Analysis Chip Wells With Sidewall Reagent Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological sample analysis methods, particularly for endotoxin testing, are time-consuming, prone to human error, and require multiple manual steps, leading to variable results, and pre-filled microplates are unsuitable for reactions requiring non-reactive reagents without mixing before sample introduction.

Innovation Solution

An analysis card with wells having reagents deposited on the lateral surface, a channel for sample supply, and a specific orientation to prevent reagent mixing, combined with a quality control method using imaging to ensure accurate deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If reagents are deposited at the bottom of microplate wells, then the wells can be filled with liquid sample, but multiple additional steps are required including application of reagents to film, adhesive films, and insertion between analysis pocket films, increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of depositing reagents at the bottom of the well as in conventional microplates, the invention inverts the approach by depositing reagents on the lateral surface of the well. This eliminates the need for additional films and adhesive layers, simplifying the device structure while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary intermediate layers (adhesive films, analysis pocket films) from the conventional microplate structure by directly depositing reagents on the well lateral surface, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of time

If pre-filled microplates are used, then handling time is reduced by more than 50%, but numerous additional accessories are required and multiple manual steps still involve, increasing the risk of human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling timeVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the reagent deposition function directly into the well structure itself, eliminating the need for separate reagent application steps and accessories. This integration reduces the number of manual operations while maintaining speed, thereby improving reliability by reducing human error opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If reagents are deposited on the lateral surface of the well, then reagent mixing is prevented and manual steps are reduced, but a specific deposition process is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs the reagent deposition action during the manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring separate manual steps during use. This preliminary action during manufacture ensures reliable reagent placement without mixing, while the process is integrated into standard manufacturing workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If multiple standard dilutions and internal controls are prepared manually, then accurate analysis can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and leads to variable or invalid results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidtime-consuming
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention prepares standard dilutions and internal controls during the manufacturing process rather than requiring manual preparation during analysis. This preliminary action ensures measurement precision is maintained while eliminating the time-consuming manual steps that lead to variable results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates rapid, reliable, and cost-effective biological sample analysis by preventing reagent mixing and reducing human error, ensuring precise reagent placement and reaction control.

Implementation Method 1

the reagent of a well is deposited and dried only on the lateral surface of said well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the reagent of a well is deposited and dried only on the lateral surface of said well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4457499B1Analysis chip for a biological sample, manufacturing process and quality control
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 BIOMERIEUX SA
  • EP4457499B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4457499B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4457499B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6a

AI summary

The invention relates to an analysis card (1) for analysing a biological sample by means of an in-vitro diagnostic instrument, the analysis card (1) comprising a plurality of wells (2) formed in a board (3), each well (2) containing at least one reagent (4) the analysis card (1) comprising a channel (5) for conveying a liquid sample to the wells (2), characterised in that each well (2) forms, in the board (3), an internal space defined by a lateral surface, the lateral surface comprising at least one wall, and in that each well (2) has the at least one reagent (4) deposited only on its lateral surface.