Apparatus for non-invasive sensing of biomarkers in human sweat
Inventors
Ionescu, Mihai Adrian • Longo, Johan Frédéric • Wildhaber, Fabien Patrick • Guérin, Hoël Maxime • Bellando, Francesco • García Cordero, Erick
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11331009-B2
Publication Date
2022-05-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
Presented herein are devices for collecting and/or channeling a biofluid (e.g., sweat, tears, saliva) and detecting and/or quantifying one or more biomarkers in the biofluid. The one or more biomarkers may include, for example, ions, salts thereof, hormones and/or steroids, proteins, metabolites and organic compounds. In certain embodiments, the devices described herein include a specially designed interface and a zero-energy micro pump that allow the device to be comfortably affixed directly to the skin of a user while biofluid is efficiently and non-invasively collected from the skin of the user. In certain embodiments, the biofluid collection and sensing device is housed on or in another wearable device, such as a wrist band or a smart watch. In certain embodiments, the devices described herein are disposable (e.g., after a certain period of use and/or wear the device can be disposed and replaced with a low-cost replacement).
Core Innovation
The invention provides a wearable biofluid collection and sensing device that includes an interface and/or interface surface comprising at least one biocompatible material for directly contacting a body part. At the interface, at least one inlet receives a biofluid from the body part and at least one outlet evacuates the biofluid, while a plurality of semiconductor sensors detect one or more biomarkers in the received biofluid.
The device includes at least one microfluidic and/or nanofluidic channel that is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet, the plurality of semiconductor sensors, and the at least one outlet. The disclosed configuration integrates microfluidic and/or nanofluidic fluid routing with semiconductor sensing to support quantitative detection of biomarkers carried in biofluids such as human sweat.
To control the flow of the biofluid through the microfluidic and/or nanofluidic channel toward the semiconductor sensors, the device includes at least one zero-energy micro pump disposed after the at least one inlet along a direction of flow. The disclosed approach uses a zero-energy micro pump to control biofluid flow through the wearable device, enabling coupling between biofluid delivery and continuous sensing by semiconductor sensor arrays.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover four inventive features, with additional independent coverage for a fixture module and a use method.
Wearable biofluid collection and sensing device with biocompatible body-contact interface
A wearable biofluid collection and sensing device comprising an interface and/or interface surface comprising at least one biocompatible material for directly contacting a body part.
Inlet and outlet routing with semiconductor biomarker sensing
At least one inlet disposed at the interface and/or interface surface for receiving a biofluid from the body part, at least one outlet for evacuating the biofluid, and a plurality of semiconductor sensors for detecting one or more biomarkers in the received biofluid.
Microfluidic and/or nanofluidic channel in fluid communication with inlet, sensors, and outlet
At least one microfluidic and/or nanofluidic channel in fluid communication with the at least one inlet, the plurality of semiconductor sensors, and the at least one outlet.
Zero-energy micro pump disposed after the inlet to control flow to the sensors
At least one zero-energy micro pump disposed after the at least one inlet along a direction of flow through the wearable biofluid collection and sensing device, for controlling the flow of the biofluid through the at least one microfluidic and/or nanofluidic channel from the at least one inlet to the plurality of semiconductor sensors.
Wearable apparatus with a fixture module for disposing the device on a body part
A wearable apparatus comprising a biofluid collection and sensing device and a fixture module for disposing the device on a body part.
Method using affixing to a human body to receive biofluid and detect biomarkers
A method of using a biofluid collection and sensing device comprising affixing the biofluid collection and sensing device to a human body to receive biofluid and detect one or more biomarkers with the semiconductor sensors.
The independent claims center on a wearable biofluid collection and sensing system with a biocompatible body-contact interface, inlet/outlet biofluid routing, microfluidic and/or nanofluidic channels to direct biofluid to semiconductor sensor arrays, and a zero-energy micro pump positioned after the inlet to control biofluid flow to the sensors. Additional independent coverage includes a fixture module for disposing the device on a body part and a method of affixing the device to a human body for biomarker detection.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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