Multi-well Assay Plates with Integrated Electrodes for ECL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-well assay plates are not suited for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) test measurements due to the small size of their wells, which poses challenges for electrode introduction and efficient light collection, especially in higher well concentration formats like 384-well and 1536-well plates.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-well assay plates with integrated electrodes and novel configurations that allow for the measurement of luminescence in multiple wells simultaneously, using working, counter, and reference electrodes, along with dielectric materials to confine assay reagents, enabling efficient light collection and ECL measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-well assay plates with higher well concentration formats (384-well and 1536-well plates) are used to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but the small size of wells makes electrode introduction and light collection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the plate bottom into multiple independently addressable electrode sectors that correspond to different well groups. Each sector can be independently activated and measured, allowing the system to handle high-density wells by processing them in manageable segments rather than attempting to address all wells simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional flow-cell-based ECL measurement to a plate-based format where electrodes are integrated directly into the plate bottom. This dimensional change allows simultaneous spatial addressing of multiple wells while maintaining adequate electrode-well geometry for efficient light collection, even in high-density formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard multi-well assay plates are used, then compatibility with existing plate handling equipment is maintained, but the wells are too small for efficient ECL measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the plate bottom and the electrode support structure into a single integrated component. The plate bottom itself serves as the electrode carrier, eliminating the need for separate flow cells or external measurement chambers while maintaining compatibility with standard plate handling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate bottom is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wells, acts as the electrode carrier, and enables ECL measurement. This multi-functional design allows the same plate format to be used for both sample handling and ECL detection without requiring specialized equipment.
3Measurement precision
If permanent reusable flow cells are used for ECL measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but assay throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of the ECL measurement capability by integrating electrodes into each well or group of wells on the plate bottom. Instead of using a single reusable flow cell for sequential measurements, multiple identical measurement zones are available simultaneously, enabling parallel processing of multiple samples while maintaining the measurement quality of individual well analysis.
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 solution enhances the speed, efficiency, and quality of ECL measurements by allowing simultaneous processing of multiple samples, reducing the need for external measurement cells, and improving optical collection efficiencies, while maintaining compatibility with standard plate handling equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Species that can be induced to emit ECL (ECL-active species) have been used as ECL labels... The light generated by ECL labels can be used as a reporter signal in diagnostic procedures
Implementation Method 2
The invention also relates to novel configurations and materials for electrodes and electrical contacts in assay modules... dielectric materials to confine assay reagents
Data Source
AI summary
Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.