Equol Detection Test Strip Using Colorimetric Reaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting equol in aqueous solutions, such as urine, are complex, require expensive and sophisticated instruments, or hazardous chemicals, and are not suitable for self-testing or use in non-laboratory settings, making them impractical for determining whether an individual is an equol producer.
Innovation Solution
A color-changing test strip impregnated with a reactive agent, specifically designed to detect equol without the need for pre-treatment or sophisticated equipment, using a colorless strip that changes to yellow, orange, or red upon contact with equol, allowing for rapid and specific detection in urine or blood samples without requiring instruments or dangerous chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HPLC and mass spectroscopy are used for equol detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test strips impregnated with reactive agents instead of expensive, complex instruments like HPLC and mass spectroscopy. These single-use strips provide sufficient detection capability for equol while being inexpensive and easy to discard, eliminating the need for maintaining complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from complex analytical instruments. By isolating the chemical reaction component (reactive agents on test strips) and removing unnecessary instrumentation, the system achieves equol detection without the complexity of HPLC columns, pumps, and mass spectrometers.
2Measurement precision
If thin layer chromatography with enzyme pre-treatment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive agents on the test strips are pre-prepared and impregnated during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform complex pre-treatment steps such as enzyme digestion, chromatography setup, and solvent development, making the test simple to perform while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip system is designed to be self-contained and self-executing. The reactive agents automatically react with equol upon contact with the urine sample, eliminating the need for user intervention in complex procedural steps. The strip performs the detection function autonomously without requiring skilled operation.
3Measurement precision
If nitric acid and iodine are used for visualization, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test strips are designed as disposable items that eliminate the need for hazardous chemicals. The reactive agents are contained within the strip matrix, and after use, the entire strip is discarded rather than requiring disposal of toxic chemicals like nitric acid and iodine, reducing environmental and safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful chemical reactions into safe, controlled color changes. Instead of using hazardous reagents that require careful handling and disposal, the reactive agents are formulated to produce visible color changes through safe chemical reactions with equol, transforming a harmful process into a beneficial and safe detection method.
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
The test strip enables simple, rapid, and specific detection of equol in aqueous solutions, allowing individuals to determine their equol production status without complex instruments or hazardous chemicals, providing a clear distinction between equol producers and non-producers.
Implementation Method 1
test strips for the detection of equol in aqueous solutions by a color change
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Subject of the invention is a test strip for the detection of equol by a color change. Subject of the invention are also methods for producing the test strip, methods for using the test strip, and uses of the test strip.