Assay Device Bubble-Forming Means for Visual Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assay devices, especially those used for home or point-of-care applications, face challenges in providing unambiguous results due to variable signal strengths, leading to potential misinterpretation, and often require electronic components that are costly and environmentally unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a gas-generating reaction to alter fluid flow, providing a binary or digital outcome without the need for electronic components, by contacting the liquid sample with a binding reagent and a second reagent that form bubbles upon interaction, altering the flow path and indicating the presence or amount of an analyte visually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual read assay devices are used, then cost is reduced and device simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variable signal strength requiring interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a colorimetric detection system where the assay result is indicated by a visible color change in the liquid sample. The binding reagent contains a pH-sensitive dye that changes color when it binds to the analyte, providing a clear visual signal that eliminates interpretation ambiguity while maintaining low device cost and simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If electronic digital devices are used, then measurement precision is improved by providing unambiguous results, but device complexity increases due to required electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic detection systems with a purely chemical-mechanical system. The binding reagent directly produces a visible color change signal through chemical reaction with the analyte, eliminating the need for photodetectors, light sources, power sources, electronic circuits, and digital displays while providing clear unambiguous results.
3Measurement precision
If electronic components are used in assay devices, then measurement precision is improved, but environmental harm increases due to disposal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable assay device with no electronic components, made entirely from chemically active reagents and simple structural elements. The device is single-use and can be discarded after one test without environmental concern from electronic waste, while still providing accurate results through the colorimetric chemical reaction system.
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 solution provides an unequivocal and cost-effective assay result that is environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for electronic components and allowing for a clear, visually detectable 'yes' or 'no' outcome, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the liquid sample with a gas generating means, which gas generating means forms a gas which creates one or more bubbles in the liquid sample which acts to alter the flow of liquid along a flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for determining the presence and/or amount Oran analyte of interest in a liquid sample comprising the steps of: contacting the liquid sample suspected of containing analyte with a gas generating means (eg. catalase and peracid or peroxygen compound), which gas generating means forms a gas dependent upon the presence, absence or amount of analyte, which gas creates one or more bubbles in the liquid sample which act to alter the flow of liquid along a flow path; and determining an alteration of flow in the liquid wherein the alteration of flow of liquid along the flow path is indicative of the presence and/or amount of analyte in the liquid sample.