Ionic Liquid Gluten Extraction for Rapid Gliadin Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting gluten allergens, particularly gliadin, are hindered by the insolubility of these proteins, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming sample processing, and there is a need for a rapid and sensitive detection system suitable for both consumers and professionals.

Innovation Solution

A formulation comprising a Tris buffer and an ionic liquid, such as imidazolium-based ionic liquids, is used to extract gliadin, combined with a lateral flow chip and smartphone-based image assay for rapid detection of gluten allergens, enabling gliadin extraction and detection in under 3 minutes with high sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional extraction methods are used for gliadin, then sample processing is time-consuming and complex, but the insolubility of gliadin leads to inaccurate and insensitive detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsample processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction buffer by adding ionic liquid to Tris buffer, creating a new formulation that specifically solubilizes gliadin. This parameter change enables rapid extraction (within minutes) while maintaining high detection sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between processing time and detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite buffer system combining Tris buffer and ionic liquid, where the ionic liquid component specifically targets water-insoluble gliadin proteins. This composite formulation achieves both rapid processing and high sensitivity by leveraging the complementary properties of the two components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used for gluten detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegliadin detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lateral flow assay that is self-contained and does not require complex external equipment. The formulation works directly with the assay strip, enabling users to perform accurate gliadin detection without specialized instruments, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems (such as those required in traditional ELISA or HPLC) with a simple lateral flow visual assay. The chemical formulation enables the detection to be read visually or with basic imaging, substituting complex mechanical/optical systems with a simpler approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system achieves high sensitivity (0.04 mg/kg) for gliadin detection, allowing users to measure gluten concentrations quickly and accurately without specialized equipment, suitable for various settings including remote areas.

Implementation Method 1

a formulation for extracting a water-insoluble protein, comprising a Tris buffer and an ionic liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic liquid extraction:

Implementation Method 2

a formulation for extracting a water-insoluble protein, comprising a Tris buffer and an ionic liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

a lateral flow chip and smartphone-based image assay for rapid detection of gluten allergens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentUS20250369965A1Formulation, a kit, and method for food allergen detection
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 LEO VERIFICATION SYSTEMS INC
  • US20250369965A1 patent drawing
  • US20250369965A1 patent drawing
  • US20250369965A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a formulation for extracting a water-insoluble protein, as well as a kit and a method using the formulation to rapidly detect gluten allergen. The formulation includes a Tris buffer and an ionic liquid.