Carrier Particle Analyte Detection Without Compartmentalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing digital detection methods require compartmentalization to detect analytes, which is complex and necessitates specialized devices for forming microwells or droplets, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving carrier particles where a complex containing a first capture substance, an analyte, a second capture substance, and a catalyst is formed, and a reaction product is immobilized on these particles, allowing for digital detection without compartmentalization by dispersing the particles in a solution, enabling the detection of one molecule of the analyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compartmentalization is performed to detect analytes individually, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the compartmentalization function from a complex specialized device and transfers it to simple carrier particles. Each carrier particle acts as an independent compartment, eliminating the need for microwell plates or droplet formation devices while maintaining individual analyte detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier particles serve multiple functions: they provide physical compartmentalization, carry capture substances for analyte binding, and enable detection through their physical properties. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate components (compartmentalization device, capture agents, detection system) with a single integrated platform.
2Measurement precision
If compartmentalization is performed using microwells or droplets, then digital detection of analytes is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier particles self-organize into independent compartments when mixed with the sample solution, eliminating the need for manual or automated compartmentalization procedures. The particles naturally distribute themselves in the solution, creating isolated reaction environments for each analyte molecule through simple mixing and incubation steps.
3Measurement precision
If specialized devices for forming microwells or droplets are used, then analyte detection sensitivity is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier particles are pre-prepared with capture substances attached to their surfaces before use. This preliminary functionalization eliminates the need for in-situ compartment formation and capture agent addition during the detection process, allowing direct incubation of particles with sample and significantly reducing detection time.
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 approach simplifies the detection process by eliminating the need for compartmentalization, allowing for efficient detection of analytes in a solution without specialized equipment, while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the catalyst in the complex with a substrate to immobilize a reaction product on each of the carrier particles
Implementation Method 2
forming on each of carrier particles a complex containing a first capture substance capable of binding to an analyte
Implementation Method 3
one molecule of the analyte, a second capture substance capable of binding to the analyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising the steps of: forming on each of carrier particles a complex containing a first capture substance capable of binding to an analyte, one molecule of the analyte, a second capture substance capable of binding to the analyte, and a catalyst; immobilizing a reaction product on each of the carrier particles by reacting the catalyst in the complex with a substrate; and detecting the analyte by detecting the carrier particles on each of which the reaction product is immobilized.