.g., skin) and fluid analysis includes at least one of the following modules: (i) a collection and delivery module to collect a fluid over a wet or partially wet surface and deliver it to (ii) a main sensing module to perform chemical, physical and/or biological analysis on the fluid. The system also includes (iii) a flow regulation module, for controlling fluid flow (e.g., transport) through the system and (iv) a waste module to collect and/or dispose of the fluid after analysis is complete.