Morphology-Adjustable Functionalized Particles for Automated Target Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target capture and processing platforms require complex workflows prone to user error, limited control over target capture, release, and retrieval, and are not amenable to automation, leading to high background noise and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
Morphology-adjustable functionalized particles that can be pre-loaded onto substrates, allowing for controlled distribution and co-capture of targets, with adjustable sizes and shapes for efficient target capture, release, and retrieval, enabling automation and improved signal-to-noise ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual library preparation and selection processes are used for target capture, then flexibility in target selection is improved, but workflow complexity and user error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated target capture and retrieval processes that operate without extensive manual intervention. The functionalized particles automatically capture targets based on their surface properties, and the magnetic actuation system automatically retrieves them, replacing manual library preparation with self-executing automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionalized particles are designed with universal capture mechanisms that can bind to various target types through different surface functionalizations. A single particle platform can be adapted to capture different targets by changing the surface coating, eliminating the need for separate manual preparation processes for each target type.
2Reliability
If functionalized compounds are used for target capture, then target capture capability is improved, but control over target release and retrieval is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static functionalized compounds to dynamic functionalized particles that can change state in response to external stimuli. The particles can be actuated using magnetic fields to control their movement, release, and retrieval, providing dynamic control over the entire target capture and release process rather than limited passive binding.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic actuation serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the functionalized particles. The magnetic field mediates control over particle behavior, enabling precise control of target release and retrieval without direct manual manipulation, thus enhancing control while maintaining capture reliability.
3Measurement precision
If extensive manual library preparation is performed, then target capture specificity is improved, but automation compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The functionalized particles are pre-engineered with specific surface properties that enable automated recognition and capture of targets. The particles self-assemble and self-position in microfluidic channels under magnetic actuation, eliminating the need for manual library preparation while maintaining capture specificity through their inherent surface functionalization.
4Measurement precision
If complex workflows with manual steps are used, then target characterization capability is improved, but background noise and false positive rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the target capture function into discrete functionalized particles that operate independently in automated workflows. This separation eliminates contamination and cross-contamination issues associated with manual handling, reducing background noise and false positives while maintaining target characterization capability through controlled automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Inventions covered include methods, systems, and compositions for sample processing, involving morphology-adjustable (e.g., tunable on-demand) functionalized particles. In some embodiments, a method can include distributing a set of functionalized particles, in a first morphological state, across a set of partitions; transitioning the set of functionalized particles, at the set of partitions, from the first morphological state to a second morphological state; transitioning the set of functionalized particles, at the set of partitions, from the second morphological state to a third morphological state, and inducing interactions between the set of functionalized particles and a set of targets, within the set of partitions and according to a set of operations with a set of process fluids.