Thermosensitive nanosensor for instantaneous transcutaneous biological measurement
Inventors
VARADAN, VIJAY • Rai, Pratyush • Mathur, Gyanesh
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11819339-B2
Publication Date
2023-11-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
A thermosensitive nanosensor includes a substrate having a plurality of vertically standing nanostructures attached thereto, the plurality of vertically standing nanostructure being covered with a conductive material to form conductive coated nanostructures; a thermosensitive hydrogel adjacent to the plurality of conductive coated nanostructures; and a cover layer on top of the thermosensitive hydrogel to prevent loss of moisture and mechanical stress.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a thermosensitive nanosensor for transcutaneous biological measurement that includes a substrate comprising a plurality of vertically standing nanostructures attached thereto, where the vertically standing nanostructures are covered with a conductive material to form conductive coated nanostructures. A thermosensitive hydrogel is provided adjacent to the conductive coated nanostructures, and a cover layer is disposed on top of the thermosensitive hydrogel to prevent loss of moisture and mechanical stress.
The thermosensitive nanosensor is structured to enable instantaneous biopotential and hemodynamic sensing, including ECG and skin-condition sensing. Vertically standing conductive-coated nanostructures are integrated with a thermosensitive hydrogel and a cover layer to support signal acquisition with a reported settling time of less than 5 s for ECG and continued instantaneous signal acquisition over extended wear.
In example architectures, the nanosensor is implemented in electrode-array forms, including a 3-electrode chemical cell arrangement and interdigitated electrodes, for detecting skin impedance, skin hydration, and related skin-condition parameters, and for metabolite-related detection when functionalized. The thermosensitive hydrogel structures are described in multiple geometries, including conformal film structures, interpenetrating or interdispersed patterns, and annular ring structures, along with material architectures such as IPN/comb-like/micelle-like hydrogel structures.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines the core thermosensitive nanosensor structure and includes three inventive elements: vertically standing conductive-coated nanostructures on a substrate, an adjacent thermosensitive hydrogel, and a top cover layer configured to prevent moisture loss and mechanical stress.
Vertically standing conductive-coated nanostructures on a substrate
A substrate comprising a plurality of vertically standing nanostructures attached thereto, the plurality of vertically standing nanostructures being covered with a conductive material to form conductive coated nanostructures.
Thermosensitive hydrogel adjacent to conductive coated nanostructures
A thermosensitive hydrogel adjacent to the plurality of conductive coated nanostructures.
Cover layer to prevent moisture loss and mechanical stress
A cover layer on top of the thermosensitive hydrogel to prevent loss of moisture and mechanical stress.
Across the claim set, the core coverage is the combination of vertically standing nanostructures with a conductive coating, a thermosensitive hydrogel adjacent to those conductive coated nanostructures, and a cover layer on top of the hydrogel to prevent moisture loss and mechanical stress, with dependent claims refining the nanosensor materials, hydrogel structure/geometry, and functional detection capability.
Stated Advantages
Prevents loss of moisture and mechanical stress.
Instantaneous ECG signal acquisition with reported settling time of less than 5 s.
Continued instantaneous signal acquisition over extended wear.
Documented Applications
Transcutaneous biological measurement including biopotential and hemodynamic sensing such as ECG.
Skin-condition sensing including skin impedance and skin hydration.
Metabolite detection when functionalized for such detection.
Catheter location detection/mapping using sensing architectures described in the document.
Wearable form factors including patch, mask, band, and handheld sensor with wireless communication.
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