Blotting Membrane Holder With Vacuum Flow Distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biological entities on blotting membranes are time-consuming and require large volumes of reagents, with existing systems being cumbersome and inefficient, particularly in washing steps.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a blotting membrane holder with a porous support layer and a flow distributor, sealed with a pliable layer to ensure uniform flow, utilizing vacuum or positive pressure for efficient reagent application and washing, allowing for low-volume liquid use and rapid detection within 30-45 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual washing and incubation methods are used on rocking platforms, then thorough washing and binding are achieved, but the process takes 3-6 hours to overnight and consumes large volumes of reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum pressure to draw wash solutions and reagents through the membrane rapidly, replacing traditional gravity-based or manual washing methods. This pneumatic approach reduces processing time from hours to minutes while maintaining thorough washing through controlled vacuum pressure that ensures complete liquid penetration and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the washing process by applying vacuum pressure (typically 20-60 inches Hg) and controlling flow rates, transforming the slow passive diffusion-based washing into rapid active suction-based washing. This parameter change maintains detection sensitivity while reducing time from 3-6+ hours to 5-15 minutes per wash cycle.
2Reliability
If large volumes of reagents are used for washing and incubation, then complete coverage and thorough washing are ensured, but reagent consumption and waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system allows precise control of reagent flow, enabling complete membrane coverage and thorough washing with minimal reagent volumes. The vacuum pressure ensures that small volumes of reagent are evenly distributed across the entire membrane surface and that wash solutions are completely removed, achieving reliable washing with reduced reagent consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum-driven system automatically draws reagents through the membrane and removes excess liquid without requiring manual intervention for pouring, draining, or wiping. This self-service approach ensures consistent, thorough washing while minimizing reagent waste through precise volume control and complete liquid removal.
3Productivity
If capillary action with filter paper is used to speed up washing, then washing speed improves, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires large volumes of liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex capillary action system with a simple vacuum manifold that connects directly to the membrane holder. This pneumatic system provides controlled, uniform suction across the entire membrane surface, achieving rapid washing without the cumbersome filter paper assemblies and large liquid volumes required by capillary methods.
4Productivity
If vacuum pressure is applied for reagent application, then processing time is reduced and reagent volume is minimized, but control over liquid flow becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum manifold system incorporates pressure regulation mechanisms that provide feedback control of liquid flow. The vacuum pressure is maintained within optimal ranges (20-60 inches Hg) to ensure consistent reagent application and washing without flooding or insufficient flow, making the system easy to operate despite the high speeds achieved.
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 efficient detection of biological entities on blotting membranes by reducing the time required for blocking, washing, and antibody binding steps while minimizing reagent consumption, maintaining blot quality.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing vacuum or positive pressure for efficient reagent application and washing
Implementation Method 2
utilizing vacuum or positive pressure for efficient reagent application and washing
Implementation Method 3
sealed with a pliable layer to ensure uniform flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.