Multi-task Immunoaffinity Device for Capillary Electrophoresis Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capillary electrophoresis technologies face limitations in detecting and quantifying biomarkers due to small sample volumes and low concentrations in complex biological samples, requiring amplification procedures and compromising sensitivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular, multi-task analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device secured to a portable and interchangeable box, connected to capillary electrophoresis instruments for on-line affinity capture, purification, preconcentration, microreactions, separation, detection, and characterization of analytes, enhancing sensitivity and efficiency by using immobilized affinity ligands and enzymes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniaturized devices are used to reduce sample volume requirements, then device portability and cost are improved, but detection sensitivity deteriorates due to insufficient analyte concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an on-line preconcentration module that performs analyte enrichment before the actual separation and detection process. This preliminary action accumulates sufficient analyte mass from small sample volumes into a concentrated form, ensuring that even miniaturized devices receive adequate analyte quantities for sensitive detection without requiring large initial sample volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (preconcentration, separation, and detection) into an integrated on-line system. By merging the preconcentration module with the capillary electrophoresis separation and detection components, the system achieves both miniaturization benefits and maintained sensitivity through continuous analyte processing without transfer losses
2Reliability
If conventional capillary electrophoresis is used for biomarker detection, then separation capability is maintained, but analysis efficiency deteriorates due to lack of integrated preconcentration and microreaction capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated system where a single device performs preconcentration, on-line microreactions (such as enzymatic digestion), separation, and detection. This universal platform eliminates the need for separate offline preparation steps, significantly improving analysis efficiency while maintaining the reliable separation capability of capillary electrophoresis for biomarker detection
Solution Approach 2:
The on-line microreaction module performs preliminary processing such as enzymatic digestion of proteins directly within the capillary system before separation. This preliminary action converts complex biomolecules into detectable forms in-situ, streamlining the overall analysis process and improving productivity without compromising separation reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for different analytical tasks, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple analytically distinct functions (preconcentration using immobilized ligands, on-line enzymatic microreactions, capillary electrophoresis separation, and detection) into a single integrated device. This consolidation maintains functional optimization for each task while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating multiple separate devices, interconnections, and manual transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves as a universal platform that can perform multiple analytical tasks through modular functional components. The system maintains adaptability for different biomarker analyses while presenting a unified, simplified interface to the user, reducing operational difficulty despite the sophisticated capabilities embedded within
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 ACM device improves the detection and characterization of biomarkers by increasing sensitivity and efficiency, enabling the analysis of low-concentration analytes in complex samples through enhanced preconcentration and microreaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
on-line affinity capture, purification, preconcentration
Implementation Method 2
connected to capillary electrophoresis instruments for on-line affinity capture, purification, preconcentration, microreactions, separation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as a modular, multi-task immunoaffinity device secured to a peripheral box and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. In one embodiment, two devices are coupled in-tandem to perform separately and sequentially microreactions and concentrations of proteins. In this embodiment, biological samples containing proteins can be subjected to proteolytic processing in the first device, and the resulting peptides subjected to selective purification and concentration in the second device.