Optical Assay Cup Waveguide Centrifugal Analyte Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical and biochemical detection technologies lack sensitivity and specificity, particularly in detecting human pathogens or toxins in food, water, or the environment, and are not capable of efficiently identifying single analytes or distinguishing characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The optical assay apparatus employs an optical assay cup with a light source, detector, and spinning mechanism, utilizing evanescent or darkfield interrogation light to concentrate analytes on a detection coating, enhancing signal generation and detection sensitivity through centrifugal force, allowing for the detection of single analytes or specific characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection technologies are used, then the detection process is simple, but the sensitivity and specificity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into functionally distinct modules: a light source for illumination, a spinning mechanism for centrifugal concentration, a detection coating for analyte capture, and a detector for signal measurement. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high sensitivity through coordinated operation of simple, specialized components rather than a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection coating layer that mediates between the sample fluid and the detector. This coating contains detection elements that convert the presence of analytes into detectable optical signals, enabling sensitive detection without requiring direct interaction between complex detection hardware and the sample.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to detect single analytes or specific characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection coating is applied locally to the inner surface of the waveguide, creating a specialized region with high detection density. This localized detection area enhances the system's ability to detect single analytes or specific characteristics by concentrating detection elements where they are most needed, rather than requiring complex system-wide modifications.
3Measurement precision
If high sensitivity detection is achieved through conventional means, then detection accuracy improves, but detection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration of analytes using centrifugal force before detection occurs. By pre-concentrating the analytes on the detection coating through spinning, the system achieves high detection accuracy without requiring slow, conventional detection methods, thereby maintaining rapid detection speed while improving accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If analyte concentration is increased to improve detection, then detection sensitivity improves, but the ability to detect low concentrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical concentration methods with optical interrogation of the detection coating. By using evanescent wave optics to sense analytes directly on the coating surface, the system achieves high sensitivity for low concentrations without requiring mechanical concentration steps that would increase analyte quantity in a way that compromises detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical assay apparatus and methods are provided having an optical assay cup for detecting analytes in a sample fluid. The cup's sidewall may include an optical waveguide having a detection coating on its inner surface. During use, the waveguide receives evanescent or darkfield interrogation light, interrogates at least part of cup's interior volume with it, and emits signal light as a function of the analytes. The detection coating may have fluid or non-fluid detection layers, at least part of which may form at least part of a waveguide for the interrogation light. The cup may be spun during use, such as to centrifugally-concentrate any high-density analytes towards cup's sidewall. The assay apparatus may further include an interrogation light source, a cover or spinning apparatus for the cup, and an optical detector for the signal light.