Capillary Substrate with Fluorescent Markers for Fertility Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fertility testing methods are cumbersome and costly, leading to infrequent and delayed identification of fertility conditions, which can impact treatment quality and statistical overview.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system comprising a preparation device with a capillary network substrate and fluorescent, reflective, or self-luminescent markers that bind with target biomolecules, allowing for simple and efficient measurement of biomolecule concentrations in bodily fluids, enabling self-testing and reducing the need for medical professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used for fertility testing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory testing systems with a simplified optical measurement system. The diagnostic apparatus uses an optical sensor to detect fluorescent markers on the substrate, eliminating the need for complex mechanical processing equipment while maintaining measurement precision for fertility indicators like AMH.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the complex laboratory testing process using a substrate with capillary network that replicates the essential function of laboratory assays in a reduced form factor. The substrate contains fluorescent markers that copy the detection function of complex laboratory equipment, enabling point-of-care testing without requiring full laboratory infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing procedures are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to cumbersome testing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex laboratory testing process into discrete functional components: the substrate with capillary network handles sample transport and marker binding, while the optical sensor handles detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables rapid testing by eliminating the need for complex multi-step laboratory procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is pre-loaded with fluorescent markers and capillary networks during manufacturing, performing preliminary preparation of the testing medium. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming in-lab preparation steps, allowing users to simply apply the substrate to the sample and read results immediately.
3Reliability
If complex laboratory testing is performed, then reliability of fertility testing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service testing by designing the substrate to perform all necessary testing functions automatically. The capillary network automatically transports the sample, the fluorescent markers automatically bind to target biomolecules, and the optical sensor automatically detects and quantifies the markers. This eliminates the need for medically trained personnel to perform complex laboratory procedures while maintaining reliable testing results.
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
This system allows for efficient, cost-effective, and regular testing of fertility indicators like AMH, enabling early stage identification and improved treatment outcomes by simplifying the measurement process and enabling self-testing.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate with a capillary network configured to transport the probe of a bodily fluid along the substrate
Implementation Method 2
The substrate is provided with a fluorescent, reflective or self-luminescent marker adapted to bind with a target biomolecule to emit a reaction radiation, eventually, when excited by an excitation source
Implementation Method 3
a fluorescent, reflective or self-luminescent marker adapted to bind with a target biomolecule to emit a reaction radiation
Implementation Method 4
a fluorescent, reflective or self-luminescent marker adapted to bind with a target biomolecule to emit a reaction radiation, eventually, when excited by an excitation source
Data Source
AI summary
A preparation device for preparing a sample for measurement of a target biomolecule in a probe of a bodily fluid is disclosed that includes a substrate with a capillary network configured to transport the probe of the bodily fluid along the substrate. The substrate may be provided with a fluorescent, reflective or self-luminescent marker adapted to bind with the target biomolecule to emit a reaction radiation when excited by an excitation source. The fluorescent, reflective or self-luminescent marker is adapted, when bound to the target biomolecule and excited by the excitation source, together with the target biomolecule to emit the reaction radiation at an intensity proportional to a quantity of the target biomolecule in the probe of the bodily fluid.