Analyte Detection Using Micro-Filter Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting analytes require multiple sensor chips and are cumbersome, especially when dealing with analytes mixed with other substances, as they necessitate separate pretreatment and detection steps due to interference from other substances, leading to high costs and reduced sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a micro-filter to separate analyte-receptor complexes from free receptors in a single tube, allowing for the detection of various analytes using a single type of sensor chip with a single type of receptor, and incorporating fluorescent-magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced sensitivity and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic nanoparticles with immobilized receptors are used for pretreatment to separate analytes from other substances, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases because particles coupled and not coupled with analytes are recollected together requiring additional sensor chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes free receptors that have not been coupled with analytes from the mixture using a micro-filter. This separation step isolates only the analyte-receptor complexes for detection, eliminating the need for additional sensor chips and reducing device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-filter acts as an intermediary component between the magnetic nanoparticle separation step and the detection step. It selectively retains analyte-receptor complexes while allowing free receptors to pass through, thereby simplifying the overall detection system by eliminating the need for multiple sensor chips
2Adaptability or versatility
If different sensor chips with immobilized receptors are used to detect different analytes, then detection versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection system where a single sensor chip with immobilized receptors can detect multiple different analytes. The micro-filter enables this versatility by separating analyte-receptor complexes from free receptors regardless of the specific analyte type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensor chips and reducing manufacturing costs
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor chips are used to detect analytes in mixed substances, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pretreatment function (separation of analyte-receptor complexes from free receptors using a micro-filter) and the detection function (using a single sensor chip) into a unified, simplified procedure. This integration eliminates the need for multiple sensor chips and complex operational steps, making the process easier to operate while maintaining high detection accuracy
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
This approach enables efficient and cost-effective detection of multiple analytes by separating analyte-receptor complexes from free receptors, improving sensitivity and convenience by using a single sensor chip and reducing the complexity of pretreatment and detection processes.
Implementation Method 1
separation and washing using a magnetic field holding the particles complexed with the analyte and releasing non-complexed molecules
Implementation Method 2
incorporating fluorescent-magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced sensitivity
Implementation Method 3
a micro-filter for filtering the analyte-receptor complex and passing the free receptor that has not been coupled with the analyte
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method and apparatus for detecting analytes, in which an analyte-receptor complex that is formed by a coupling of an analyte and a receptor is separated from a free receptor that has not been coupled with the analyte, to then detect the analyte-receptor complex. The method and apparatus for detecting analytes does not only provide an effect of detecting various substances with a single sensor chip, but also provides advantages of detecting a particular object substance from a sample containing a number of substances and easily amplifying a signal.