Ion-Cryptand Complex Depletion Assay for Sodium
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining sodium concentration in blood fluid samples at point-of-care or at-home settings are limited by the need for controlled environments, manual manipulation, and expensive equipment, and lack sensitivity to accurately measure the narrow range of sodium concentrations between hyponatremia and hypernatremia.
Innovation Solution
An assay device with a separation membrane and a detection membrane that includes a complex of an ion and a cryptand with affinity for sodium, along with an ion-dependent dye, which elicits a quantifiable response when sodium binds, allowing for accurate measurement of sodium concentration without requiring controlled environments or expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory methods are used to measure sodium concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (cryptand complex) that mediates between the sodium ions in blood and the detection system. The cryptand forms a complex with sodium ions, allowing indirect detection through color change of the ion-dependent dye, thereby achieving precise measurement without complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/titration-based detection systems with a chemical complexation system. Instead of using EDTA titration or ion-selective electrodes, the invention uses cryptand-sodium complex formation that triggers a color change, simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining precision
2Measurement precision
If controlled environments are used for enzymatic assays, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assay system performs self-calibration and self-detection. The ion-dependent dye automatically responds to sodium concentration changes through the cryptand complex formation, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or controlled environmental conditions, thereby simplifying operation at point-of-care
3Measurement precision
If manual manipulation and expensive equipment are used for EDTA titration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and device simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex titration procedures. By using a pre-formed cryptand-ion complex that releases ion upon sodium binding, the system extracts only the necessary detection step, eliminating manual titration operations and expensive equipment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color change of ion-dependent dye as the detection signal. When sodium binds to cryptand, the released ion triggers a color change that can be visually or optically detected, replacing complex titration procedures with a simple, intuitive signal that requires no manual manipulation
4Measurement precision
If ion selective electrodes are used to measure sodium concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable test strips or membranes containing the cryptand and ion-dependent dye. These single-use components eliminate the need for expensive, maintainable ion-selective electrodes, providing precise measurement without the cost and maintenance burden of reusable electrode systems
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 assay device enables precise measurement of sodium concentrations between 135 and 145 millimolar with an error rate of less than 3%, facilitating accurate point-of-care or at-home testing without the need for complex setups or costly equipment.
Implementation Method 1
determination of sodium concentration in blood fluid samples utilizing an assay device... utilizing ion-cryptand complex depletion
Implementation Method 2
cryptands can be used as a chelator, as cryptands do exist with strong binding preferences for specific ions, including sodium
Implementation Method 3
the ion-dependent dye is configured to elicit a quantifiable response after the ion binds to the ion-dependent dye
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an assay device for determining a concentration of sodium in a sample. The device includes a separation membrane and a detection membrane located downstream from the separation membrane. The detection membrane includes a complex comprising an ion and a cryptand having an affinity for the ion. The detection membrane also includes an ion-dependent dye. Further, the ion-dependent dye is configured to elicit a quantifiable response after the ion binds to the ion-dependent dye after its release from the cryptand after sodium from the blood fluid sample is introduced to the detection membrane and binds to the cryptand. Additionally, the quantifiable response corresponds to an amount of the ion bound to the ion-dependent dye, which corresponds to a concentration of sodium present in the sample. The present disclosure also provides methods for using an assay device to quantify the amount of sodium present in the sample.