Capillary Sample Collector for Lateral Flow Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow-based biological sample collection and diagnosis devices face challenges in efficiently delivering a sufficient sample volume to the test strip, leading to reduced sensitivity and accuracy in biomarker detection.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a capillary sample collector with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic segment, designed to collect a predefined volume of fluid by capillary action and dispense it onto a test strip sample pad with minimal dilution, ensuring optimal sample delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional sample collection device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the sample volume delivered to the test strip is insufficient leading to reduced sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary sample collector is divided into multiple segments with different surface properties (hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections). This segmentation allows the device to collect a predefined volume of sample through capillary action while preventing over-collection, thereby delivering sufficient sample volume to the test strip without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary sample collector utilizes capillary action to automatically collect and deliver the sample from the collection site to the test strip. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic segment structure enables self-regulation of sample volume, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex delivery mechanisms, thus improving sample volume delivery while maintaining device simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If more sample is collected to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity increases, but the sample becomes diluted reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the capillary sample collector are assigned different surface properties: hydrophilic sections promote sample uptake and delivery, while hydrophobic sections prevent over-collection and dilution. This local quality differentiation ensures that the precise volume of sample needed for accurate biomarker detection is delivered without excessive dilution, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and accuracy.
3Speed
If the sample delivery angle is large, then the sample dispenses quickly, but the sample does not reach the sample pad effectively reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing angle between the capillary sample collector and the sample pad is optimized to be less than 10 degrees. This parameter change ensures that the sample is dispensed at an optimal angle for effective transfer to the sample pad, maintaining both adequate dispensing speed and high delivery efficiency, thereby improving sensitivity without sacrificing transfer effectiveness.
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 device effectively collects and delivers a precise volume of biological sample to the test strip, enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of biomarker detection by minimizing sample dilution and ensuring consistent sample flow.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary sample collector, wherein the capillary sample collector has (a) an open distal end configured to collect a fluid sample by capillary action and (b) an open proximal end configured to dispense the fluid sample therefrom
Implementation Method 2
a first length segment of the capillary sample collector includes a hydrophilic internal wall, and the first length segment of the capillary sample collector is distally positioned so as to allow for fluid sample uptake by capillary forces
Implementation Method 3
a second length segment of the capillary sample collector includes a hydrophobic internal wall, and the second length segment of the capillary sample collector is proximally located so as to restrict an amount of fluid collected by the capillary sample collector
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a casing first part; a casing second part; a test strip having a sample pad; and a capillary sample collector, wherein the capillary sample collector has an open distal end configured to collect a fluid sample by capillary action and an open proximal end configured to dispense the fluid sample therefrom, wherein, the device is assembled such that the casing first part and the casing second part are joined, wherein a distal end of the casing first part and a distal end of the casing second part are sealed together in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the sample pad is positioned in proximity to the capillary dispensing end, wherein the dispensing end is positioned such that a dispensed fluid sample will be dispensed onto the sample pad, and wherein a dispensing angle between the dispensing and the sample pad of the test strip is less than 10 degrees.