Integrated Lateral Flow Detection Device for Surface Analytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lateral flow devices for detecting surface-bound analytes require multiple elements and steps, leading to potential cross-contamination, user error, and complexity, especially in harsh environments and when wearing protective clothing.
Innovation Solution
A device integrating collection and detection with a female member containing an absorbent material and a male member that applies pressure to release fluid for detection, reducing the need for separate collection and detection steps and minimizing cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple elements (vessel, pipette, swab, test strip) are used in lateral flow devices, then detection capability is maintained, but device complexity and number of steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection element (swab) and detection element (lateral flow test strip) into a single integrated device. The swab is positioned directly against the test strip, eliminating the need for separate vessels, pipettes, and multiple handling steps. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability by ensuring direct contact between the sample collection point and the detection zone.
2Measurement precision
If multiple steps (immersing swab, swabbing, re-immersing, applying aliquot) are required, then sample collection is thorough, but user error and cross-contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device merges sample collection and detection into a single operational step. The swab is pre-positioned against the lateral flow test strip, allowing users to simply press the swab against the test strip area to be tested. This eliminates multiple immersion and application steps, reducing user error while maintaining collection accuracy through direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed so that the swab automatically collects sample from the test strip area through direct pressure application. The integrated structure ensures that the sample flows directly from the swab contact point through the test strip via capillary action, eliminating the need for separate buffer solution handling and reducing opportunities for user error.
3Reliability
If multiple separate elements are used, then detection function is maintained, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the swab and lateral flow test strip into a single unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate handling of collection and detection elements. The swab remains in direct contact with the test strip throughout the process, preventing cross-contamination that would occur with separate elements requiring transfer of sample between different components.
4Measurement precision
If lateral flow devices require protective clothing and multiple steps, then detection accuracy is maintained, but ease of use in harsh environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device reduces the number of manipulation steps required for detection. Users simply need to press the swab against the lateral flow test strip area, eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures that require protective clothing. The direct contact design maintains detection accuracy while enabling easy use in harsh environmental conditions.
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 integrated device simplifies the analysis process, reduces user error, and enhances reliability by minimizing steps and potential contamination, making it more user-friendly and effective for detecting surface-bound analytes.
Implementation Method 1
Lateral flow test strips are chromatographic based in that liquid contacting the test strip flows along the strip through capillary action to contact the immobilised recognition element
Implementation Method 2
the male member is capable of applying pressure to the absorbent material such that in use the majority of fluid absorbed to the absorbent material is squeezed from the absorbent material and remains in the device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides devices, in particular lateral flow devices, for detecting a target analyte on a surface, in which the elements of collection and detection are integrated. The present invention also provides methods of use thereof