Encoded Microcarriers with Spacing Elements for Rapid Assay Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assay systems using functionalized encoded microparticles face limitations in rapid quantification and high multiplexing due to physical constraints and diffusive mass transfer, leading to prolonged analysis times and low sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

The use of encoded microcarriers with spacing elements in a microfluidic channel allows for convective flow and reduced contact with the observation wall, enabling early quantitation and increased multiplexing by promoting laminar flow and reducing fluidic resistance, thus enhancing assay sensitivity and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If functionalized encoded microparticles are used in conventional assay systems, then chemical and biological assays can be performed, but analysis time is prolonged and sensitivity is reduced due to diffusive mass transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis timeVSAvoidassay sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the mass transfer mechanism parameter from diffusive to convective by introducing spacing elements that create gaps for fluid flow. This parameter change enables rapid quantification by replacing slow diffusion-based mass transfer with faster convection-driven transport, directly resolving the contradiction between analysis time and assay sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spacing elements create a new spatial dimension (gap space) between the microparticle surface and the observation wall, allowing fluid to flow through this newly created dimension. This dimensional addition transforms the mass transfer pathway from surface-only diffusion to three-dimensional convective flow, improving both speed and sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If microparticles are packed in microfluidic channels, then high multiplexing can be achieved, but physical constraints limit the number of reactions and cause prolonged analysis times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplexing capacityVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the microparticle structure by adding spacing elements that create distinct gap regions around each particle. This segmentation allows independent fluid flow paths around multiple particles, enabling high multiplexing while maintaining rapid convective mass transfer for each individual reaction, thus achieving both high capacity and fast analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If microparticles contact the observation wall directly, then signal detection can occur, but fluidic resistance increases and mass transfer is restricted to diffusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detectionVSAvoidfluidic resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing elements act as intermediaries between the microparticle and the observation wall, creating a controlled gap that mediates fluid flow. This intermediary structure allows convective flow to pass through the gap, reducing fluidic resistance compared to direct wall contact, while still permitting optical signal detection through the gap space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly reduces analysis time by enabling rapid, quantitative, and multiplexed chemical and biological assays, allowing for reliable quantification in seconds rather than minutes, with improved sensitivity and reduced microcarrier requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentEP2673086B1Improved encoded microcarriers, assay system comprising them and method for performing an assay

Publication Date: 2020.01.15 MYCARTIS

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Figure 6a~7b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an encoded microcarrier (2) comprising a readable code attached to it for identification, said encoded microcarrier (2) comprising a body (3) having at least a detection surface (6) to detect a chemical and/or biological reaction, the microcarrier further comprising at least a spacing element (9) projecting from the body (3) and shaped to ensure that, when the encoded microcarrier (2) is laid on a flat plane with the detection surface (6) facing said flat plane, a gap exists between said flat plane and the detection surface (6). The invention also relates to an assay device designed to use a plurality of said encoded microcarriers (2) to perform assays. The invention relates finally to a method for monitoring a chemical or biological reaction.