Assay Device Viscosity Biomarker Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing diseases causing inflammatory responses, such as sepsis, are complex and time-consuming, often leading to delayed treatment due to the need for multiple tests and prolonged processing of biological samples.

Innovation Solution

An assay device combining a physical detection unit for measuring viscosity and a biomarker detection unit, integrated with a filter and optionally a molecular amplification unit, which can analyze biological fluid samples directly to provide immediate results by measuring viscosity and detecting biomarkers like Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and other markers simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate tests are conducted to diagnose inflammatory diseases, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but diagnosis time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate diagnostic tests into a single integrated assay device that simultaneously measures viscosity and detects multiple biomarkers (such as procalcitonin, CRP, cytokines) in one blood sample, eliminating the need for multiple separate tests and reducing total diagnosis time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The assay device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various diagnostic measurements including viscosity measurement, biomarker detection, and inflammatory response assessment using a single device and single sample, thereby reducing the time required to conduct multiple separate tests while maintaining diagnostic reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If complex sample processing procedures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomarker detection precisionVSAvoidsample processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an integrated filter at the sample introduction point that automatically performs preliminary filtration of the blood sample as it enters the system, eliminating the need for separate manual filtration steps and reducing processing time while maintaining sample integrity for accurate biomarker detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The assay device performs self-service sample processing through automated filtration and direct analysis capabilities, where the sample is filtered and analyzed in sequence without requiring external intervention or complex preprocessing steps, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 rapid and accurate diagnosis of inflammatory diseases in a clinical setting, reducing the need for prior sample processing and multiple tests, allowing for timely treatment decisions.

Implementation Method 1

a physical detection unit for measuring a viscosity of a biological fluid sample wherein the physical detection unit measures the rate of movement of the biological fluid sample along a channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity measurement: Viscometer

Implementation Method 2

the assay device further comprises a filter located at or near to a fluid introducing portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3423825B1Assay device measuring viscosity and detecting or measuring a biomarker
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 SEPSENSE LTD
  • EP3423825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3423825B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3423825B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An assay device for use with samples of biological fluid, the assay device comprising: a physical detection unit for measuring a viscosity of a biological fluid sample; and a biomarker detection unit for detecting and/or measuring a biomarker in the biological fluid sample, wherein the physical detection unit and the biomarker detection unit act together as part of an assay process.