Angled Inlet Channel for Biosensor Reaction Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting infectious agents in biological samples are time-consuming, expensive, and often require specialized equipment and expertise, making them unsuitable for real-time monitoring in manufacturing or on-site use, and suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios in biosensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained system using a biosensor reagent with living, engineered lymphocytes expressing antibodies and bioluminescent agents, housed in a test cartridge with a revolved half-ellipse reaction chamber and angled inlet channel, allowing for rapid, real-time detection of infectious agents in biological samples without the need for culturing, and minimizing damage to cells and bubbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional culturing methods are used to test for infectious agents, then detection accuracy is improved, but testing time increases significantly and specialized expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from traditional complex culturing methods by using biosensors that directly detect infectious agents without requiring full bacterial culture growth. This extraction of the core detection capability enables rapid results while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological culturing process with a biosensor-based detection system that uses biological recognition elements (antibodies, aptamers) combined with signal transduction mechanisms to directly detect and quantify infectious agents, eliminating the time-consuming culture step.
2Speed
If biosensors are used for rapid detection, then testing speed is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases making results undependable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite biosensor structures combining multiple functional elements: biological recognition components (antibodies, aptamers) with signal amplification mechanisms (enzymatic labels, fluorescent tags, electrochemical transducers). This composite approach enhances signal strength while maintaining selectivity, improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary sample preparation steps and control mechanisms that are integrated into the biosensor system, including internal controls and signal normalization procedures that occur before final measurement, ensuring high signal-to-noise ratios in rapid testing.
3Productivity
If testing is performed on-site during manufacturing, then productivity is improved by preventing recalls, but device complexity increases requiring portable self-contained systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing system into modular components: disposable test cartridges containing pre-loaded reagents and biosensors, and a portable reader device. This segmentation enables on-site use while simplifying the operational complexity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs self-contained test cartridges that require minimal user intervention, with automated sample processing, reagent delivery, and result interpretation. The system performs its own calibration and quality control, reducing the need for specialized expertise at the point of use.
4Speed
If rapid mixing is performed in the reaction chamber, then detection speed is improved, but cell damage and bubbling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a revolved half-ellipse reaction chamber geometry that creates optimized fluid flow patterns. The curved surfaces guide mixing without creating turbulent eddies or air entrapment, achieving rapid homogeneous mixing while protecting sensitive cells and minimizing bubble formation.
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, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of infectious agents, such as Escherichia coli, in various food samples and other substances, providing high sensitivity and reducing the risk of contamination and false positives.
Implementation Method 1
a biosensor reagent with living, engineered lymphocytes expressing antibodies and bioluminescent agents
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber having a central axis, wherein the reaction chamber has the shape of a revolved half ellipse; and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber, wherein the inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal, and wherein the inlet channel is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber.