Epoxy Resin Probe Attachment Without Pre-Functionalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching biomolecule probes to epoxy-based resins require an additional functionalization step, which is laborious and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

Biomolecule probes are directly bonded to epoxy-based resins without prior functionalization, using methods such as passive attachment or covalent bonding through amine, thiol, or hydroxyl groups, and optionally washing with DMSO to enhance bonding consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If epoxy-based resin is functionalized with an additional functional monomer before probe attachment, then probe attachment efficiency is improved, but process complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobe attachment efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the unnecessary functionalization step from the process. By discovering that epoxy-based resins can directly attach probe molecules without prior functionalization with additional functional monomers, the invention extracts and eliminates the redundant step, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining probe attachment efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating reactive groups directly into the epoxy-based resin formulation before polymerization. This allows the resin to possess inherent probe-attachment capability from the outset, eliminating the need for subsequent functionalization steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If epoxy-based resin is functionalized with an additional functional monomer before probe attachment, then probe attachment efficiency is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobe attachment efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the time-consuming functionalization step from the process sequence. By establishing that epoxy-based resins can directly bind probe molecules, the invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate functionalization step, thereby reducing total process time while maintaining efficient probe attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the skipping principle by bypassing the functionalization step entirely. The method rushes through the process by going directly from resin preparation to probe attachment, eliminating the intermediate step that previously caused time delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Ease of manufacture

If epoxy-based resin is used without functionalization, then process simplicity is improved, but probe attachment efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidprobe attachment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the epoxy-based resin. By incorporating specific reactive groups (such as amine, carboxyl, or hydroxyl groups) directly into the resin formulation during polymerization, the resin's chemical parameters are changed to enable direct probe attachment, thereby maintaining process simplicity while achieving efficient probe binding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system where the epoxy-based resin is formulated with incorporated reactive functional groups during the polymerization process. This composite approach integrates the resin matrix with embedded reactive sites, enabling direct probe attachment without separate functionalization steps, thus maintaining both simplicity and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 simplifies the process, reduces variability, and enhances signal consistency in biological assays by eliminating the need for additional functionalization steps, making it faster and more cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

a biomolecule probe that is directly bonded to the polymerized resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

optionally washing with DMSO to enhance bonding consistency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20260063634A1Biochemical probes attached to epoxy-based resins
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 IDEXX LABORATORIES INC
  • US20260063634A1 patent drawing
  • US20260063634A1 patent drawing
  • US20260063634A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method for making a solid substrate for conducting biological and chemical assays and to the solid substrate made by the method.