Wearable Fluorescent Biosensor for Non-Invasive Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for detecting physiological analytes in bodily fluids are often invasive, require separation steps, and lack sensitivity, particularly in measuring binding interactions between antibodies and antigens.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method utilizing nanoparticles conjugated with a fluorophore-labeled antibody and a quencher-labeled protein M, where the fluorophore and quencher are spectrally matched, allowing for non-invasive detection of analytes through a change in fluorescent signal proportional to the amount of target analytes binding, and a wearable device to monitor these interactions non-invasively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence-based diagnostic assays are used to measure binding interactions between antibodies and antigens, then sensitivity is improved, but the requirement for separation steps and invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antibody and antigen into a single homogeneous solution without requiring physical separation steps. The FRET-based assay allows direct measurement of binding interactions in the original mixture, eliminating the need for heterogeneous separation procedures while maintaining high sensitivity through fluorescent signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical separation steps with optical detection methods. Instead of physically separating bound from unbound components, the system uses FRET fluorescence signals to detect binding interactions directly in solution, substituting mechanical operations with optical measurement.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional diagnostic methods are used to detect analytes in bodily fluids, then detection capability is achieved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the diagnostic system to function within the body's own fluid environment without requiring external intervention or invasive sampling. The homogeneous FRET assay can detect analytes directly in bodily fluids such as serum or plasma, allowing the system to utilize the body's natural fluid compartments for measurement.
3Ease of operation
If homogeneous assays are used to eliminate separation steps, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) as an intermediary mechanism that enables precise measurement in homogeneous conditions. The energy transfer between fluorophore and quencher molecules serves as a mediator that provides sensitive detection of binding interactions without requiring separation, maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
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 real-time, non-invasive, high-density measurements of physiological parameters by detecting analytes in subsurface vasculature, improving sensitivity and reducing invasiveness, allowing for early detection of medical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence-based diagnostic assays based on Forster Resonance Energy transfer (FRET) have received considerable attention
Implementation Method 2
the labeled antibody having a target analyte binding site; and (ii) a protein M labeled with a quencher that is complimentary to the fluorophore
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device mounted on a living body can detect an analyte response signal transmitted from tissue in the living body. The tissue contains at particles conjugated to at least one complex of (i) an antibody labeled with a fluorophore, the labeled antibody having a target analyte binding site; and (ii) protein M labeled with a quencher that is complimentary to the fluorophore of the labeled antibody, wherein the labeled protein M competes with the target analytes for the target analyte binding site on the labeled antibody; wherein the fluorophore and quencher are spectrally matched such that there is a detectable change in the fluorescent signal. The analyte response signal is related to interaction of the target analytes with the complexes. A processor can determine a presence or absence of the analytes based on the analyte response signal.