Hydrophilic Network Analytical Test Element for Uniform Liquid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical test elements face challenges in achieving spatial separation of the sample application and detection areas, leading to contamination risks, non-uniform liquid transport, and inefficient use of sample volume, resulting in inaccurate and reproducible analyte determinations.
Innovation Solution
A self-volume-metering test element with a hydrophilic network forming a capillary channel, where one side is in contact with the channel's inner space and the other with the detection element, enabling rapid and complete liquid transport to the detection area, ensuring simultaneous reaction initiation across multiple detection elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fleeces, papers or membranes are used for liquid transport, then liquid distribution is enabled, but transport rate is slow and sample volume is retained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydrophilic network with controlled porosity that enables rapid liquid transport through capillary forces while minimizing liquid retention. The porous structure is optimized to balance transport speed and sample availability, avoiding the excessive retention characteristic of traditional fleece and paper materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using a hydrophilic network instead of traditional hydrophobic fleeces or papers. This parameter change in wettability and pore structure enables faster transport rates while reducing the capillary active volume that retains sample liquid.
2Reliability
If vertical stacking of sample application area and detection area is used, then spatial separation is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking to a horizontal planar arrangement of the sample application area and detection area, connected by a capillary channel. This dimensional change eliminates the need for vertical separation while maintaining spatial isolation, thereby preventing contamination without increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection elements are arranged behind one another, then multiple analytes can be detected, but reaction initiation becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic network is strategically positioned to make simultaneous contact with all detection elements arranged behind one another. This local optimization of the network's contact points ensures uniform liquid distribution and simultaneous reaction initiation across all detection elements, enabling reliable multi-analyte detection.
4Quantity of substance
If capillary active materials are used for liquid transport, then liquid distribution is enabled, but intrinsic volume is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydrophilic network with optimized porosity that provides capillary transport functionality with minimal intrinsic volume. The porous structure is designed to transport liquid efficiently without the excessive material volume characteristic of traditional fleece and paper-based transport layers.
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 design allows for rapid, complete, and uniform liquid transport to detection elements, reducing sample volume requirements, minimizing contamination risks, and enhancing the reproducibility and precision of analyte determinations.
Implementation Method 1
a channel capable of capillary liquid transport... transporting the liquid sample from the sample application area by capillary forces at least as far as the area of the detection element
Implementation Method 2
The channel is at least partially formed by a hydrophilic network... one side of which is at least partially in contact with the inner space of the channel and the opposite side of which is at least partially in contact with the detection element such that liquid can be transported from the channel across the network to the detection element
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical test element for determining at least one analyte in a liquid is provided comprising a support, at least one detection element, and a channel capable of capillary liquid transport which is at least partially formed by a hydrophilic network, one side of which is at least partially in contact with the inner space of the channel and the opposite side of which is at least partially in contact with the detection element such that liquid can be transported from the channel across the network to the detection element. The invention also concerns the use of the analytical test element to determine an analyte in a liquid and a method for determining at least one analyte in the liquid with the aid of an analytical test element.