Microneedle Array-Based Sensors for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857344_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Microneedle Array-Based Sensors for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857344_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857344_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,344.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of microneedle array-based sensors to detect analytes in various industries beyond continuous glucose monitoring, including water quality monitoring, food safety, environmental toxin detection, soil health monitoring, and cancer diagnosis.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the need for accurate and continuous glucose monitoring, but its application was limited to this specific field. However, the microneedle array-based sensor technology has the potential to be applied to a broader range of industries, where analyte detection is crucial. This inventive concept solves the problem of limited application by exploring new use cases and industries.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept involves adapting the microneedle array-based sensor technology to detect various analytes in different industries. For instance, in water quality monitoring, the sensor can detect changes in water chemistry, providing alerts for abnormal conditions. In food safety, the sensor can detect contaminants in food products, ensuring consumer safety. Similarly, in environmental toxin detection, the sensor can detect changes in toxin levels, providing alerts and recommendations for reducing exposure. In soil health monitoring, the sensor can detect changes in soil chemistry, providing recommendations for improving soil health. Finally, in cancer diagnosis, the sensor can detect biomarkers in biological samples, facilitating early diagnosis.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept is novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent, as it applies the core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, demonstrating a significant expansion of the technology's potential. The inventive step lies in recognizing the versatility of the microneedle array-based sensor technology and adapting it to address specific challenges in diverse fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifying the sensor design, materials, or operating conditions to optimize its performance in specific industries. For example, the sensor could be miniaturized for wearable devices or integrated into autonomous systems for real-time monitoring. Variations could also include combining the microneedle array-based sensor with other sensing technologies to enhance its capabilities.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including water treatment, food processing, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and healthcare. The market for microneedle array-based sensors is expected to grow substantially as these industries recognize the value of real-time analyte detection and monitoring.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B5/685
A A61 A61B5/14514
A A61 A61B5/14532

Field of Art

Biomedical sensing technologies, specifically electrochemical sensors with microneedle array configurations for analyte detection across medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and chemical sensing applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or sensor design specialist with expertise in electrochemical sensing, microfabrication techniques, and interdisciplinary sensor adaptation, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or related fields with working knowledge of sensor signal processing and materials science

Obviousness Rationale

The PTD demonstrates a straightforward extension of the source patent's core microneedle array sensing technology by applying its fundamental electrochemical detection principles to diverse analyte monitoring contexts. A PHOSITA would recognize the inherent adaptability of the microneedle sensor architecture, understanding that the core sensing mechanism can be readily modified for different target analytes by adjusting electrode coatings and signal processing algorithms. The technical transfer between glucose monitoring and other detection domains represents a predictable engineering variation within the established sensor design framework.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Electrochemical sensing coating generating redox reaction-based sensing current
PTD Variation
Adapting electrode coating chemistry to detect water contaminants, soil nutrients, or cancer biomarkers
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of modifying electrode surface chemistry to enable selective analyte detection, representing a predictable design optimization within established sensor architectures
Source Patent Element
Microneedle array configuration for minimally invasive analyte sampling
PTD Variation
Extending sampling approach to environmental and food safety monitoring applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Transferring proven minimally invasive sampling technique across related technical domains, representing a logical technological extension with expected performance characteristics
Source Patent Element
Controller configured to analyze sensing current and provide diagnostic insights
PTD Variation
Implementing signal processing algorithms for detecting abnormal conditions in water, soil, and biological samples
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying established signal processing and threshold detection techniques to new analyte monitoring contexts, demonstrating a standard engineering approach to sensor system design
Source Patent Element
Voltage-based fault detection mechanism for sensor reliability
PTD Variation
Implementing similar fault detection strategies across diverse sensor deployment scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Utilizing known sensor validation techniques as a universal approach to ensuring measurement reliability across different technical domains
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857344's foundational microneedle array sensing technology, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious extensions readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in biomedical sensing technologies. The disclosed adaptations constitute predictable engineering modifications that would be within the capabilities of a skilled practitioner, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,344
TitleFault detection for microneedle array based continuous analyte monitoring device
Assignee(s)Biolinq Incorporated