Analyte Detection Microcapsules With Dry Reagents and Barrier Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methodologies for detecting and quantitating analytes in samples require elaborate protocols, are difficult to handle, and do not allow for easy storage or transportation of microcapsules, as they often necessitate in-situ generation of droplets or capsules that are not prefabricated.
Innovation Solution
A microcapsule design comprising dry state reagents separated by a barrier, such as an impermeable core, within a porous hydrophilic matrix, allowing easy manufacture, storage, and use, with capture agents attached to the shell for specific binding of analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If emulsion techniques are used to create microcapsules for analyte detection, then the quality of assays is improved through defined confinement for biochemical reactions, but the stability of the emulsion deteriorates requiring complex combinations of emulsifiers and proteins
Solution Approach 1:
The microcapsule is segmented into distinct functional zones: a hydrophobic core containing dry reagents separated from the aqueous environment by a barrier layer, and a porous hydrophilic matrix providing structural support and analyte access. This segmentation allows each component to function optimally without interfering with others, achieving reliable assays without complex emulsion stabilizers
Solution Approach 2:
A barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the hydrophobic core containing dry reagents and the hydrophilic porous matrix. This intermediate barrier prevents premature contact between reagents and aqueous environment while allowing controlled interaction, eliminating the need for complex emulsifier combinations to maintain stability
2Ease of operation
If in-situ generation of droplets is required for detection methodologies, then the detection of analytes can be performed, but the ease of manufacture and handling deteriorates requiring elaborate protocols
Solution Approach 1:
Reagents are pre-loaded in dry state within the hydrophobic core during microcapsule fabrication, and the barrier layer is pre-formed to seal them. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex in-situ droplet generation protocols during use, as the microcapsules are ready-to-use with all components pre-positioned and protected
Solution Approach 2:
The microcapsule utilizes phase transition parameters - the hydrophobic core maintains reagents in dry state at storage temperature, and upon heating to a transition temperature, the barrier layer becomes permeable allowing reagents to dissolve and react. This parameter change enables simple handling and manufacture without elaborate protocols
3Productivity
If microcapsules are designed with aqueous reagents for analyte detection, then the detection reaction can proceed, but the storage and transportation capability deteriorates due to stability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The microcapsule employs phase transition of water - reagents are stored in dry state (no free water) within the hydrophobic core, preventing degradation during storage. Upon heating to the transition temperature, water penetrates through the barrier layer, dissolves reagents, and enables the detection reaction to proceed efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic core creates an inert, water-free environment for storing reagents, protecting them from degradation. The barrier layer maintains this inert environment during storage and transportation, while allowing controlled water penetration when heating is applied to initiate the detection reaction
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
The microcapsules enable easy handling, storage, and transportation, facilitating efficient detection and quantitation of analytes through simple exposure to a sample, followed by a reaction in a non-aqueous environment, generating a signal only if the analyte is present.
Implementation Method 1
a porous matrix surrounding said reagents, said porous matrix having means to receive an analyte to be detected and/or quantitated
Implementation Method 2
wherein said dry state reagents are separated from said porous matrix by a barrier, e.g. at least one barrier layer encompassing said reagents
Implementation Method 3
said microcapsule is heated to a transition temperature, wherein said heating causes said barrier layer to become permeable
Implementation Method 4
heating causes said barrier layer to become permeable, thereby allowing said liquid sample to come into contact with said reagents
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microcapsule for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a sample. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of detecting and/quantitating an analyte in a sample using said microcapsule. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of preparing microcapsules for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a sample.