Centrifugal ELISA Chip Layout for Rapid Point-of-Care Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for ultra-high sensitivity protein or nucleic acid analysis, such as ELISA, require complex setups and are not suitable for rapid analysis outside laboratory or hospital settings, limiting their applicability in small clinics or mass screening.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugally driven analysis chip with distinct flow paths and reagent compartments, including a dry reagent enclosing portion, allows sequential introduction and processing of specimens, washing solutions, and dissolving solutions, enabling rapid analysis by varying centrifugal force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ELISA method is used for ultra-high sensitivity measurement, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase, making it unsuitable for point-of-care settings
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis chip is divided into multiple independent functional modules: specimen introduction portion, washing solution storage portion, dissolving solution storage portion, reaction portion, and multiple flow paths. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex ELISA process to be segmented into manageable steps that can be executed automatically within a single chip, thereby maintaining high sensitivity while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple ELISA steps (specimen introduction, washing, reagent dissolution, and analysis) into a single integrated analysis chip. By merging these functions into one device with automated centrifugal processing, the system achieves ultra-high sensitivity measurement without requiring complex external equipment or multiple separate devices, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If conventional ELISA method is used for ultra-high sensitivity measurement, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but analysis time and operational steps increase, reducing analysis rapidity
Solution Approach 1:
The chip is pre-configured with washing solution and dissolving solution in dedicated storage portions before specimen analysis. The dry reagent is pre-loaded in the reaction portion, and flow paths are pre-established. When a specimen is introduced, the automated centrifugal process immediately begins sequential operations without requiring manual preparation steps, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining ultra-high sensitivity measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The automated centrifugal processing system enables continuous sequential operation: specimen introduction followed immediately by washing, then reagent dissolution, and finally analysis. This continuous automated process eliminates idle time between steps and manual intervention, maintaining measurement sensitivity while dramatically reducing total analysis time compared to conventional step-by-step ELISA procedures
3Measurement precision
If conventional ELISA method is used, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates, requiring laboratory facilities and trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis chip is designed to perform all ELISA operations automatically through centrifugal force application. The chip self-regulates the sequential introduction of specimen, washing solution, and dissolving solution through its integrated flow paths and storage portions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for trained personnel to perform complex manual operations, making ultra-high sensitivity measurement accessible in point-of-care settings while maintaining measurement precision
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 easy and rapid analysis of proteins or nucleic acids at the point of sample collection, simplifying operations and facilitating use in non-laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
by making the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path different from each other in at least one of a cross-sectional area, a length, and hydrophilicity of a flow path inner wall, when a predetermined centrifugal force is applied to the analysis chip: (1) the liquid specimen introduced into the specimen introduction portion is first caused to reach the reaction portion; after the specimen reaches the reaction portion, (2) a washing solution introduced into the washing solution storage portion is caused to reach the reaction portion; and after the washing solution reaches the reaction portion, (3) a solution, in which the dry reagent has been dissolved in a dissolving solution introduced into the dissolving solution storage portion, is caused to reach the reaction portion
Implementation Method 2
different from each other in at least one of a cross-sectional area, a length, and hydrophilicity of a flow path inner wall
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2(1)~2(3)
Figure 3(1)~3(4)
AI summary
An analysis chip includes: a specimen introduction portion into which a liquid specimen containing a protein or nucleic acid is introduced; a washing solution storage portion; a dissolving solution storage portion; a reaction portion provided with an immobilized antibody or nucleic acid; a first flow path that connects the specimen introduction portion and the reaction portion; a second flow path that connects the washing solution storage portion and the reaction portion; and a third flow path that connects the dissolving solution storage portion and the reaction portion and that includes a dry reagent enclosing portion provided midway in the flow path, the dry reagent enclosing portion enclosing a dry reagent containing NADH, a substrate for the enzyme in the enzyme-labeled antibody, thio-NAD, and dehydrogenase. By applying a predetermined centrifugal force to the analysis chip, analysis of a specimen by an ELISA method is performed.