Laminated Lateral Flow Immunoassay Channels for Low Sample Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lateral flow strips for diagnostic immunoassays waste fluid sample and require sample pads, necessitating inefficient reuse and sample retention.
Innovation Solution
A laminated immunoassay device with a hydrophilic top and bottom layers and an adhesive middle layer forms a fluid flow path, eliminating the need for sample pads and allowing for wash cycles between assays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional lateral flow strips use sample pads to apply fluid sample, then the sample can be delivered to reagents, but a volume of fluid sample is necessarily retained in the sample pad causing sample waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sample pad component entirely from the lateral flow device. Instead of using a sample pad that retains fluid, the invention uses a fluid communication pathway that allows sample to flow directly from the application zone through the test strip without retention, thereby eliminating sample waste while maintaining delivery function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydrophilic coating as an intermediary surface between the sample application zone and the reagents. This hydrophilic surface facilitates fluid flow without the retention properties of traditional sample pads, enabling efficient sample delivery with minimal waste
2Productivity
If traditional lateral flow strips use sample pads, then sample delivery is achieved, but the device cannot be efficiently reused by washing between uses
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the sample pad component, the patent eliminates the element that prevents reuse. The simplified structure without retained sample allows the device to be washed and reused efficiently between assays
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a device that requires disposal after single use (traditional approach), the patent inverts the design philosophy by creating a reusable device where the fluid pathway allows complete sample passage without retention, enabling wash cycles and multiple uses
3Ease of operation
If traditional lateral flow strips are designed with sample pads, then fluid sample application is enabled, but the structure requires more components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample application function directly into the test strip structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate sample pad layer. The hydrophilic coating on the substrate performs both the application and flow guidance functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
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 device reduces sample waste and enables efficient reuse by ensuring fluid sample is directed through a flow pathway, enhancing assay performance and sample delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the top and bottom layers provide hydrophilic surfaces in contact with the middle layer
Implementation Method 2
a fluid sample is applied to sample pad from which the fluid sample may flow toward various reagents
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to lateral flow immunoassay devices, including test strips, having a top layer, a bottom layer, and a middle layer, wherein the middle layer defines a fluid flow path and the top and bottom layers provide hydrophilic surfaces in contact with the middle layer. The present invention also relates to methods of detecting analytes of interest using said devices. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing immunoassay devices involving laminating a bottom layer, a middle layer, and a top layer together, wherein the middle layer defines a fluid flow path and the top and bottom layers provide hydrophilic surfaces in contact with the middle layer.