Immunochromatography Chip Electron Microscopy Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current immunochromatography methods face challenges in sensitivity and quantification, with conventional methods often resulting in false positives or negatives and difficulty in accurately measuring viral loads, especially when using visual observation for detection.

Innovation Solution

An immunochromatography measurement method utilizing an auxiliary liquid that prevents charging and heat generation under electron microscope conditions, allowing for high-resolution imaging and increased sensitivity by stabilizing samples and enhancing contrast, combined with an immunochromatography chip and kit for precise detection using metal nanoparticles and electron microscopy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If immunochromatography is used for rapid detection, then detection speed is improved, but sensitivity is insufficient compared to PCR method

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameter from visual observation to electron microscope imaging, enabling detection at much lower viral loads (10-100 times higher sensitivity) while maintaining the rapid one-step operation characteristic of immunochromatography

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the optical detection system (visual observation) with an electron microscope-based detection system, substituting the detection mechanism to achieve higher sensitivity while preserving the simplicity and speed of the immunochromatography process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If visual observation is used for immunochromatography, then operation simplicity is maintained, but quantification capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidquantification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces subjective visual observation with objective electron microscope imaging and image analysis, enabling accurate quantification of viral loads while maintaining operational simplicity through automated image processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If electron microscope measurement is applied directly to immunochromatography chip, then high resolution imaging is achieved, but charging and heat generation deteriorate image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoidcharging and heat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary substance (conductive coating or buffer solution) between the immunochromatography chip and the electron microscope beam, which dissipates charging effects and heat generation, enabling high-resolution imaging without degradation from these harmful factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method achieves a 10 to 100 times increase in sensitivity compared to conventional qualitative determination, enabling precise quantification of viral loads even at lower concentrations, with clear imaging of labeling substances on immunochromatography chips, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary liquid other than a specimen undergoing immunochromatography is applied... having conductivity for preventing charging and heat generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharging prevention: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

having conductivity for preventing charging and heat generation which contributes to sharpness of images

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat generation prevention: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

quantified by being identified with precision, high resolution, and increased contrast using an electron microscope... using metal nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

A principle thereof is one that uses the antigen-antibody reaction... labeled antibody-object to be detected (antigen)-capture antibody

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody reaction: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20230258632A1Immunochromatography measurement method, auxiliary liquid for immunochromatography measurement, immunochromatography chip, and immunochromatography measurement kit

Publication Date: 2023.08.17 HAMAMATSU UNIV SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

AI summary

The present invention provides a highly sensitive immunochromatography measurement method in which a labeling substance for labeling an object to be detected in a specimen undergoing immunochromatography is quantified by being identified with precision, high resolution, and increased contrast using an electron microscope. An immunochromatography measurement method according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that measurement is performed by an electron microscope after applying an auxiliary liquid other than a specimen in the immunochromatography.