Encoded Particle Assay Platform for Parallel Drug Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipetting techniques for drug assays are time-consuming and costly due to the need for sequential distribution of drugs into multiple wells, which increases with the number of drugs being tested, posing a temporal and financial burden.
Innovation Solution
An encoded particle-based platform where particles with distinguishable codes are prepared, self-assembled into wells using pipetting, and decoded to facilitate reactions with analytes, allowing for simultaneous distribution and analysis of multiple drugs in a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential pipetting is used to distribute drugs into wells, then each drug can be accurately delivered to its designated well, but the time consumption and operational cost increase proportionally with the number of drugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drug distribution process by encoding multiple drugs on single particles or particle groups with unique identifiers. Instead of distributing each drug separately through sequential pipetting, multiple drugs are consolidated onto encoded particles that can be distributed together in parallel, reducing the number of pipetting operations while maintaining accurate drug-well correspondence through decoding the particle codes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses encoded particles as information carriers that copy and represent multiple drug identities. Each particle or particle group carries a unique code that identifies the specific drug or combination of drugs it contains, allowing the system to track and distribute multiple drugs simultaneously without requiring separate physical distribution for each drug type
2Measurement precision
If sequential pipetting is used to distribute drugs into wells, then each drug can be precisely placed in the correct well, but the operational cost and complexity increase with the number of drugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex sequential pipetting task into simpler parallel operations. By encoding multiple drugs on single particles, the system transforms one complex sequential distribution task into multiple simpler parallel distribution tasks, where particles can be distributed simultaneously across multiple wells without requiring complex coordination between sequential pipetting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The encoded particles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as drug carriers, information carriers through their codes, and distribution targets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tracking and identification systems for each drug, simplifying the overall distribution system while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If traditional pipetting methods are used for high throughput screening, then large amounts of analyte can be processed, but expensive equipment with high operating costs is required
Solution Approach 1:
The encoded particles enable the system to self-identify and self-sort during the distribution process. The decoding of particle codes provides automatic verification of correct drug-well correspondence, eliminating the need for expensive robotic systems with complex tracking and verification mechanisms. The system uses the particles' own encoded information to guide the distribution process
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 method significantly reduces the time and cost associated with drug assays by enabling the simultaneous distribution and analysis of a large number of drugs in a single pipetting operation, enhancing throughput and efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
disposing the plurality of encoded particles in the plurality of wells by a self-assembly method
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an assay method using an encoded particle-based platform. In the assay method, first, a plurality of encoded particles having codes distinguishable from one another according to kinds of included target materials are prepared. The plurality of encoded particles are provided onto a plate including a plurality of wells by pipetting, and disposed in the plurality of wells by a self-assembly method. An analyte is provided into the plurality of wells. The codes of the plurality of encoded particles disposed in the plurality of wells are decoded. The target materials of the plurality of encoded particles are released to cause a reaction between the target materials and the analyte.