Assay Cartridge with Pump-Driven Plasma Separation and Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic systems are limited in analyzing multiple biomarkers from a single patient sample, relying on capillary separation and optical analysis, which restricts detection methodology and requires multiple cards for each biomarker.
Innovation Solution
An assay cartridge with a housing, filtration membrane, reagent injection section, valves, metering chambers, and mixing channels that separates plasma from whole blood, mixes it with a reagent, and delivers a homogeneous mixture for analysis, enabling the detection of multiple biomarkers from a single sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cards are used for each biomarker, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single assay card capable of detecting multiple biomarkers through parallel reaction channels. Each channel is equipped with specific capture antibodies for different biomarkers, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in one sample without requiring multiple separate cards, thus achieving multi-functionality and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assay card is divided into multiple independent reaction channels, each dedicated to detecting a specific biomarker. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different biomarkers within a single card, improving detection capability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If capillary separation is used, then simplicity is maintained, but detection methodology is limited to optical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pump system to provide pressurized fluid flow through the assay card, replacing passive capillary separation. This active fluid control enables versatile detection methodologies including ELISA, chemiluminescence, and other non-optical techniques while maintaining ease of operation through automated pumping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical capillary action system with a pump-driven hydraulic system. This substitution provides greater control over fluid flow rates and timing, enabling more diverse detection methodologies while preserving operational simplicity through automated control.
3Productivity
If a single card is used for multiple biomarkers, then productivity is improved, but mixing precision and homogeneity become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-mixed reagent reservoirs and pre-coated capture antibody channels within the assay card. Sample and reagents are introduced in a controlled sequence, with mixing occurring in dedicated chambers before detection. This preliminary preparation ensures precise mixing ratios and homogeneous distribution across all reaction channels, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling high productivity.
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 comprehensive analysis of multiple biomarkers, such as five cardiac biomarkers, in a single step, providing a more precise diagnosis without the need for multiple cards or readings.
Implementation Method 1
delivered from the at least one metering chamber to the at least one mixing channel via application of pressurized fluid into the housing via the at least one port
Implementation Method 2
a filtration membrane provided in the housing for separating plasma from the test sample
Data Source
AI summary
An assay cartridge for mixing a test sample and reagent for diagnostic purposes, and method of using the same. The assay cartridge includes a housing, an injection port for receiving the test sample (whole blood), a filtration membrane for separating plasma from the sample, a section for receipt of reagent, and one or more sets of valves provided in the housing. Each valve is configured for movement between an open position and a closed position. Metering chambers are provided in the housing for receiving separated plasma and the reagent therein. A port is fluidly connected to each metering chamber and uses to draw air from or deliver pressurized fluid into the housing. Mixing channels are provided in the housing and selectively connected to the metering chambers for mixing the separated plasma and reagent into a substantially homogeneous mixture. The homogeneous mixture is delivered out of the housing through output ports.