Agglutination Reaction Microplate with Dual-Side Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the result of agglutination reactions are not automated, reliable, or efficient for high-throughput testing, often requiring manual intervention and limited to one-dimensional arrangements of reaction wells.
Innovation Solution
A method and microplate design that utilizes a two-dimensional array of reaction wells with a centrifugation step to separate agglutinated and non-agglutinated sample materials using a gel or bead matrix, followed by imaging and comparison of color intensity and gray levels from both the top and bottom sides of the microplate to determine reaction results, allowing for automated and high-throughput testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual intervention is used for determining agglutination reactions, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated optical detection systems. A camera captures images of the microplate, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the distribution of agglutinated and non-agglutinated particles, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high throughput capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical imaging to create a digital copy of the agglutination reaction results. The camera captures the visual pattern of particle distribution, and this optical information is processed computationally to determine reaction outcomes, enabling automated analysis without direct human observation
2Productivity
If one-dimensional arrangement of reaction wells is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangement to two-dimensional microplate configuration. This allows multiple reaction wells to be arranged in rows and columns, enabling parallel processing of numerous samples simultaneously while maintaining a compact footprint and manageable complexity
3Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used to separate agglutinated particles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microplate centrifuge that serves multiple functions: it not only separates agglutinated particles but also facilitates uniform distribution of reagents, removes bubbles, and prepares samples for imaging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate operational steps and equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled centrifugal force as a physical parameter to achieve particle separation. By adjusting the centrifugation speed and duration, optimal separation of agglutinated and non-agglutinated particles is achieved, enhancing measurement precision through physical parameter optimization
4Measurement precision
If imaging from single side is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into two separate views: top-side imaging and bottom-side imaging. Each image captures different aspects of the particle distribution, and the combination of both images provides comprehensive information for accurate reaction determination, improving measurement precision through multi-perspective analysis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a robust and reliable means for determining agglutination reactions with high accuracy, capable of processing thousands or millions of samples automatically, reducing the impact of background conditions and enabling efficient industrial-scale testing without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an agglutinated sample material is separated from non-agglutinated sample material by means of a separation material such as a gel material or a bead matrix
Implementation Method 2
a centrifugation step of rotating the microplate so that a bottom wall of the well will be arranged outwards with respect to a rotational axis
Implementation Method 3
the color intensity and gray level of the well in pictures of the top side and the bottom side of the microplate are compared
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the result of an agglutination reaction and a microplate used in such a method. Agglutinated and non-agglutinated sample material is separated by means of a separation material such as gel material or a bead matrix in a centrifugation step. Whether an agglutination reaction took place or not is determined by comparing the color intensities and/or the gray levels of images of the top side and the bottom side of the respective reaction vessel. Comparing the color intensities and/or the gray levels of the two images makes the automatic determination reliable and stable. Furthermore, the reaction wells are arranged in a two-dimensional array which provides a high throughput.