Extracellular Vesicle Capture Card for Portable Biofluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for isolating extracellular vesicles from biofluids face challenges such as low yield, complicated procedures, and varying sizes, making them unsuitable for easy use and transport for off-site analysis.
Innovation Solution
A biofluid card assembly with multiple layers and capture agents is used to isolate and capture extracellular vesicles, including a top lid, separation membrane, and extracellular vesicle capture membrane with specific binding agents, allowing for efficient isolation and preservation of vesicles in dried form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultracentrifuge and filtering methods are used to isolate extracellular vesicles, then separation based on size difference is achieved, but yield is limited and procedures become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation process is divided into multiple functional layers: a separation membrane layer for size-based separation, an extracellular vesicle capture membrane layer with capture agents for selective capture, and a release layer for elution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform a specific function, improving overall yield while maintaining separation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Capture agents are introduced as intermediary elements on the capture membrane layer. These agents mediate between the separation membrane and the extracellular vesicles, providing selective binding through specific interactions (e.g., antibody-antigen, receptor-ligand) to enhance capture efficiency and yield.
2Measurement precision
If conventional isolation methods are used, then extracellular vesicles can be separated, but procedures become complicated and difficult to transport for off-site analysis
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple isolation functions are merged into a single integrated card assembly that combines the separation membrane, capture membrane with capture agents, and release layer in one portable unit. This consolidation enables off-site analysis while maintaining isolation precision, eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures requiring specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The card assembly is designed as a self-contained system that performs isolation, capture, and release functions without requiring external ultracentrifuges or complex laboratory infrastructure. The portable design enables the system to serve itself in decentralized settings, facilitating off-site analysis and remote monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to handle varying sizes of extracellular vesicles, then separation is attempted, but mass variation corresponding to size makes isolation challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The capture membrane layer incorporates capture agents with specific local qualities (e.g., specific binding affinities, charges, or shapes) that correspond to the characteristics of different extracellular vesicle sizes and types. This local differentiation enables selective capture across varying sizes without requiring complex size-adjustable procedures.
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 method enables robust isolation and preservation of extracellular vesicles, maintaining their integrity and molecular cargo, suitable for decentralized diagnostics and remote monitoring, with stable performance up to 30 days.
Implementation Method 1
separation membrane assembly disposed adjacent the top lid and configured to separate and direct the extracellular vesicles
Implementation Method 2
Each of the at least one extracellular vesicle capture agent includes a binding agent configured to bind to the extracellular vesicle having predetermined binding sites
Data Source
AI summary
A biofluid card assembly for isolating extracellular vesicles present in biofluids includes a biofluid card having a plurality of layers; and a fastener, the biofluid card includes a top lid with at least one opening configured to receive at least one biofluid sample including principal components and extracellular vesicles present therein, a biofluid separation membrane assembly disposed adjacent the top lid and configured to separate and direct the extracellular vesicles, at least one extracellular vesicle capture membrane having at least one extracellular vesicle capture agent formed thereon or embedded therein, each disposed below and adjacent the biofluid separation membrane assembly and configured to receive the extracellular vesicles, wherein each of the at least one extracellular vesicle capture agent includes a binding agent configured to bind to the extracellular vesicle having predetermined binding sites, and a bottom lid disposed adjacent the at least one extracellular vesicle capture membrane.