Asymmetric Filter Membrane for Sample Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample processing for lateral flow immunoassays is time-consuming, requires trained professionals, and expensive equipment, making it difficult for laypeople to perform at home or in the field.
Innovation Solution
A sample filtration device comprising a flexible container, cap, asymmetric filter, support component, and adhesive layer, which allows for easy assembly and operation, enabling laypeople to filter samples using a simple squeezing mechanism, compatible with various pressurization devices and test cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sample processing equipment and procedures are used, then sample processing accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a flexible container for sample holding, a cap with integrated filtration mechanism, and a test cartridge interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system reliability for accurate sample processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container is designed to be manually squeezable by the user, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex pressurization systems. The user's manual squeezing action directly drives fluid through the filtration and testing components, simplifying the device while maintaining processing accuracy.
2Productivity
If traditional centrifugation equipment is used, then cell separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration function is extracted from complex centrifugation equipment and integrated directly into the cap component. The asymmetric filter membrane performs cell separation through simple pressure-driven flow, achieving productive cell separation without requiring expensive centrifuges or complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
An asymmetric porous filter membrane is integrated into the cap structure, enabling efficient cell separation through its pore structure. The porous material allows plasma to pass through while retaining cells, achieving effective separation without complex equipment.
3Ease of operation
If manual squeezing of flexible container is used, then ease of operation is improved, but applied pressure control precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing the user to apply varying pressure levels by controlling the squeezing force. The flexible material naturally adapts to the applied force, providing intuitive pressure control that maintains operational simplicity while achieving sufficient precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows pressure parameters to be dynamically adjusted by the user through manual squeezing intensity. The flexible container's compliance enables continuous pressure variation, allowing users to optimize pressure levels for different sample types and testing requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Facilitates rapid and cost-effective sample processing, allowing for reliable at-home or in-field testing, reducing the need for specialized equipment and training, while ensuring efficient separation of cells from plasma for accurate diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
an asymmetric filter in fluid communication with the one or more inlet holes and configured to filter the sample into a filtrate
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer configured to join the filter to the cap or the support component
Data Source
AI summary
Sample filtration devices are provided. The devices can comprise a filter membrane positioned between an input and output substrate and joined using an adhesive layer. The filter assembly can be used with various sample collection and dispensing devices, such as a flexible container, a bulb pipette, a micropipette, etc. Applying pressure to the filter assembly, e.g., using a flexible container, a bulb pipette or a micropipette can force the fluid through the filter membrane and onto a test strip or cartridge.