Dot-Shaped Immunochromatography Detection Zones for Lower Antibody Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional immunochromatography assay kits require a large detection area to prevent erroneous determination, necessitating a significant amount of capture antibodies, which increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The kit includes a porous member with recesses forming detection portions less than 1 mm in width and 100 µm in depth, allowing for the immobilization of capture antibodies in a reduced area, and uses an electron microscope for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sandwich structure with a flow distribution layer is used to improve sampling uniformity, then the sampling uniformity across the sample application area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution layer is divided into multiple flow distribution regions corresponding to different sample application areas. Each region contains multiple flow distribution channels that branch from a common fluid supply channel, creating a segmented structure that distributes fluid uniformly across multiple test regions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical layering dimension by stacking the flow distribution layer between the sample application layer and the detection layer. This three-dimensional arrangement allows fluid to be distributed across multiple horizontal planes, enabling simultaneous uniform sampling across multiple test regions without increasing horizontal footprint complexity
2Productivity
If multiple test regions are integrated into a single cartridge to improve detection efficiency, then the detection efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes fluid to multiple test regions, provides structural support for layer alignment, and acts as a barrier between the sample application layer and detection layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional alignment features while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested layer structure where the flow distribution layer is positioned between the sample application layer and the detection layer. Each layer contains corresponding regions that nest together (sample application regions align with flow distribution regions which align with test regions), creating a hierarchical nesting pattern that simplifies alignment during manufacturing
3Measurement precision
If the buffer volume in the fluid reservoir is increased to improve sampling accuracy, then the sampling accuracy is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution layer creates different flow characteristics in different regions: areas with higher sample application density receive greater fluid distribution through dedicated flow distribution regions, while areas with lower density receive proportionally less fluid. This local optimization of flow quality maintains sampling accuracy without requiring uniform increases in buffer volume throughout the entire reservoir
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 design reduces the amount of capture antibodies used, lowers manufacturing costs, and enables accurate, quantitative evaluation of detection targets.
Implementation Method 1
a first antibody specific to a first epitope of a target substance; a second antibody specific to a second epitope of the target substance
Implementation Method 2
a test strip including a sample application area, a control area, and a reading area in this order from one end to the other end in the lateral direction
Implementation Method 3
gold colloids as a marker
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An immunochromatography assay kit (100) includes a specimen dropping portion (1) to which a specimen is dropped, a conjugate portion (2) to which a labeled antibody having a property of binding to a detection target in the specimen is immobilized, and a plurality of detection portions (3) to which a capture antibody having a property of binding to the detection target is immobilized. The specimen dropping portion (1), the conjugate portion (2), and the plurality of detection portions (3) are formed on a porous member. An outer shape of each detection portion (3) is a dot shape.