Exosome Capture Device Using Periodic Recessed Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting exosomes are not capable of accurately quantifying these biomarkers due to variations in the number and distribution of membrane proteins on their surface, leading to inconsistent detection and analysis.

Innovation Solution

A sample analysis device with a recessed and protruding structure is designed, where antibodies immobilized on the surface bind to exosomes, allowing for precise capture and quantification by arranging the recessed and protruding portions periodically with specific dimensions relative to the exosomes and beads used as labels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If immunological measurement is used to detect exosomes, then exosomes can be detected by recognizing antibody-antigen binding, but the number of membrane proteins varies from one exosome to another leading to inaccurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexosome detection accuracyVSAvoidmembrane protein number consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameter from membrane protein quantity (which varies) to exosome particle count (which is consistent). By using a bead-based system where one bead binds to one exosome, the detection shifts from measuring variable protein amounts to counting discrete particles, thereby achieving accurate quantification despite membrane protein variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces beads as an intermediary between the antibody and the detection system. The beads serve as standardized markers that bind to exosomes via antibody-antigen interaction, converting the variable protein-based signal into a consistent particle-based signal that can be accurately counted and quantified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but quantitative analysis of therapeutic effects cannot be accurately carried out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection throughputVSAvoidquantitative analysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the conventional immunological measurement system with a bead-based particle counting system. This substitution allows for both high-throughput detection (maintaining productivity) and accurate quantification (improving measurement precision) by using standardized beads that can be easily counted and correlated to exosome numbers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables high-accuracy detection and quantification of exosomes by ensuring a one-to-one binding ratio between exosomes and beads, enhancing the precision of exosome analysis and measurement.

Implementation Method 1

an antibody that binds to an antigen existing on a surface of each exosome to be detected is immobilized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding:

Data Source

PatentUS10119962B2Sample analysis device and capturing method for exosomes

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

A recessed portion and a protruding portion arranged periodically are formed on a base portion. In the recessed portion, an antibody that binds to an antigen existing on a surface of each exosome to be detected is immobilized and then caused to bind to the exosomes. The width of the protruding portion is smaller than the average particle diameter of the exosomes.