Array-Based Assay Sample Concentration via Vacuum Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid phase array-based biological assays face inefficiencies due to time-consuming diffusion of target components and sample evaporation issues, particularly when detecting low target concentrations, leading to nonuniform results in batch assays.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying a liquid sample on a solid substrate with a non-fouling polymer layer and reducing atmospheric pressure to evaporate most of the liquid, followed by contacting the substrate with binding agents to detect target molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid phase array-based assay is used to detect target molecules, then the assay can be performed with simple sample application, but the diffusion process is time consuming and inefficient resulting in long assay duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum to evaporate the liquid sample, transitioning it from liquid phase to vapor phase, thereby concentrating the target molecules on the array substrate. This phase transition eliminates the need for lengthy diffusion processes while maintaining ease of sample application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs sample concentration through vacuum evaporation before the actual binding assay. This preliminary action of removing solvent and concentrating analytes in advance significantly reduces the subsequent assay time while keeping the initial sample application simple.
2Measurement precision
If liquid phase array-based assay is used to detect low target concentration, then the assay can identify trace targets, but large sample volume is required which increases evaporation risk
Solution Approach 1:
By applying vacuum to evaporate the liquid sample and concentrate the target molecules onto the array substrate, the method achieves high detection sensitivity for low target concentrations while requiring only minimal sample volume, thereby eliminating the need for large volumes that would be prone to evaporation.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are tested in batch format with sequential loading, then the assay can process multiple samples efficiently, but significant time lapse between samples causes evaporation and nonuniform results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum evaporation to rapidly remove solvent from each sample, concentrating target molecules onto the array substrate. This rapid concentration process occurs uniformly across all samples in the batch, eliminating evaporation-related nonuniformities that would otherwise occur during sequential loading time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum evaporation process continuously acts on all samples in the batch simultaneously, maintaining consistent processing conditions across all samples. This continuous action ensures uniform concentration and eliminates the time-lapse issues inherent in sequential processing methods.
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 reduces assay time, increases target capture efficiency, and maintains sample stability for extended periods, minimizing evaporation-related nonuniformities and allowing for flexible sample loading in batch processes.
Implementation Method 1
decreasing the atmospheric pressure surrounding the solid substrate containing the portion of the liquid sample for a time sufficient for a majority of the liquid to evaporate from the portion of the liquid sample applied to the solid substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for detecting a target molecule in a liquid sample. The methods described herein comprise applying at least a portion of the liquid sample on a solid substrate that comprises a non-fouling polymer layer, decreasing the atmospheric pressure surrounding the solid substrate containing the portion of the liquid sample for a time sufficient for a majority of the liquid to evaporate from the portion of the liquid sample applied to the solid substrate, contacting the liquid sample with one or more binding agents that binds to the target molecule after the majority of the liquid has evaporated from the liquid sample, and detecting the presence of the one or more binding agents on the solid substrate, wherein the presence of the one or more binding agents indicates the presence of the target molecule in the liquid sample.