Flexible Magnetic Layer for Low-Cost Molecule Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molecular capture methods, such as ELISA and magnetic field microsource methods, are complex, costly, and require expensive equipment, making them unsuitable for low-cost production and efficient molecule capture.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method using magnetic nanoparticles with dimensions less than 1 µm, coupled to capture elements, and a flexible magnetic layer with varying magnetic fields to attract and capture molecules, utilizing magnetic composite materials in a polymer support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field microsources with ordered distribution are used for molecule capture, then capture performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible magnetic strips with randomly distributed magnetic particles instead of complex ordered microsources. The magnetic strip can be disposed of after use, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing and cleaning processes. This resolves the contradiction by accepting single-use simplicity over reusable complexity while maintaining capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters from ordered strong fields to random weaker fields with sufficient gradient. By adjusting the magnetic particle properties and distribution, the system achieves effective capture without requiring complex ordered structures, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If ordered magnetic field microsources are used, then molecule capture efficiency is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible magnetic strip is designed as a low-cost disposable component that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates expensive manufacturing, cleaning, and sterilization processes required for reusable ordered microsources, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from creating ordered strong magnetic fields to using random weaker fields with adequate gradients. By optimizing magnetic particle characteristics and distribution density, the system achieves sufficient capture efficiency without the high production costs associated with ordered microsource fabrication.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic nanoparticles are used for capture, then capture specificity is improved, but magnetic field strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters from requiring strong uniform fields to using weaker fields with strong gradients. By optimizing the magnetic nanoparticle properties (size, magnetization) and their distribution on the flexible strip, the system achieves high capture specificity without requiring excessive magnetic field strength, thus resolving the contradiction.
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 provides a cost-effective and efficient means to capture and quantify molecules using flexible magnetic tapes with controlled magnetic fields, enabling low-cost production and high-performance molecule capture.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic layer generates a magnetic field having at least one variation in intensity of at least 0,1 mT at a distance of at least 1 μm from the magnetic layer
Implementation Method 2
attracting the magnetic nanoparticles to the capture support at the level of the capture zone
Implementation Method 3
each nanoparticle being coupled to at least one capture element, the capture element binding specifically to the molecule
Data Source
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Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a kit and a method for capturing a molecule contained in a sample by means of at least one magnetic layer comprising a, possibly repeated, juxtaposition of at least one first and one second region, the first region comprising magnetic particles polarized in a first direction and the second region comprising magnetic particles that are non-polarized or polarized in a second direction different from the first direction of polarization of the magnetic particles of the first region, so as to generate a magnetic field having at least one variation in intensity of at least 0.1 mT at a distance of at least 1 μm from said at least one magnetic layer, said variation defining a maximum of the standard of the intensity of said magnetic field and level therewith a zone for capturing magnetic nanoparticles on the capture support.