Chromatographic Device for Microorganism Detection Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting target cells in complex samples face challenges due to interference from matrix materials, limiting detection sensitivity, and require complex processes like immunomagnetic separation.
Innovation Solution
A chromatographic device with a porous carrier and a sample preparation method that enriches target cells by moving a liquid sample through a sample-receiving zone to a target cell-binding zone, allowing for subsequent detachment and processing of the cells for detection, enhancing sensitivity and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the matrix-containing sample is diluted to reduce the concentration of inhibitory materials, then the harmful effects of matrix materials are reduced, but the detection sensitivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful matrix materials from the sample through filtration and washing steps, separating them from the target cells. This allows the sample to be processed without dilution, maintaining high detection sensitivity while eliminating inhibitory effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process is segmented into distinct stages: sample preparation with matrix removal, cell enrichment through immunomagnetic separation, and detection. This segmentation allows matrix materials to be removed before the detection phase, resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful factors and maintaining sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If immunomagnetic separation is used to isolate and purify target cells from matrix materials, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the process complexity increases due to automation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic beads coated with specific antibodies as an intermediary tool to bridge the sample and detection system. These beads selectively bind to target cells, enabling simple magnetic separation without complex automated equipment, thus improving sensitivity while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems with a magnetic field-based separation method. By using magnetic beads and a magnetic field, cell isolation is achieved through simple magnetic attraction rather than complex mechanical automation, reducing device complexity while maintaining high sensitivity.
3Ease of operation
If a simple and rapid sample preparation process is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to reduce matrix effects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary matrix removal through filtration and washing steps before the main detection process. This preliminary action eliminates harmful matrix materials in advance, allowing subsequent simple and rapid processing without compromising the ability to reduce matrix effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts matrix materials through simple filtration and washing steps that can be performed manually without complex equipment. This extraction approach maintains ease of operation while effectively removing harmful factors that would otherwise interfere with detection.
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 method effectively enriches target cells relative to non-target cells and other particles, improving detection sensitivity, especially at low concentrations, and allows for easy release and analysis without contamination.
Implementation Method 1
allowing at least a portion of the liquid sample to move longitudinally through the porous carrier from the sample-receiving zone toward the target cell-binding zone
Implementation Method 2
a target cell-binding zone at a second predefined location... to enrich the target cells relative to non-target cells and other particles or molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided. The device comprises a casing comprising an interior, a first opening, and a second opening; and a porous carrier comprising a sample-receiving zone and a target cell-binding zone. The porous carrier defines a first fluid pathway that extends from the sample-receiving zone to the target cell-binding zone. At least portion of the porous carrier is disposed in the interior of the casing. A second fluid pathway comprising a central axis extends through the casing from the first opening and the second opening, the second fluid pathway intersecting the porous carrier at the target cell-binding zone. The central axis is oriented orthogonally with respect to the porous carrier. Methods of using the device to detect a target microorganism are also provided.