Isotachophoresis System for Rapid Biosensor Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surface-based biosensors face limitations in sensitivity due to slow reaction kinetics at low concentrations of biomolecules, leading to prolonged detection times, which hinders rapid binding and analysis of analytes such as nucleic acids and proteins.

Innovation Solution

An automated isotachophoresis system with a flow channel of varying cross-section areas and zones containing leading and trailing electrolytes, coupled with a control unit to modulate the electric field in response to significant current or voltage changes, allowing for precise control of the ITP interface and extended reaction times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If surface-based biosensors are used for detecting biomolecules, then multiplexing capability is improved, but reaction time increases due to slow binding kinetics at low concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplexing capabilityVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing isotachophoresis-based preconcentration of target analytes before they reach the sensor surface. This pre-concentration step increases the local concentration of analytes to levels that enable rapid binding kinetics, thereby reducing the overall detection time while maintaining multiplexing capability through simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes in parallel channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If standard flow-based hybridization is used, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but sensitivity is limited by slow reaction rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces isotachophoresis as an intermediary mechanism between sample introduction and sensor detection. This intermediary preconcentration step uses leading and trailing electrolytes to focus analytes into a narrow band at the interface, achieving up to 1000-fold concentration enhancement that directly improves sensitivity without complicating the overall assay protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If incubation time is extended to improve binding completeness, then detection sensitivity improves, but productivity decreases due to prolonged assay duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidassay throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the concentration parameter through isotachophoresis preconcentration, achieving up to 1000-fold enrichment of analytes. This parameter change enables rapid binding kinetics that complete within minutes rather than hours, simultaneously improving both sensitivity and productivity by eliminating the need for prolonged incubation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach significantly accelerates reaction rates and reduces detection time, achieving a 1000-fold improvement in signal and limit of detection compared to standard flow assays, enabling rapid and efficient analysis of analytes.

Implementation Method 1

Isotachophoresis ('ITP') is an electrophoresis technique which allows for simultaneous separation and preconcentration of analytes based on their effective electrophoretic mobility. The process has been described repeatedly, as for instance, Bier and Allgyer, Electrokinetic Separation Methods 443-69 (Elsevier/North-Holland 1979).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIsotachophoresis: Electrophoresis