Analyte Detection Using Multi-Particle Complexes and Centrifugal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assays for detecting analytes in samples are often costly, time-consuming, technically complex, and difficult to scale up for large sample sizes or numbers, limiting their effectiveness in biomedical, veterinary, and environmental sciences.
Innovation Solution
The use of particles with different physico-chemical properties, such as buoyancy, size, density, and spectral characteristics, in solution-based sandwich and competition assays to rapidly and quantitatively detect analytes by forming multi-particle complexes and applying centrifugal force for separation, allowing for the detection of remaining particles indicative of analyte presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional assays (ELISA, immunoprecipitation) are used for analyte detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the assays become costly, time-consuming, and difficult to scale up
Solution Approach 1:
The assay is divided into distinct functional components: magnetic particles for capture, fluorescently labeled detection particles, and separation media. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables parallel processing of multiple samples, significantly increasing throughput while reducing assay time.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as intermediaries that bridge the sample and detection system. They concentrate analytes from large sample volumes and present them to detection particles, enabling rapid processing of multiple samples without sacrificing sensitivity or accuracy.
2Reliability
If conventional assays are used for analyte detection, then reliable results are obtained, but technical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection step is extracted and simplified by using fluorescently labeled particles that provide direct visual or instrumental readout. This eliminates complex signal amplification steps and multi-step washing procedures required in conventional ELISA, reducing technical complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluorescently labeled particles provide a simple, reliable signal that can be detected by standard fluorescence readers or even visual inspection. This color-based detection method simplifies the assay protocol and reduces the technical expertise required compared to conventional enzymatic detection methods.
3Measurement precision
If conventional assays are used for analyte detection, then accurate quantification is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assay uses disposable magnetic particles and fluorescently labeled detection particles that can be prepared in bulk at low cost. These single-use components eliminate the need for expensive reusable reagents and equipment consumables associated with conventional assays, reducing overall cost while maintaining quantification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection method transitions from enzymatic color development (ELISA) to fluorescent labeling, changing the detection parameter from absorbance to fluorescence intensity. This parameter change enables the use of cheaper reagents while providing equivalent or superior quantification accuracy through more sensitive detection.
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 rapid, qualitative, and quantitative detection of analytes, improving assay efficiency and scalability, making it suitable for various scientific fields by simplifying the detection process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
particles are capable of forming multi-particle complexes comprising a first particle, a second particle, and an analyte
Implementation Method 2
removing multi-particle complexes formed upon said mixing from said suspension
Implementation Method 3
particles having different physico-chemical properties, such as buoyancy, size, density
Implementation Method 4
the first and/or second particles scatter light or comprise a detectable color
Implementation Method 5
the first and/or second particles comprise a label (e.g., fluorescent label)
Implementation Method 6
the first particles comprise a donor chromophore and the second particles comprise an acceptor chromophore, or vice verse, wherein the donor and acceptor chromophores are suitable for detecting interaction between the first and second particles by means of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods of detecting analytes using particles having different physico-chemical properties, such as buoyancy, size, density, spectral characteristics, and/or binding properties, in solution-based sandwich assays and solution-based competition assays. The methods can be performed using rotors and bench-top centrifuges and provide for rapid, qualitative and quantitative detection of analytes. The present invention also provides kits that can be used to perform the methods, and mixtures containing particles suitable for the methods.