Disposable Diagnostic Device with Hydrophobic-to-Hydrophilic Surface Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care diagnostic tests are costly, require equipment, and have variable user interpretation, making them unsuitable for resource-limited settings.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, multi-purpose diagnostic device with a substrate and reaction channels defined by a barrier material, utilizing a hydrophobic material that converts to hydrophilic upon contact with a conversion component derived from a biological sample, allowing for qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis without external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional point-of-care diagnostic tests are used, then diagnostic capability is provided, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable paper-based microfluidic device that integrates all diagnostic functions into a single-use cartridge. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable equipment while providing reliable diagnostic capability through integrated reagents, reaction chambers, and detection elements that are pre-configured on the paper substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper-based device serves multiple functions within a single platform: sample introduction, reagent mixing, reaction incubation, and result detection. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate pieces of equipment into one integrated disposable unit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional point-of-care diagnostic tests are used, then diagnostic capability is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to a disposable paper-based platform, the invention eliminates costly manufacturing, assembly, and quality control processes associated with reusable electronic devices. The paper substrate can be manufactured using low-cost printing and lamination techniques, significantly reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining diagnostic capability through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses printed patterns and deposited reagents on paper substrates to create functional diagnostic elements. This copying approach replaces expensive electronic components and complex mechanical assemblies with replicated graphical and chemical patterns that can be mass-produced at low cost while preserving diagnostic functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If colorimetric test strips are used without auxiliary electronics, then cost is reduced, but user interpretation variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates colorimetric indicators that undergo distinct color changes in response to analyte detection. These color changes are engineered to be visually distinct and quantifiable, reducing interpretation variability. The use of multiple indicators with different color responses allows for more precise and consistent result differentiation compared to traditional single-color test strips.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in multiple parameters (color hue, intensity, and pattern) to encode diagnostic information. This multi-parameter approach enhances measurement precision by providing more distinguishable states for different analyte concentrations, reducing user interpretation variability while maintaining the simplicity and low cost of visual readout.
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 device provides inexpensive, equipment-free, and portable diagnostic capabilities, offering fast and reliable results for detecting analytes like glucose, lactose, urea, and creatinine in limited resource settings.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a hydrophobic material that converts to hydrophilic upon contact with a conversion component derived from a biological sample
Implementation Method 2
The principle of the devices is based on an oxidation of indicators by hydrogen peroxide produced by oxidase enzymes specific for each analyte
Implementation Method 3
hydrogen peroxide produced by oxidase enzymes specific for each analyte
Implementation Method 4
The hydrophobic surface can bind components contained in the reaction mixture so as to render it more hydrophilic
Implementation Method 5
The time gate is a capillary having a hydrophobic surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A diagnostic device 10 for screening for a target analyte in a sample is provided. The diagnostic device 10 comprises a substrate 12 and a hydrophobic material 20 disposed on the substrate. The hydrophobic material 20 is selected to be converted from the hydrophobic material 20 to a hydrophilic material 22 upon contact with a conversion component within or derived from a sample introduced to the device 10.