Microelectronic biosensor plug

• US 8,090,426 B2
• Filed: 10/27/2006
• Issued: 01/03/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robin A. Felder
• Original Assignee: Robin A. Felder
• Inventors: Felder, Robin A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mallari, Patricia
• Assistant Examiner(s): D'ANGELO, MICHAEL J
• Application Number:
  US11/588,974
• Publication Number:
  US 20080103376A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,894 Days
• Field of Search: 600345-347, 600/365, 604/8, 604/264, 604/294, 128/887
• 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 punctual 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, a passage formed therethrough, an entrance aperture and an exit aperture, the entrance and exit apertures in fluid communication with the passage; and

a sensor in direct communication with the passage, the entrance aperture and the exit aperture, the sensor 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 passage is centered within the body.

4. The plug of claim 3, wherein the passage is circular shaped.

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

6. The plug of claim 5, wherein the punctal plug is adapted to actively or passively prevent dry eye.

7. The plug of claim 5, wherein the punctal plug is adapted for insertion through either the superior or inferior punctum.

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

9. The plug of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a cartridge having glucose oxidase.

10. The plug of claim 9, wherein the sensor further includes an electrode.

11. The plug of claim 10, wherein the electrode includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes.

12. The plug of claim 10, wherein the cartridge and the electrode are in fluid communication with the passage.

13. The plug of claim 12, wherein the cartridge is adapted to react with glucose in the tear fluid to create hydrogen peroxide.

14. The plug of claim 13, wherein the electrode is adapted to react with the hydrogen peroxide to vary an optical output or an electrical output.

15. The plug of claim 12, wherein the cartridge and the electrode are cylindrically shaped and confront the passage.

16. The plug of claim 12, wherein the cartridge is constructed of a porous material.

17. 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.

18. The plug of claim 17, further comprising an antenna in communication with the electronics module.

19. The plug of claim 18, wherein the external source is a receiver having a receiver antenna and a display.

20. The plug of claim 19, wherein the electronics module is an RFIC.

21. 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, an entrance aperture and an exit aperture, the entrance and exit apertures in fluid communication with the passage, and a sensor in direct communication with the passage, the entrance aperture, and the exit aperture, the sensor 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.