Flow-Controlled Lateral Flow Detection for Sample Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sample analysis systems are complex, expensive, and not suitable for use in resource-limited settings, particularly in the developing world, due to their high cost and complexity, which limits their accessibility and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The development of lateral flow devices and systems that utilize flow control for sample concentration and detection, incorporating features such as wicking regions, capture regions with analyte-specific reagents, and fluid isolation zones, along with components like siphon pads to minimize dead volume and enhance analyte capture and elution efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional automated analyzers and modular systems are used for biological sample analysis, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a sample application area with capture regions for analyte concentration, and a separate lateral flow detection area. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - the capture region focuses on concentration while the lateral flow region focuses on detection, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sample concentration function and the detection function into a single integrated device. The capture regions are formed directly on the lateral flow device substrate, combining what would traditionally require separate concentration equipment and detection equipment into one unified system, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If conventional automated analyzers are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but cost increases to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes passive capillary action to drive fluid flow through the capture regions and into the lateral flow detection area, eliminating the need for expensive pumps, valves, and other active fluid handling components. The porous substrate itself provides the driving force for fluid movement, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable lateral flow device with integrated capture regions that can be manufactured at low cost using standard lateral flow technology. Each device is designed for single-use, eliminating the need for expensive cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance infrastructure required by reusable automated analyzers, making it suitable for resource-limited settings.
3Measurement precision
If separation steps are added to processing assays, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample concentration step and the detection step are merged into a single continuous flow process. Sample applied to the device automatically flows through the capture regions where analyte concentration occurs, then continues into the lateral flow detection area without requiring manual intervention or separate processing equipment, maintaining detection precision while minimizing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture regions perform preliminary concentration of the analyte from the sample before the sample reaches the detection zone. This preliminary action occurs automatically as sample flows through the device, preparing the sample for detection without requiring separate pre-processing steps, thereby improving detection precision without adding processing complexity.
4Productivity
If flow velocity is increased to reduce analysis time, then productivity is improved, but analyte capture efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture regions are designed with specific local properties - using porous materials with optimized pore sizes and distributions that slow down fluid velocity locally at the capture zones. This allows sufficient residence time for analyte-capture reagent interactions to occur efficiently, while the overall device maintains rapid throughput by having a compact design that minimizes total flow path length.
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
These systems provide cost-effective, easy-to-use solutions for sample concentration and detection, achieving up to 100-10,000-fold improvement in analyte concentration and minimizing dead volume, thereby improving sensitivity and specificity in biological sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate comprising a plurality of wicking regions and plurality of capture regions
Implementation Method 2
each of the capture regions comprises a plurality of analyte specific capture reagents
Implementation Method 3
each of the capture regions comprises a plurality of fluid isolation zones on either side of each capture region, wherein the fluid isolation zones are oriented at an angle to a direction of capture flow
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for concentration and detection of sample components. In particular, provided herein are lateral flow devices, systems, and methods that utilize flow control of samples.