Indicator Particle Distance Detection for Label-Free Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting target components in samples require binding between indicator particles and target components, limiting adaptability and increasing complexity, especially in 'label-free' assays where target components do not bind to indicator particles.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor system that determines the distance between indicator particles and a contact surface in a sample chamber, allowing for the detection of target components without direct binding, using techniques like frustrated total internal reflection and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, enabling 'label-free' assays with adaptable indicator particles such as magnetic or fluorescent beads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binding between indicator particles and target components is required for detection, then detection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different target components deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a contact surface as an intermediary element that enables detection without direct binding between indicator particles and target components. The contact surface serves as a mediator that interacts with target components, allowing the system to detect targets through their interaction with the surface rather than requiring specific particle-target binding for each target type, thus improving adaptability while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surface is designed to provide universal detection capability for multiple different target components. By using a single contact surface structure that can interact with various target types, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring different indicator particles or binding mechanisms for each target, thereby enhancing versatility while simplifying the overall system
2Measurement precision
If binding between indicator particles and target components is required, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the binding requirement from the detection mechanism by removing the need for indicator particles to bind directly to target components. Instead, the detection is based on the interaction between target components and the contact surface, separating the detection function from the binding function and thereby reducing device complexity while preserving detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surface acts as an intermediary that enables precise detection without complex binding mechanisms. By mediating between the indicator particles and target components, the contact surface allows for simplified detection geometry and reduced system complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve precise measurements
3Reliability
If binding between indicator particles and target components is required, then detection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface provides self-service detection capability by automatically interacting with target components as they pass through or contact the surface. This eliminates the need for complex operational steps to facilitate binding between indicator particles and targets, making the system easier to operate while maintaining reliable detection through the inherent interaction mechanisms
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
Enables efficient detection of target components by measuring distance changes, reducing the need for binding between indicator particles and target components, facilitating adaptable assays and increasing detection speed and multiplexing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
using techniques like frustrated total internal reflection and fluorescence resonance energy transfer
Implementation Method 2
using techniques like frustrated total internal reflection and fluorescence resonance energy transfer
Implementation Method 3
In a further embodiment a magnetic force is exerted on the indicator particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method for the detection of target components (102) in a sample with the help of indicator particles (101) distributed in said sample. The distance (d) between indicator particles (101) and a contact surface (112) is determined after the target components could bind to the contact surface and/or the indicator particles. Thus it is possible to detect how many target components (102) are bound without a need for a binding between indicator particles (101) and contact surface (112). Optionally the indicator particles (101) can be affected by a modulated force, e.g. via an electromagnet (141). The determination of the distance (d) between indicator particles (101) and contact surface (112) may for example be achieved by frustrated total internal reflection, measurement of magnetic fields, or FRET.