Homogeneous Assay Plate Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological and chemical assays, such as immunoassays and nucleic acid assays, often require washing steps, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially in achieving homogeneous assays without the need for washing.
Innovation Solution
The use of two movable plates with spacers to compress a sample into a thin, uniformly thick layer, allowing for a one-step homogeneous assay without washing. This configuration includes analyte concentration areas on the plates' surfaces, which capture and concentrate analytes, enabling rapid signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If washing steps are used in biological and chemical assays, then analyte detection can be performed, but the assay becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the washing step from the traditional assay protocol. By using a homogeneous assay format where analytes are captured on beads in solution without requiring washing operations, the patent eliminates this time-consuming step while maintaining detection capability, thereby reducing total assay time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the capture and detection steps into a single homogeneous reaction phase. By combining analyte capture on beads with signal detection in the same solution without separation or washing steps, the patent creates a streamlined assay that reduces time loss and enhances efficiency
2Speed
If homogeneous assay without washing is implemented, then assay speed is improved, but achieving uniform analyte distribution becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using beads with specific surface properties (capture agents) that are distributed throughout the solution. The beads provide localized capture sites that uniformly interact with analytes across the entire sample volume, ensuring consistent analyte distribution and capture efficiency without requiring washing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of analytes by utilizing bead-based capture in homogeneous solution. By controlling bead concentration, bead size, and surface capture agent density, the patent achieves uniform analyte distribution and consistent detection across the assay, maintaining precision while enabling rapid testing
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 method enables rapid and efficient homogeneous assays by eliminating the need for washing, achieving results in under 60 seconds, and ensuring uniform analyte distribution and detection.
Implementation Method 1
the two plates are pressed against each other to compress at least a portion of the sample into a thin layer
Implementation Method 2
the first plate and the second plate are pressed against each other to compress at least a portion of the sample
Implementation Method 3
the particles have capture agents on their surfaces, wherein the capture agents are capable of specifically binding and concentrating the analyte
Implementation Method 4
the particles have capture agents on their surfaces, wherein the capture agents are capable of specifically binding and concentrating the analyte
Implementation Method 5
an optical detection system is used to detect the analyte signal from the compressed sample layer
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods of performing biological and chemical assays, such as but not limited to immunoassays and nucleic assay acid, particularly the homogeneous assay that does not use the step of wash and that is fast (e.g. 60 seconds from dropping a sample to displaying results).