Counterbalanced Orbital Shaking for High-Throughput ECL Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for conducting solid phase binding assays, particularly those using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection, lack an integrated solution that combines shaking, washing, and thermal control, leading to inefficiencies and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalanced assay consumable shaking apparatus that integrates multiple functions, including orbital shaking, thermal control, and pipette tip washing, to streamline the processing of multi-well plates through a fully automated system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate machines are used for washing, shaking, and reading ECL plates, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall processing time increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions (washing, shaking, and ECL reading) into a single integrated machine. The washing mechanism, orbital shaker platform, and ECL detection system with electrodes are merged into one device, allowing sequential performance of wash steps, shaking/incubation, and measurement without transferring plates between machines, thereby reducing processing time and increasing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine performs multiple functions: it washes plates using a washing mechanism, shakes plates using an orbital shaker platform for incubation, and reads ECL signals using electrodes and detection systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated machines for each operation, improving overall system productivity
2Extent of automation
If manual handling and transfer of plates between machines is required, then operational flexibility is maintained, but cross-contamination risk increases and automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating washing, shaking, and reading functions into one machine, the patent eliminates the need to manually transfer plates between separate machines. The plate remains within the same controlled environment throughout the entire assay process, preventing cross-contamination that would occur during manual handling and transfer operations while significantly increasing automation level
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine performs all operations (washing, shaking, reading) automatically within a single device without requiring manual intervention for plate transfer. The system serves itself by completing the entire assay workflow internally, reducing human contact and the associated risk of cross-contamination
3Reliability
If plates are shaken during incubation to improve binding reaction reproducibility, then binding efficiency improves, but the complexity of the shaking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an orbital shaker platform that generates controlled orbital motion to mix and agitate plates during incubation. This mechanical vibration/orbital shaking enhances the reproducibility of binding reactions by ensuring uniform contact between reagents and plate surfaces, while the orbital mechanism itself remains relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The shaking function is merged with the incubation process in a single integrated platform. The orbital shaker mechanism is combined with temperature control and plate holding capabilities, eliminating the need for separate complex shaking devices while achieving reliable binding reactions through controlled orbital motion
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 integrated system significantly enhances the efficiency and reproducibility of ECL immunoassays by reducing processing time, minimizing cross-contamination, and maintaining precise temperature control, enabling high-throughput processing of multiple samples.
Implementation Method 1
A counterbalanced assay consumable shaking apparatus is described
Implementation Method 2
drive means carried by the base and operatively connected with the platform to provide horizontal shaking of the platform
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for performing assays on a solid phase to measure the level of analyte in a sample. Such a system may perform immunoassays using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) including a counterbalanced orbital shaking apparatus for assay consumables.