Microelectronic biosensor plug

• US 8,364,232 B2
• Filed: 07/28/2011
• Issued: 01/29/2013
• 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:
  US13/192,664
• Publication Number:
  US 20110282171A1
• Time in Patent Office: 551 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 punctal plug useful in preventing dry eye. Methods of utilizing and implanting such plugs are also disclosed.

Claims

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

providing a plug having a sensor attached to the plug and 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 with the sensor; and

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

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plug further includes a body having a passage formed therethrough, the sensor in fluid communication with the passage.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the body is a punctal plug.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of at least partially preventing dry eye.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the allowing step includes allowing the tear fluid to pass through the passage in the body.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein tear fluid passes through the passage in the body without a force being applied by the plug.

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

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the measuring step includes allowing the tear fluid to react with glucose oxidase to form hydrogen peroxide.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the measuring step further includes allowing the hydrogen peroxide contact an electrode to vary an optical output or an electrical output.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting step includes transmitting information to a receiver having a display.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the inserting step includes engaging an insertion tool with the plug.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing the information relating to the at least one property.