Colored Container Wall for Luminescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory tests in microcontainers face challenges in visually distinguishing between identical containers and interference with optical detection due to labels, which can obscure light from luminescent reactions, reducing detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
Using colored containers with a coloring agent on the walls that allows for instantaneous visual identification while minimizing interference with luminescent reaction detection, as the color absorbs external light but allows most of the emitted light to pass through to detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If labels are applied to reaction tubes to identify contents, then visual identification is improved, but light transmission for luminescence detection is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes principle by incorporating coloring agents directly into the container walls to create visually distinguishable colored containers. This allows instant visual identification of container contents and type without requiring separate labels, while the coloring agents are positioned and formulated to minimize interference with luminescence detection. The color-coded system enables rapid visual recognition while maintaining optical transparency where needed.
2Ease of operation
If colored containers are used for visual identification, then ease of operation is improved, but light transmission may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principle by strategically positioning coloring agents in specific regions of the container walls rather than uniformly throughout. The coloring agents are concentrated in areas that do not directly interfere with the optical path between the reaction mixture and detector. This localized coloring provides visual identification while preserving light transmission quality in the critical detection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes principle by optimizing the concentration, type, and distribution of coloring agents to achieve the right balance between visual identification and light transmission. The coloring agents are formulated and positioned to provide sufficient color intensity for visual recognition while maintaining adequate transparency for luminescence detection, with over 50% of emitted light being detected.
3Reliability
If permanent ink labels are used to prevent washing off, then reliability is improved, but they still interfere with optical detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the separate label component entirely and integrating the identification function directly into the container structure through coloring agents. This eliminates the need for additional labels that would block light, while the colored containers themselves provide durable, permanent visual identification. The identification function is extracted from the label and embedded in the container wall material.
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 visual recognition of container contents with minimal interference with luminescent reaction detection, maintaining high sensitivity by allowing over 50% of emitted light to be detected, thus reducing laboratory errors.
Implementation Method 1
the color absorbs external light but allows most of the emitted light to pass through to detectors
Implementation Method 2
detecting light emitted from the reaction mixture in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting an analyte is provided. The method includes providing a sample, a container 110 with a wall 115, and a catalyst for a luminescent reaction. The wall includes a colored portion 115b. The method further comprises forming a reaction in the container and detecting the presence or absence of light emitted from the reaction mixture in the container. Detecting light emitted from the container can comprise detecting light passing through the colored portion. The colored portion can be detected visually and the color can be associated with the identity of an analyte-specific reagent disposed in the container. Kits comprising the container and a catalyst for a luminescent reaction are also provided.