Hybrid Particle Cluster for Sensitive Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) face limitations in detecting low concentrations of analytes, such as in early disease diagnosis, due to sensitivity issues, particularly evident in detecting diseases like Dengue fever, where existing tests often have high false negatives and false positives, limiting their effectiveness for point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
A cluster comprising visually detectable colored particles and luminescent particles bound together, with at least one binding partner of the analyte attached, enhancing detection sensitivity by concentrating signals and allowing for both visual and luminescent detection methods without the need for additional equipment, achieving a lower detection limit than traditional LFIA systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lateral flow immunoassay is used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient for low concentration analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines colored particles and luminescent particles into a single hybrid cluster structure. The colored particles provide visual detection capability while the luminescent particles enhance sensitivity through light emission. This merging allows the assay to detect low concentration analytes with improved sensitivity while maintaining the simplicity of the lateral flow format, as no additional equipment beyond a UV light source is needed.
2Measurement precision
If visual detection method is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but the detection limit is high (10 ng/mL)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter by introducing luminescent particles that emit light when excited by UV illumination. This parameter change allows detection at much lower concentrations (2.5 ng/mL) compared to visual inspection alone (10 ng/mL). The ease of operation is maintained because the only additional requirement is a UV light source, which is simple and commonly available, rather than complex instrumentation.
3Measurement precision
If signal concentration is increased to improve detection limit, then detection sensitivity improves, but particle aggregation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where luminescent particles are incorporated within or alongside colored particles to form hybrid clusters. This nested arrangement concentrates the signal-emitting components within a defined structural framework, achieving high signal concentration for improved detection limits while preventing uncontrolled particle aggregation through the organized nested configuration.
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 cluster-based approach significantly improves the detection limit, allowing for the detection of analytes at concentrations as low as 2.5 ng/mL under UV light, compared to 10 ng/mL by visual inspection alone, providing a more reliable and sensitive method for early disease detection.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of luminescent particles, wherein (i) the particles are bound to each other... detection of analytes at concentrations as low as 2.5 ng/mL under UV light
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of visually detectable colored particles... visual inspection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cluster for the detection of an analyte, said cluster comprising a plurality of visually detectable colored particles and a plurality of luminescent particles, wherein (i) the particles are bound to each other, and (ii) at least one binding partner of an analyte is bound to the colored particles and/or the luminescent particles.