Microelectronic biosensor plug

• US 20080103376A1
• Filed: 10/27/2006
• Published: 05/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robin A. Felder
• Original Assignee: Robin A. Felder
• Inventors: Felder, Robin A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,090,426 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/347
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1486 using enzyme electrodes, e.g. with immobilised oxidase
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6821 Eye
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00772 Apparatus for restoration of tear ducts

Abstract

A plug capable of providing information relating to a physical or chemical property of a body fluid, or the presence or amount of a molecular component therein in a living organism is disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment plug is capable of being inserted into a portion of a human eyelid in order to provide information relating to tear fluid is disclosed. This embodiment plug includes a body having a passage which allows for the natural flow of tear fluid therethrough. In addition, a sensing mechanism is provided which is capable of measuring, for example, glucose levels in the body of a patient through the analysis of the tear fluid. Such plug may further be designed so as to double as a punctal plug useful in preventing dry eye. Methods of utilizing and implanting such plugs are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A plug for monitoring tear fluid comprising:

a body adapted for placement through a punctum of a human eyelid, the body having an exterior surface and a passage formed therethrough; and

a sensor in fluid communication with the passage adapted to measure a physical or chemical property of tear fluid, or the presence or amount of a molecular component therein.

2. The plug of claim 1, wherein at least part of the sensor is exposed to the passage such that the sensor is in fluid communication with the passage.

3. The plug of claim 1, wherein the body includes an entrance aperture and an exit aperture in fluid communication with the passage.

4. The plug of claim 1, wherein the passage is centered within the body.

5. The plug of claim 4, wherein the passage is circular shaped.

6. The plug of claim 1, wherein the body is a punctal plug.

7. The plug of claim 6, wherein the punctal plug is adapted to actively or passively prevent dry eye.

8. The plug of claim 6, wherein the punctal plug is adapted for insertion through either the superior or inferior punctum.

9. The plug of claim 1, wherein the sensor is adapted to measure a glucose level in the tear fluid.

10. The plug of claim 9, wherein the sensor includes a cartridge having glucose oxidase.

11. The plug of claim 10, wherein the sensor further includes an electrode.

12. The plug of claim 11, wherein the electrode includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes.

13. The plug of claim 11, wherein the cartridge and the electrode are in fluid communication with the passage.

14. The plug of claim 13, wherein the cartridge is adapted to react with glucose in the tear fluid to create hydrogen peroxide.

15. The plug of claim 14, wherein the electrode is adapted to react with the hydrogen peroxide to vary an optical output or an electrical output.

16. The plug of claim 13, wherein the cartridge and the electrode are cylindrically shaped and confront the passage.

17. The plug of claim 13, wherein the cartridge is constructed of a porous material.

18. The plug of claim 1, further comprising an electronics module in communication with the sensor, the electronics module capable of transmitting information from the sensor to an external source.

19. The plug of claim 18, further comprising an antenna in communication with the electronics module.

20. The plug of claim 19, wherein the external source is a receiver having a receiver antenna and a display.

21. The plug of claim 20, wherein the electronics module is an RFIC.

22. A method of monitoring tear fluid in a human eye comprising:

providing a plug having a sensor adapted to measure a physical or chemical property of tear fluid, or the presence or amount of a molecular component therein;

inserting the plug through a punctum of the eyelid;

allowing the tear fluid to flow in contact with at least a portion of the plug;

measuring at least one property of the tear fluid; and

transmitting information relating to the at least one property to an external source.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the plug further includes a body having a passage formed therethrough, the sensor in fluid communication with the passage.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the body is a punctal plug.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of at least partially preventing dry eye.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the allowing step includes allowing the tear fluid to pass through the passage in the body.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein tear fluid passes through the passage in the body without a force being applied by the plug.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensor is adapted to measure a glucose level in the tear fluid.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the measuring step includes allowing the tear fluid to react with glucose oxidase to form hydrogen peroxide.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the measuring step further includes allowing the hydrogen peroxide contact an electrode to vary an optical output or an electrical output.

31. The method of claim 22, wherein the transmitting step includes transmitting information to a receiver having a display.

32. The method of claim 22, wherein the inserting step includes engaging an insertion tool with the plug.

33. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of storing the information relating to the at least one property.

34. A biosensor system for implantation in a patient comprising:

a plug having a body adapted for placement through a punctum of a human eyelid, the body having an exterior surface and a passage formed therethrough, and a sensor in fluid communication with the passage adapted to measure a physical or chemical property of tear fluid, or the presence or amount of a molecular component therein; and

a receiver having a display, wherein the plug is capable of transmitting information relating to the at least one property of the tear fluid to the receiver for viewing by the patient on the display.