Agitated Liquid Sample Detection Device for Rapid Analyte Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting Mycoplasma species in liquid samples are inadequate due to the absence of a cell wall, making traditional antibiotics ineffective, and existing detection technologies are not suited for rapid and concurrent detection of multiple analytes.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongate chamber and a carrier or agitator that agitates the liquid sample, coupled with antibodies immobilized on the carrier or chamber walls, facilitating the binding of analytes to their respective antibodies, allowing for quantitative or qualitative detection using various techniques such as microscopy or immunoassays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but detection speed is slow and multiple analytes cannot be detected concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is segmented into multiple functional zones within a single chip, with each zone containing specific antibodies for different analytes. This allows concurrent detection of multiple analytes through spatial segmentation, improving productivity without requiring multiple separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A single detection device integrates multiple antibody-specific detection functions into one universal platform. The chip can simultaneously detect multiple different analytes (Mycoplasma species, bacteria, viruses) using a unified detection mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detection systems.
2Reliability
If diffusion-based binding is used, then antibody-analyte binding occurs, but binding efficiency is low for low-concentration analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates vibration or agitation mechanisms that actively mix the liquid sample, forcing analytes into close proximity with immobilized antibodies. This mechanical agitation replaces passive diffusion, significantly improving binding efficiency and detection sensitivity for low-concentration analytes while reducing binding time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary carrier or agitator that facilitates contact between analytes and antibodies. This intermediary element actively mediates the binding process by bringing reactants together, overcoming the limitations of diffusion-only mechanisms and enhancing detection sensitivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beta-lactam antibiotics are used, then cell wall synthesis is inhibited, but they are ineffective against Mycoplasma due to absence of cell wall
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device enables preliminary identification of Mycoplasma infections before treatment is initiated. By detecting the presence of Mycoplasma species (which lack cell walls) through antibody binding, clinicians can select appropriate antibiotics that do not rely on cell wall synthesis inhibition, preventing treatment failure beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system provides feedback information about the presence and type of pathogen (including cell wall-less Mycoplasma) to guide antibiotic selection. This feedback loop enables clinicians to adjust treatment strategies based on actual pathogen characteristics, ensuring effective therapy despite the limitations of beta-lactam antibiotics against Mycoplasma.
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
Enables rapid and efficient detection of Mycoplasma species and other analytes in liquid samples, including those present in low concentrations, without relying on diffusion, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional detection methods.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier or agitator in said elongate chamber, said carrier or agitator having opposite end portions and a side portion, the carrier or agitator dimensioned to travel in said chamber along said length axis and/or permit said liquid sample to flow in the chamber therearound, thereby agitating the liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
at least one anti-analyte antibody coupled to either the carrier and/or the chamber side wall... bring analytes into sufficiently close physical proximity with their corresponding antibody to cause binding of the antibody to its corresponding analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting at least one analyte (and in some embodiments two, three, or four or more different analytes) in a liquid sample generally comprises (i) a support having a chamber for receiving a biological fluid therein, wherein said chamber is an elongate chamber having a length axis; (ii) a carrier or agitator in said elongate chamber, said carrier or agitator having opposite end portions and a side portion, the carrier or agitator dimensioned to travel in said chamber along said length axis and/or permit said liquid sample to flow in the chamber therearound, either (or both) thereby agitating the liquid sample; and (iii) at least one anti-analyte antibody coupled to either the carrier and/or the chamber side wall.