Foldable Sampling Device for Direct Analyte Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and transferring chemical or biological analytes to sensors are inconvenient and multi-step, making them unsuitable for field applications where rapid and on-site detection is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A sampling and sensing device with a foldable head containing a sensor chip and a sampling wipe, allowing for direct transfer of analytes from the wipe to the chip by folding the device, optionally with a capsule for releasing a wetting liquid to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wipe-sampling method is used with multiple steps for transferring analytes to sensor surfaces, then the detection accuracy can be maintained, but the operation complexity increases and field application becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sampling wipe and sensor chip into a single integrated device where the wipe is positioned adjacent to the sensor chip. This merging eliminates the need for separate transfer steps, as the analyte collected on the wipe can be directly applied to the sensor chip surface through simple folding or pressing actions, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional regions: a sampling region with the wipe and a sensing region with the sensor chip, separated by a folding line. This segmentation allows the wipe to be folded over the sensor chip, enabling direct transfer of analytes through a simple mechanical action rather than requiring complex transfer procedures.
2Productivity
If multiple steps are involved in dissolving and transferring analytes to sensor surfaces, then complete analyte transfer can be achieved, but the detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling wipe is pre-treated with solvents or wetting agents during manufacturing, so that when the wipe contacts the sensor chip, the analyte is immediately dissolved and transferred without requiring separate dissolution steps. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time needed for sample preparation while ensuring complete analyte transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the sampling and sensing functions into a single device with the wipe positioned directly adjacent to the sensor chip, the patent enables simultaneous sampling and analysis. The analyte transfer occurs through a single folding action rather than multiple sequential steps, thereby accelerating the overall detection process.
3Ease of operation
If a foldable head design is used to enable direct transfer, then the ease of operation improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable head is segmented into two main regions (sampling and sensing) separated by a folding line, allowing independent positioning of each region. This segmentation enables the wipe to be folded over the sensor chip without requiring complex mechanical structures, achieving simple analyte transfer through basic folding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable head utilizes flexible materials and thin-film construction that allow the sampling and sensing regions to be positioned adjacent to each other through simple folding. This flexible design avoids the need for rigid mechanical assemblies or complex actuation mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling easy operation.
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 efficient and streamlined collection and analysis of chemical or biological analytes in field settings, reducing the complexity of laboratory-based sample handling and enhancing the speed and accuracy of detection.
Implementation Method 1
a capsule containing a liquid may be disposed under or in the sampling wipe, configured to be breakable in response to pressure
Implementation Method 2
the capsule may release the liquid to wet the sampling wipe after the capsule is ruptured
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sampling and sensing device and a method of using the sampling and sensing device for collecting and sensing chemical or biological analytes. The sampling and sensing device comprises a handle and a foldable head having a sampling region and a sensing region. A sensor chip may be disposed in the sensing region and a sampling wipe may be disposed in the sensing region. The sampling region is configured to collect an analyte. After the analyte is collected on the sampling region, the sampling and sensing device can be folded to make the sampling region in contact with or face the sensing region to transfer the analyte to the sensing region for analysis.