Reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay and heavy metal detection system
By integrating a shell structure and a regenerable solid-phase carrier, a heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay analyzer has been developed, which solves the problems of complexity and high cost in heavy metal detection, and achieves the effects of simplified operation, reduced cost and improved sensitivity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing heavy metal detection methods are complex and costly, making it difficult to achieve rapid and highly sensitive detection.
A reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay is provided. The integrated shell structure unifies the core steps of sample processing, heavy metal enrichment and immunoassay, in the same cavity. It adopts a transparent optical detection window and a regenerable functional solid-phase carrier, and combines a fluorescence detector for signal reading.
It simplifies the operation process, reduces the detection cost, improves the immediacy and sensitivity of the detection, and enables the device to be reused and operated automatically.
Smart Images
Figure CN223986125U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heavy metal detection technology, and in particular to a reaction device and heavy metal detection system for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay. Background Technology
[0002] Heavy metal pollution has become a significant factor affecting environmental safety, food safety, and human health. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are not easily degraded in the environment and tend to accumulate through the food chain. Long-term exposure can lead to damage to the nervous system, organ dysfunction, and even cancer. Therefore, rapid and highly sensitive detection of heavy metals in water, soil, food, and biological samples is of great importance for environmental protection, food safety supervision, and occupational health monitoring.
[0003] Currently, heavy metal testing is complex and costly. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reaction device and heavy metal detection system for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It is simple to operate and low in cost.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following solution:
[0006] This invention provides a reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay, comprising: a shell, a sample loading port, a probe inlet, a cleaning port, and a liquid outlet. The internal cavity of the shell is provided with a functional solid-phase carrier for enriching heavy metal ions. At least a portion of the shell's wall surface is made of a transparent material, forming an optical detection window. The sample loading port is located on the shell for introducing the liquid sample to be tested into the internal cavity. The probe inlet is located on the shell for introducing a fluorescent probe coupled with a heavy metal-specific antibody into the internal cavity. The cleaning port is located on the shell for introducing a cleaning solution into the internal cavity. The liquid outlet is located on the shell for discharging the reacted liquid.
[0007] Preferably, the functional solid support is a substrate loaded with magnetic microgels, wherein the magnetic microgels contain functional groups that can bind to heavy metal ions.
[0008] Preferably, the functional group contained in the magnetic microgel is a carboxyl group.
[0009] Preferably, the magnetic microgel is a polymer microgel containing acrylic acid or its derivative structural units.
[0010] Preferably, the cleaning port is also used to introduce a dissociation liquid that enables the functional solid support to release heavy metal ions, so that the device can be reused.
[0011] Preferably, the housing is made of plastic.
[0012] Preferably, a temperature probe for detecting the internal temperature is provided inside the housing.
[0013] Preferably, the length, width and height of the shell are all in the range of 1cm to 20cm.
[0014] This invention also provides a heavy metal detection system, including a fluorescence detector and a reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay as described above; the fluorescence detector is configured to be aligned with the optical detection window of the reaction device to excite and receive fluorescence signals from inside the reaction device.
[0015] Preferably, it also includes a heating device for heating the liquid sample to be tested inside the housing.
[0016] The present invention achieves the following technical advantages over the prior art:
[0017] This invention provides an integrated shell structure that unifies the core sample processing steps of heavy metal enrichment and immunoreaction within a single chamber, allowing for step-by-step completion. Compared to traditional detection methods that require multiple independent containers and pipetting steps, the structural design of this device fundamentally avoids potential losses, contamination, or operational errors caused by sample transfer between steps, simplifying the operation. The transparent optical detection window allows for subsequent fluorescence signal reading without opening the device or transferring products, further simplifying the operation, ensuring the integration of the detection process and the immediacy of results, and providing the necessary hardware for automated operation. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] In the figure: 1-shell; 2-sample loading port; 3-probe inlet; 4-cleaning port; 5-liquid outlet; 6-functional solid support. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0022] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reaction device and heavy metal detection system for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It is simple to operate and low in cost.
[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0024] The following is combined with Figure 1 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] Example 1
[0026] This invention provides a reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay, comprising: a shell 1, a sample loading port 2, a probe inlet 3, a cleaning port 4, and a liquid outlet 5. The internal cavity of the shell 1 is provided with a functional solid-phase carrier 6 for enriching heavy metal ions. At least a portion of the wall surface of the shell 1 is made of a transparent material, forming an optical detection window. The sample loading port 2 is located on the shell 1 and is used to introduce the liquid sample to be tested into the internal cavity. The probe inlet 3 is located on the shell 1 and is used to introduce a fluorescent probe coupled with a heavy metal-specific antibody into the internal cavity. The cleaning port 4 is located on the shell 1 and is used to introduce a cleaning solution into the internal cavity. The liquid outlet 5 is located on the shell 1 and is used to discharge the liquid after the reaction.
[0027] This embodiment provides an integrated housing structure 1, unifying the core sample processing steps of heavy metal enrichment and immunoreaction within a single chamber for step-by-step completion. Compared to traditional detection methods that require multiple independent containers and pipetting steps, the structural design of this device fundamentally avoids potential losses, contamination, or operational errors caused by sample transfer between steps, simplifying the operation. The transparent optical detection window allows subsequent fluorescence signal reading without opening the device or transferring products, further simplifying the operation, ensuring the integration of the detection process and the immediacy of results, and providing the necessary hardware conditions for automated operation.
[0028] During detection, a water sample is collected (with the pH adjusted to the optimal adsorption pH) and continuously introduced into the reaction chamber inside the housing 1 through sample inlet 2. The temperature and retention time of the reaction chamber are controlled (the retention time can be achieved by allowing the water sample to react in the reaction chamber for a period of time before discharge, or by adjusting the flow rate or velocity of the sample feed) to ensure that the functional solid support 6 in the reaction chamber adsorbs sufficient heavy metals. A quantitative amount of heavy metal antibody fluorescent microspheres (fluorescent probes) is introduced, which remain in the reaction chamber and complete the reaction. A cleaning solution is then introduced to clean away any remaining fluorescent microspheres. The reaction apparatus is then placed in a matching fluorescence detector. The amount of heavy metal residue is directly proportional to the fluorescence signal. By establishing a pre-defined mapping relationship between the amount of heavy metal residue and the fluorescence signal, the content of heavy metals can be effectively measured.
[0029] Under acidic conditions, the functional solid support 6 releases adsorbed metal ions, which can be reused. Therefore, a metal ion dissociation liquid can be introduced into the cleaning port 4 to clean the functional solid support 6, making the device reusable.
[0030] In some embodiments, the cleaning port 4 is also used to introduce a dissociation liquid that enables the functional solid support 6 to release heavy metal ions, so that the device can be reused.
[0031] In this embodiment, the cleaning port 4 provides the core function of regenerability for the device, which is key to reducing the cost per test. Specifically, by introducing a specific dissociation solution (such as a low-pH acidic buffer solution or a solution containing a strong complexing agent such as EDTA) through the same cleaning port 4 during or after the cleaning stage, the adsorption process can be reversed from the principle of chemical equilibrium, forcing the heavy metal ions bound to the functional solid support 6 to dissociate and be discharged with the waste liquid. This design allows the core consumable component of the device—the functional solid support 6—to be "regenerated," logically overturning the traditional model where solid supports in immunoassays are mostly disposable. It not only significantly reduces the material costs for long-term use but also reduces the generation of chemical waste, aligning with the concept of green analysis.
[0032] In some embodiments, the device further includes a fluorescent probe in the form of a microsphere. The diameter of the fluorescent probe is 200-900 nm; preferably 300 nm.
[0033] In some embodiments, the functional solid support 6 may be a composite metal-organic framework material, which includes a metal-organic framework and a magnetic material adsorbed on the metal-organic framework. Composite metal-organic framework materials are commonly used in the adsorption and detection of radioactive metal ions, as described in, for example, "Application of Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework Materials in Radioactive Ion Detection" (pages 192-198, "University Chemistry," authors: Wei Wei and Xia Yan, February 2020) and "Research on Functionalized Organic Framework Materials for the Adsorption of Radioactive Heavy Metal Oxygen Anions" (pages 58-59, author: Ye Junbin, June 2023).
[0034] In some embodiments, the functional solid support 6 is a substrate loaded with magnetic microgels. The magnetic microgels contain functional groups that can bind to heavy metal ions. The functional groups contained in the magnetic microgels are preferably carboxyl groups, which can adsorb and enrich heavy metals.
[0035] The carboxyl group is a classic and highly efficient metal ion chelating group; its electron-rich oxygen atom can bind with Pb. 2+ Cd 2+ Cu 2+ Hg 2+ Various heavy metal cations form stable coordination or ionic bonds. From a chemical perspective, the carboxyl group is usually deprotonated (-COO) under neutral to weakly alkaline conditions. - The carboxyl group, carrying a negative charge, can strongly bind to positively charged heavy metal ions through electrostatic attraction. Choosing the carboxyl group as the primary functional group means that the device has a universally high affinity for widely existing heavy metal cations that pose environmental and health risks, expanding its potential applications. Furthermore, the protonation / deprotonation state of the carboxyl group is affected by pH, which logically provides a theoretical basis for reversibly controlling the adsorption (high pH) and dissociation (low pH) of heavy metals by adjusting pH, representing the core chemical mechanism for device regeneration.
[0036] Of course, the functional group is not limited to the carboxyl group; it can also be other groups with a strong ability to complex heavy metals, such as amino groups (-NH2, which has a strong complexing ability with Cu). 2+ Cd 2+ etc.), thiol group (-SH, for Hg) 2+ Pb 2+ Cd 2+ Modification can be achieved using functional groups such as those with extremely strong affinity, phosphonic acid groups, or crown ether derivatives. Depending on the specificity of the target heavy metal, single or mixed functional groups can be selected for modification.
[0037] In some embodiments, the magnetic microgel is a polymer microgel containing structural units of acrylic acid or its derivatives. In some examples, the backbone of the polymer microgel is not limited to polyacrylic acid, but can also be a copolymer of other monomers containing carboxyl groups and neutral monomers (such as acrylamide). Alternatively, a post-modification method can be used, first synthesizing a microgel containing active groups (such as epoxy groups or acyl chloride groups), and then chemically grafting molecules containing carboxyl groups (such as glycine) onto it, thereby introducing carboxyl functional groups.
[0038] It should be noted that the substrate in the above embodiments can be the metal-organic framework mentioned in "University Chemistry", pp. 192-198, "Application of Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework Materials in Radioactive Ion Detection", authors: Wei Wei and Xia Yan, February 2020, and "Research on Functionalized Organic Framework Materials for Adsorption of Radioactive Heavy Metal Oxygen Anions", pp. 58-59, authors: Ye Junbin, June 2023. The magnetic microgel can be the magnetic microgel with heavy metal ion adsorption capacity described in "New Progress in the Research of Microgels for Heavy Metal Ion Adsorption", pp. 1-8, authors: Liu Yingmei, Yin Huan, and Chu Liangyin, October 2016.
[0039] Of course, any of the existing technologies can be used to create magnetic microgels.
[0040] In some embodiments, the housing 1 is made of plastic.
[0041] This embodiment makes an economical and practical choice of material for the housing 1. The material of housing 1 is not limited to a single type of plastic; it can be a composite material. For example, the main structure can use lower-cost ABS plastic, while the optical detection window can use optical-grade PMMA or a glass insert. For applications with special temperature or solvent resistance requirements, special engineering plastics, glass, or quartz can also be considered as the material for housing 1, but the cost will increase accordingly.
[0042] In some embodiments, a temperature probe for detecting the internal temperature is provided inside the housing 1.
[0043] This embodiment introduces the ability to monitor key reaction parameters. The binding (adsorption) of heavy metal ions to the functional solid support 6, the formation (reaction) of antigen-antibody immune complexes, and possible regeneration and dissociation processes are often temperature-sensitive in terms of rate and efficiency. Integrating a temperature probe within the housing 1 allows for real-time, in-situ monitoring of the actual temperature of the reaction chamber, providing the necessary feedback signal for precise temperature control. Combined with an external temperature control module, a closed-loop temperature control system is formed, logically ensuring that each test is performed under preset, optimal temperature conditions. This significantly reduces the impact of ambient temperature fluctuations on the reproducibility and accuracy of test results, which is crucial for quantitative analysis requiring standardized operations and is a key element in achieving fully automated intelligent control.
[0044] When the temperature probe is placed inside the housing 1, and it is connected to external components via a wiring harness, the wiring harness needs to pass through the wall of the housing 1, and the perforation needs to be sealed.
[0045] Of course, in some examples, temperature monitoring may not rely on invasive probes. For example, a temperature sensor can be attached tightly to the outer wall of housing 1 for indirect measurement, or an infrared non-contact temperature measurement module can be used to measure the surface of housing 1. For applications where high temperature control accuracy is not required, a simple thermostatic block or water bath jacket can be used to maintain a roughly constant temperature without an online temperature probe.
[0046] In some embodiments, the length, width and height of the housing 1 are all in the range of 1cm to 20cm.
[0047] This embodiment rationally defines the physical dimensions of the device to achieve a balance between performance and practicality. Limiting the size of the housing 1 to a small range (e.g., typically 3cm × 3cm × 1cm or less) directly determines the device's miniaturization and integration, requiring small sample and reagent volumes (microliter to milliliters), reducing detection costs, and making it suitable for handling precious or limited samples. Secondly, the small size means shorter fluid paths and smaller reaction dead volumes, facilitating rapid reagent replacement and mixing, potentially shortening the overall detection process time. Simultaneously, the lower limit of 1cm ensures sufficient internal space to accommodate the functional solid-phase carrier 6 and necessary flow channels, ensuring effective enrichment and reaction.
[0048] Of course, the size can be flexibly adjusted according to the specific application. For applications requiring ultra-high sample throughput or extremely high adsorption capacity, a larger housing 1 can be designed. Conversely, for microfluidic chip forms that pursue extreme miniaturization and integration, the size of housing 1 can be much smaller than 1 cm (e.g., the chip size is a few centimeters square, but the flow channel cavity scale is in the micrometer to millimeter range). The length-width-height ratio of housing 1 is not limited to approximately 1:1:1; it can be a flat sheet or a slender tube.
[0049] In some embodiments, the sample loading port 2, probe inlet 3, and cleaning port 4 are located on one side of the housing 1, and the liquid outlet 5 is located on the other side of the housing 1. Alternatively, the sample loading port 2, probe inlet 3, and cleaning port 4 can be configured as a single opening, simultaneously performing the functions of sample loading, probe entry, and cleaning. They can also be configured separately, comprising three independent openings. Separate configurations facilitate automated operation, allowing the three openings to connect to three automatic material conveying channels. Preferably, the sample loading port 2, probe inlet 3, cleaning port 4, and liquid outlet 5 are connected to the housing 1 via channels, with one end of each channel connected to the housing 1 and the other end used as an opening. The channels are integrally formed with the housing 1.
[0050] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the placement of the functional solid carrier 6, an openable cover may be provided on the top of the housing 1, which can be snapped into the top opening of the housing 1.
[0051] Example 2
[0052] This invention also provides a heavy metal detection system, including a fluorescence detector and the reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay as described in Example 1; the fluorescence detector is configured to be aligned with the optical detection window of the reaction device to excite and receive fluorescence signals from inside the reaction device.
[0053] This embodiment combines a core reaction device with a general-purpose detection instrument to form a fully functional detection system. The reaction device is responsible for completing the complex "sample pretreatment" (enrichment) and "biorecognition" (immune reaction), while the fluorescence detector provides professional and sensitive optical signal reading capabilities. This modular division of labor is efficient and economical: the reaction device can be used as a disposable or reusable consumable, flexibly designed to meet different detection needs; the fluorescence detector can serve as a general platform, supporting various fluorescence-based detection projects. Through a simple "alignment" operation (such as inserting the reaction device into a specific slot of the detector), the system completes the entire process from biochemical reaction to signal readout. This allows the technical advantages of this invention—high sensitivity, reusable enrichment and reaction—to be easily translated into detection results obtainable by end users, greatly improving the practicality and ease of use of this technology.
[0054] In some embodiments, a heating device is also included for heating the liquid sample to be tested inside the housing 1. This embodiment adds active temperature control capability to the detection system.
[0055] The usage process and principle of this utility model are as follows:
[0056] This invention utilizes a magnetic microgel (containing acrylic functional groups) that has a strong adsorption (complexation or chelation) effect on heavy metal elements, which can effectively detect heavy metals in liquid samples.
[0057] The carboxyl group in the acrylic acid functional group can react with heavy metal ions (such as Pb). 2+ Cd 2+ Cu 2+ (e.g., metal chelates) form stable complexes or chelates, and by controlling the temperature and reaction time of the reaction chamber, the enrichment and detection of heavy metal ions can be effectively achieved. Monoclonal antibodies are prepared using metal chelate haptens, and the monoclonal antibodies are coupled to fluorescent microspheres to prepare signal probes.
[0058] This utility model uses specific examples to illustrate its principles and implementation methods. The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the idea of this utility model. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
Claims
1. A reaction device for heavy metal fluorescent immunoassay, characterized by, The application relates to a reaction device for heavy metal fluorescent immunoassay, comprising the following parts: a shell, an inner cavity of which is provided with a functional solid-phase carrier for enriching heavy metal ions, at least part of the wall of the shell is made of transparent material, and an optical detection window is formed; a sample inlet arranged on the shell and used for feeding a to-be-detected liquid sample into the inner cavity; a probe inlet arranged on the shell and used for feeding a fluorescent probe coupled with heavy metal specific antibodies into the inner cavity; a cleaning inlet arranged on the shell and used for feeding a cleaning liquid into the inner cavity; a liquid outlet arranged on the shell and used for discharging the liquid after reaction.
2. The reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay according to claim 1, characterized by: The cleaning inlet is also used for feeding a dissociation liquid capable of releasing the heavy metal ions from the functional solid-phase carrier, so that the device can be repeatedly used.
3. The reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay according to claim 1, characterized by: The shell is made of plastic.
4. The reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay according to claim 1, characterized by: The shell is provided with a temperature probe for detecting the temperature in the shell.
5. The reaction device for heavy metal fluorescence immunoassay according to claim 1, characterized by: The length, width and height of the shell are all in the range of 1cm to 20cm.
6. A heavy metal detection system characterized by: The application further relates to a fluorescent detector and a reaction device for heavy metal fluorescent immunoassay, wherein the fluorescent detector is configured to be aligned with the optical detection window of the reaction device to excite and receive the fluorescent signal from the inner cavity of the reaction device.
7. The heavy metal detection system of claim 6, wherein: The application further relates to a heating device for heating the to-be-detected liquid sample in the shell.