Electrochemical Lateral Flow Immunosensor With Capillary Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional immunochromatographic test strips face challenges in accurately and precisely determining the amount of test substances due to difficulties in controlling flow rate, flow pattern, and flow volume at the electrode portion, and they are not easily connectable to measuring instruments for prompt measurements, necessitating adhesive-free fixation of pads to ensure minimum reaction time and flow over the electrode portion.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a flow rate control pad on the electrode portion, controlled by a flow rate control protruding portion, ensures a steady flow of the sample solution over the electrode, enabling accurate and sensitive electrical measurements without adhesives, and utilizing pre-existing manufacturing facilities for mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional immunochromatographic test strips are used, then visual determination can be performed, but accurate and precise quantitative determination of test substances cannot be achieved due to uncontrolled flow rate and flow pattern at the electrode portion
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate control pad utilizes the capillary action of the sample solution itself to control the flow rate, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex flow control mechanisms. The pad's material properties automatically regulate flow based on the sample solution's own characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the pad at the electrode portion to control flow rate. By selecting pads with different capillary properties, the flow rate can be optimized for quantitative measurement without adding complex mechanical flow control devices
2Reliability
If pads are fixed using adhesives on the electrode portion, then secure fixation is achieved, but antigen-antibody reactions are inhibited and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the device into distinct functional zones: pads are fixed to non-electrode portions using adhesives, while the electrode portion remains adhesive-free to allow antigen-antibody reactions. This segmentation maintains both fixation stability and reaction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the device have different properties: adhesive application is localized to non-electrode areas where fixation is needed, while the electrode area maintains adhesive-free properties to enable immunological reactions and electrical signal detection
3Speed
If micro flow passages are introduced to control sample solution flow, then flow rate control is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical flow control systems (micro flow passages, pumps, valves) with a simple pad-based capillary flow control system. The pad's material properties inherently control flow rate without requiring mechanical intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control function is achieved using a disposable pad component rather than a permanent, complex mechanical flow control system. This simplifies the overall device structure and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate flow control for the intended application
4Loss of time
If flow volume is not controlled at the electrode portion, then simple device structure is maintained, but reaction time is insufficient and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate control pad is pre-configured with appropriate capillary properties to automatically provide the correct flow rate and contact time for complete antigen-antibody reactions. This preliminary design eliminates the need for active flow control during operation
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 approach allows for prompt, simple, and accurate quantitative measurements with high sensitivity, eliminating the need for adhesives and micro flow passages, and facilitating efficient manufacturing of electrochemical lateral flow immunosensors.
Implementation Method 1
a flow rate control pad 15 that controls a flow rate and a flow volume of the sample solution
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical lateral flow immunological test method for detecting antigens and antibodies
Data Source
AI summary
In an electrochemical lateral flow immunological test method, flow of a sample solution is controlled. As a result, the reaction time is short and quantitative measurements and electrical measurements can be performed with excellent sensitivity and high accuracy, and the invention provides a sensor employed in the method. Electrode portions, electrically conductive portions for transferring electric current from the electrode portions, and connecting portions connected to an electrical measuring instrument for measuring the electric current values are arranged on a supporting body including a resin sheet, pads and the like disposed by partial lamination on the supporting body. A sample solution flows over the plurality of pads, and electrochemical detection is performed by controlling the flow at the position of the electrode portions. Furthermore, the flow is controlled by a flow rate control pad, a flow passage portion fiber pad, and flow rate control protruding portions.