Analyte Dosing via Cyclic Magnetic Field and Optical Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assaying analytes in a liquid medium have limitations in detection sensitivity and robustness, particularly in determining the presence and concentration of analytes with low concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of magnetic particles functionalized with specific ligands, where a magnetic field is applied cyclically to form clusters, and the optical density is measured before and after each cycle, allowing for the calculation of a limiting value for infinite magnetic field application, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing detection limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnetic field is applied continuously for a long duration to ensure complete reaction between analyte and ligands, then the reaction completeness is improved, but the measurement signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to particle settling and parasitic phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic magnetic field cycles instead of continuous application. Each cycle includes a magnetic field phase for particle aggregation and a zero-field phase for particle redistribution. This periodic action maintains reaction progress while preventing particle settling at the bottom, thereby preserving signal-to-noise ratio throughout the incubation period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements at multiple time points during the incubation process. By measuring optical density at several intermediate stages rather than waiting for complete reaction, the system captures kinetic information while particles are still well-distributed in suspension, avoiding the noise associated with prolonged incubation.
2Measurement precision
If the magnetic field application time is extended to improve detection sensitivity, then the detection limit is reduced, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by overlapping multiple measurement cycles. While particles are incubating with analyte, the system continuously performs magnetic field applications and optical measurements at optimized intervals. This allows accumulation of signal information throughout the incubation period without idle time, improving detection sensitivity within the same total time frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual sequential measurements with automated cyclic measurement systems. The automated system rapidly alternates between magnetic field application and optical detection, capturing kinetic data points continuously. This mechanical automation reduces measurement time while maintaining or improving detection sensitivity through increased data points.
3Device complexity
If conventional agglutination methods are used without magnetic field, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection limit is higher and measurement precision is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as an intermediary between the analyte and the detection system. These magnetic particles functionalized with ligands serve as mediators that amplify the detection signal through magnetic field-controlled aggregation. The magnetic field acts as a controllable intermediary force that enhances particle aggregation visibility without requiring complex additional equipment beyond standard optical 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 significantly lowers the detection limit by a factor of at least five and enhances the robustness of the assay method by improving the signal-to-noise ratio and filtering out parasitic phenomena, enabling more precise determination of analyte concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
applying a magnetic field to a liquid medium containing the analyte to be assayed and magnetic particles functionalized on the surface with specific ligands of the analyte to be assayed. The magnetic field has sufficient intensity to cause the formation of chains or clusters of magnetic particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for dosing an analyte in a liquid medium using magnetic particles functionalised by ligands specific to the analyte to be dosed, wherein the method comprises applying on a liquid medium a magnetic field during a period several times smaller to that of the reaction between the analyte to be dosed and the magnetic particle ligands, measuring the optical density of the liquid medium after the application of the magnetic field, repeating several time the cycle that comprises applying the magnetic field and measuring the optical density during the reaction period between the analyte and the ligands, calculating b extrapolation a limit value of the variation in the optical density for an infinite time of application of the magnetic field, and deriving therefrom the concentration of the analyte in the liquid medium.