Biosensor Magneto-Capillary Valve Interference Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biosensor systems face challenges in accurately detecting target components in biological samples due to interference from other molecules, leading to unreliable results.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor system utilizing a microfluidic device with magneto-capillary valves and magnetic particles to separate and remove interfering components using purification particles, allowing detection particles to bind target components with high accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional biosensor systems are used to detect target components in biological samples, then detection can be performed, but interfering components cause unreliable results and reduce measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinterference from other molecules

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The biosensor system divides the detection process into separate functional chambers: a purification chamber for removing interfering components and a detection chamber for measuring target components. This spatial segmentation allows independent optimization of purification and detection functions, eliminating interference before measurement occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Interfering components are extracted from the biological sample using magnetic beads functionalized with specific binding agents in the purification chamber. The magnetic beads selectively bind to interfering molecules, allowing them to be separated and removed from the sample before detection, thereby eliminating the harmful interference effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If magnetic particles are used to separate interfering components, then purification efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional chambers and magneto-capillary valves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurification efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of chambers and valves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical pumping and valve systems with magneto-capillary valves that use magnetic field gradients to control fluid flow. Magnetic beads respond to applied magnetic fields, enabling automated transport through the device without mechanical actuators, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining high purification efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magneto-capillary valves utilize the magnetic properties of the beads themselves to drive flow control. When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetic beads automatically move through the valve, carrying the purified sample with them. This self-propelled mechanism eliminates the need for external pumps and complex valve mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If purification particles are added to bind interfering components, then detection reliability improves, but loss of time occurs during the purification step

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidpurification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The purification process uses periodic application of magnetic fields to rapidly bind interfering components to magnetic beads, then rapidly separate them using magneto-capillary valves. This periodic cycling of binding and separation phases accelerates the purification process while ensuring complete removal of interferents, reducing total purification time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic beads serve as intermediary carriers that rapidly bind to interfering components through specific interactions. The magnetic field acts as an intermediary force to quickly concentrate and transport these bead-interferent complexes through the magneto-capillary valve, accelerating the purification process while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system enables robust and reliable detection of target components by effectively removing interfering components, improving the accuracy and reliability of biosensor assays.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic particles can be moved by magnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic forces: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

magnetically responsive substances, e.g. magnetic beads, can actively be transferred through the valve by the application of magnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic forces: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10307759B2Biosensor for the detection of target components in a sample

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS NEDERLAND BV

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a biosensor system (300) for the detection of target components (TC) in a biological sample. In a preferred embodiment, magnetic purification particles (PP) are added to the sample that can bind interfering components (IC) (if present) which interfere with the detection process. The purification particles (PP) with bound interfering components (IC) may be removed from the sample and transferred through a magneto-capillary valve (MCV1) into a waste chamber (320).