Cell-Based Biomolecule Detection Through Microfluidic Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomolecule detection methods suffer from low sensitivity, high costs, and long procedure durations, limiting their ability to efficiently detect multiple types of biomolecules simultaneously and accurately diagnose diseases.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the interaction of biomolecules with cells that change specific properties, detected using microfluidic channels, allowing for high-throughput, real-time detection of biomolecules by mechanical characterization and fluorescence analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ELISA is used for biomolecule detection, then the method is widely applicable, but the sensitivity is insufficient and signal to background noise level is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple independent steps: initial ELISA screening followed by immunofluorescence confirmation. This segmentation allows each method to optimize for its strength - ELISA for throughput and immunofluorescence for sensitivity - thereby resolving the contradiction between wide applicability and detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary step using immunofluorescence between the initial ELISA detection and final confirmation. This intermediary method acts as a bridge that enhances sensitivity and reduces background noise by providing visual confirmation of positive ELISA results through fluorescent labeling, thus resolving the measurement precision issue.
2Reliability
If complex multi-step screening strategies combining ELISA with immunofluorescence are used, then sensitivity is improved, but the procedure duration increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing ELISA screening on all samples first to identify positive candidates before proceeding to the more time-consuming immunofluorescence step. This preliminary filtering reduces the number of samples requiring full multi-step analysis, thereby maintaining high sensitivity while improving overall productivity by avoiding unnecessary extended procedures on negative samples.
3Ease of operation
If ELISA is used for biomolecule detection, then the method is simple to operate, but the detection accuracy for multiple biomolecule types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system where the initial ELISA step serves multiple functions: it screens for multiple different biomolecule types simultaneously and identifies candidates for further analysis. The subsequent immunofluorescence step then provides type-specific confirmation. This multi-functional approach maintains ease of operation through a standardized workflow while achieving high detection accuracy for multiple biomolecule types.
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 high diagnostic accuracy, high sensitivity, and reproducible detection of multiple biomolecules in a sample, providing insights into disease pathogenesis and treatment options.
Implementation Method 1
The biomolecule to be detected is combined with a cell, wherein the cell is arranged for changing at least one of its properties upon interaction with the biomolecule to be detected
Implementation Method 2
The change in the property of the cell is detected using a microfluidic channel, wherein the cell is transported through a constriction in the microfluidic channel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of detecting biomolecules in a sample, the method comprising: adding cells to the sample, the cells being arranged so that the biomolecules to be detected can interact with the cells to thus change one or more properties of the cells, detecting the properties of the cells, and comparing the detected properties with reference values to infer the presence or absence and/or concentration of the biomolecules.