Hydrogel Particle Colorimetric Detection for Point-of-Care Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence assays for detecting target analytes require expensive systems and limited spaces, making them unsuitable for point-of-care testing due to issues like photobleaching and false-positive signals, limiting their widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A method using hydrogel particles loaded with probes that accumulate and amplify an insoluble colorimetric material, allowing for specific binding and detection of target analytes without expensive equipment, enabling detection with simple systems like a USB microscope and smartphone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent materials are used for detection, then detection sensitivity and specificity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive systems like light sources, microscopes, and cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex optical detection system (light sources, microscopes, cameras) with a simple colorimetric detection system that can be observed by the naked eye or with basic imaging devices. The fluorescent labeling approach is substituted with colorimetric reactions that produce visible color changes, eliminating the need for expensive fluorescence analysis systems while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs colorimetric reactions that produce visible color changes in the hydrogel particles when target analytes are detected. Different colored hydrogel particles indicate different detection results, allowing for simple visual or basic imaging system detection instead of requiring complex fluorescence analysis equipment.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent materials are used, then detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to photobleaching and false-positive signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses colorimetric materials that are stable and do not suffer from photobleaching, providing a reliable and持久的 detection signal. The hydrogel particles with colorimetric reactions maintain their signaling capability without degradation from light exposure, unlike fluorescent materials that photobleach and lose their fluorescence properties.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence analysis systems are used, then quantitative analysis capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to space limitations and darkroom requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the requirement for specialized fluorescence analysis laboratories and darkrooms with a simple colorimetric detection system that can be operated in any environment. The detection can be performed using basic imaging devices or even visual observation, eliminating the need for controlled environments and expensive infrastructure.
4Measurement precision
If fluorescent materials are used for multiplexed detection, then detection performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for expensive analysis systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydrogel particles with different colors to represent different target analytes, enabling multiplexed detection through visual or basic imaging system observation. Each color corresponds to a specific probe-target interaction, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple analytes without requiring complex fluorescence analysis equipment.
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 achieves detection sensitivity and specificity comparable to fluorescence assays without the need for expensive systems or darkrooms, enabling reliable quantitative analysis and extending to point-of-care testing.
Implementation Method 1
accumulating and amplifying an insoluble colorimetric material in the hydrogel particles to label the target analytes bound to the probes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a colorimetric detection of a target material based on a hydrogel particle. A colorimetric detection of a target material based on a hydrogel particle according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: reacting a sample containing the target material with the hydrogel particle, which is loaded on the inside with a probe that specifically binds to the target material; and accumulating and amplifying an insoluble colorimetric material in the hydrogel particle so as to label the target material bound to the probe. Here, the hydrogel particle is made of a polymer network, the probe is loaded by binding to the polymer network, and the insoluble colorimetric material is fixed to the polymer network.