Portable Analyte Detection Cartridge With Magnetic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies for molecule detection, such as nucleic acids and proteins, require expensive laboratory equipment and expert professionals, limiting their accessibility and speed, especially in non-clinical settings, leading to delayed identification of pathogens and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A portable system comprising a cartridge device with internal barriers, a reader device with a magnet and processor, and a sample collection device, utilizing magnetic particles and affinity molecules for rapid analysis, allowing for quick detection of molecules in various settings without extensive technical expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment and methods are used for molecule detection, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a disposable cartridge containing sample preparation and magnetic separation components, and a separate reader device for detection. This segmentation allows the complex detection function to be distributed, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while maintaining overall precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as an intermediary between the sample analytes and the detection system. These particles bind to target molecules and can be manipulated by magnetic fields, enabling precise control and separation of analytes from complex samples, thereby maintaining detection precision with simpler equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring expert professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a self-contained, pre-prepared unit that performs sample preparation, magnetic particle addition, and separation automatically when placed in the reader. This eliminates the need for operators to manually perform complex preparation steps, making the system easy to operate while maintaining precision through controlled, pre-optimized conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations such as mixing, centrifugation, and magnetic separation are replaced by integrated magnetic field generation within the reader device. This automation simplifies operation for non-experts while ensuring consistent, precise control over the detection process.
3Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to long wait times
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic particles and reagents are pre-loaded into the cartridge before use. Sample preparation steps are designed to occur rapidly once the sample is added, with magnetic separation and detection occurring in a streamlined sequence. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming setup steps and enables rapid detection while maintaining precision through controlled conditions.
4Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to travel and waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The portable system performs all detection functions in a single location without requiring sample transport to a centralized laboratory. The cartridge-based design enables complete analysis from sample addition to result generation within minutes, eliminating both travel time and laboratory waiting time while maintaining detection precision through controlled, automated processes.
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 accurate detection of molecules in less than 30 minutes, minimizing biohazard risks and facilitating quick results in non-clinical settings, such as homes and schools, by using a self-contained analyte detection kit that can be used by non-trained consumers.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet aligned with the sensor... when the sample analysis reader is coupled to the sample analysis cartridge, the magnetic field created by the magnetic field generator is substantially aligned with a sensor of the sample analysis cartridge
Implementation Method 2
The cartridge device includes: a cartridge housing having internal barriers defining a plurality of reservoirs, an analysis channel, and an input tunnel... utilizing magnetic particles and affinity molecules for rapid analysis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.