Flow-through Device with Dual Quantification Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-through devices for liquid testing, such as lateral flow assays, are limited in their ability to perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis of target compounds due to the need for visual inspection and lack of precise quantification methods.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through system with a device comprising a marker section, a capture section, and at least two quantification sections, where the marker section uses non-immobilized markers and the capture section has immobilized capture agents, allowing for pre- and post-capture quantification to accurately determine the amount of target compounds using optically transparent windows and specific markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lateral flow assay with visual inspection is used, then qualitative detection is achieved, but quantitative measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct functional sections: a marker section with non-immobilized marker, a capture section with immobilized capture agent, and at least two quantification sections (pre-capture and post-capture) with optically transparent windows. This segmentation enables separate measurement zones that facilitate quantitative analysis while maintaining the simplicity of lateral flow operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces visual inspection with optical detection systems. Quantification sections include optically transparent windows that allow measurement of light transmission or scattering properties of the liquid phase, substituting subjective visual assessment with objective optical measurements for quantitative determination.
2Device complexity
If single quantification method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates at least two quantification sections: a pre-capture quantification section and a post-capture quantification section, each with optically transparent windows. This segmentation enables comparative measurements that improve quantification accuracy by accounting for variations in flow rate and marker distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual quantification sections provide feedback mechanisms for improving measurement accuracy. By comparing measurements from pre-capture and post-capture sections, the system can compensate for non-specific binding and flow variations, enhancing overall measurement precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If non-immobilized marker is used in marker section, then marker distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different marker configurations to different sections: the marker section contains non-immobilized marker for uniform distribution, while the capture section contains immobilized capture agent for specific binding. This local differentiation optimizes each section's function without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is divided into distinct sections with specific functions: marker section for marker distribution, capture section for target binding, and quantification sections for measurement. This segmentation allows the non-immobilized marker to distribute uniformly in the flow phase while maintaining device functionality.
4Measurement precision
If optically transparent windows are added to quantification sections, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optically transparent windows are added only to the quantification sections where measurements are required, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized modification enables optical measurements with minimal increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically transparent windows serve multiple functions: they allow light transmission for optical detection, maintain structural integrity of the device, and enable both pre-capture and post-capture quantification measurements within the same device architecture.
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
Enables both qualitative and quantitative detection of target compounds in a simple and economically feasible manner, reducing errors and improving precision by distinguishing between specific and non-specific bindings through calibrated measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The marker section comprises a non-immobilized marker... allowing for pre- and post-capture quantification to accurately determine the amount of target compounds using optically transparent windows
Implementation Method 2
the capture section has immobilized capture agents, allowing for pre- and post-capture quantification to accurately determine the amount of target compounds
Implementation Method 3
a flow path comprising a marker section, a capture section downstream to said marker section, and at least two quantification sections
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow through system for quantifying a target component in a liquid. The flow through system comprises a flow-through device comprising a flow path comprising a marker section, a capture section downstream to said marker section, and at least two quantification sections. The marker section comprises a non-immobilized marker. The capture section comprises a capture zone with an immobilized capture agent, and the at least two quantification sections comprise a pre-capture quantification section placed downstream to the marker section and up stream to the capture section, and a post-capture quantification section placed downstream to the capture section. The system further comprises a quantification unit for each of said quantification sections. The quantification unit(s) being arranged to quantify marker containing components and/or particles passing through said respective quantification sections. The invention also relates to a flow through device for such flow through system and a method of determining the amount of target component in a liquid using a flow through system.