Allergen Detection Using Fluorescent Aptamer Microfluidics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting allergens in food samples are either not portable, not accurate, or prone to false negatives, particularly when analyzing solid food products, and lack a device that can rapidly and reliably detect multiple allergens simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A portable device equipped with a cartridge system that includes a sample processing unit, fluorescence excitation means, a light filter, and a detection chamber using signaling polynucleotides (aptamers) to visualize allergen interactions, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of allergens in various food samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical reagent spots are used for allergen detection, then the detection can be performed on solid food products, but the reaction time becomes excessively long leading to false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical reagent spot system with a microfluidic chip-based detection system that uses fluorescently labeled antibodies. This substitution of the detection mechanism enables rapid mixing and reaction conditions, reducing reaction time from hours to minutes while maintaining detection accuracy through fluorescent signal detection rather than color change observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using fluorescent labeling instead of colorimetric reagents, and by controlling reaction conditions through microfluidic flow rates and temperatures. These parameter changes enable the detection to proceed rapidly while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity, eliminating false negatives caused by excessive reaction times.
2Productivity
If microfluidic chip systems are used for allergen detection, then detection speed improves, but the device size increases making it non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into modular components: a handheld portable unit and a separate microfluidic chip. The chip can be loaded into the portable device or used as a disposable cartridge, allowing the fast microfluidic detection chemistry to be combined with a compact user-friendly interface, thus achieving both speed and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the microfluidic chip or cartridge inside a handheld portable housing. The chip contains the fluorescently labeled antibodies and sample processing channels, while the external housing provides the user interface, power source, and signal detection electronics. This nested configuration enables rapid microfluidic detection within a portable form factor.
3Measurement precision
If antibody-based detection methods are used, then detection sensitivity improves, but the cost of reagents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microfluidic chips or cartridges that contain pre-loaded fluorescently labeled antibodies. These single-use components eliminate the need for expensive reusable instrumentation and complex waste disposal systems. The low cost of the disposable chip offsets the reagent cost, making high-sensitive antibody-based detection economically viable for point-of-use applications.
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 device enables fast, accurate, and sensitive detection of allergens, including multiple allergens simultaneously, with a detection limit of 150 pM, providing a reliable tool for ensuring food safety and improving patient decision-making regarding allergen consumption.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the digested sample with a detection molecule... visualizing the interaction of the detection molecule and the allergen
Implementation Method 2
treating the contacted sample with an excitation means... visualizing the interaction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides allergen detection molecules and devices useful in on-site and rapid detection of allergens, including food allergens.