Hydrogel based device for detecting an environmental state
First Claim
1. A transducer device for detecting an environmental state within a biological material, the transducer device comprising:
- a channel comprising a liquid;
a hydrogel material, adapted to change its volume when getting into contact with the biological material and/or when detecting a change in the environmental state of the biological material, and which is mechanically coupled to the channel such that the volume of the channel changes when the volume of the hydrogel material changes;
a light source adapted to radiate light into the channel; and
a sensor adapted to generate a signal upon detection of the change in a physical property of the liquid that is induced by the volume change of the channel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A transducer device for detecting an environmental state within a biological material including a channel comprising a fluid, a hydrogel material, which is adapted to change its volume when getting into contact with an environmental material and/or when detecting an environmental change, and which is mechanically coupled to the channel such that the volume of the channel changes when the volume of the hydrogel material changes. The transducer device further includes a sensor, which is adapted to generate a signal upon detection of the change of a physical property of the fluid that is induced by the volume change of the channel. By applying the transducer device, an accurate monitoring of physiological parameters, for which the hydrogel material is sensitive is possible. It is also possible to apply the transducer device outside of the bodily lumen, for example to monitor the blood of a patient outside the bodily lumen.
13 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A transducer device for detecting an environmental state within a biological material, the transducer device comprising:
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a channel comprising a liquid; a hydrogel material, adapted to change its volume when getting into contact with the biological material and/or when detecting a change in the environmental state of the biological material, and which is mechanically coupled to the channel such that the volume of the channel changes when the volume of the hydrogel material changes; a light source adapted to radiate light into the channel; and a sensor adapted to generate a signal upon detection of the change in a physical property of the liquid that is induced by the volume change of the channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12)
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8. A method for detecting an environmental state within a biological material, by means of a transducer device comprising a hydrogel material and a channel comprising a liquid, the method comprising acts of:
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getting the transducer device into contact with the biological material, such that a hydrogel material changes its volume such that the volume of the channel changes; radiating light from a light source into the channel; and generating a signal upon detection of a change in a physical property of the liquid that is induced by the change of the volume of the channel.
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9. A method for detecting an environmental state within a biological material, by means of a transducer device comprising a hydrogel material and a channel comprising a liquid, the method comprising acts of:
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radiating light from a light source into the channel; getting the transducer device into contact with the biological material, such that a hydrogel material changes its volume such that the volume of the channel changes; generating a signal upon detection of the change of the optical properties of the liquid that is induced by the change of the volume of the channel.
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10. A medical system comprising:
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a transducer device for detecting an environmental state within a biological material, the transducer device comprising; a channel comprising a liquid; a hydrogel material, adapted to change its volume when getting into contact with the biological material and/or when detecting a change in the environmental state of the biological material, and which is mechanically coupled to the channel such that the volume of the channel changes when the volume of the hydrogel material changes; a light source adapted to radiate light into the channel; a sensor, which is adapted to generate a signal upon detection of the change in a physical property of the liquid that is induced by the volume change of the channel, and a drug release device, coupled to the transducer device and adapted to release a certain amount of drug when being triggered by the signal of the transducer device.
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Specification