Lateral Flow Device with Adjacent Indicator Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lateral flow assays lack solutions for fluorescence-based measurements using ordinary cell phone camera technology, limiting their ability to perform multi-analyte detections and reliable comparisons between indicator zones.
Innovation Solution
A lateral flow device with adjacent indicator zones in a single flow channel or separate channels, allowing for simultaneous imaging using low-cost optics and mobile phone cameras, enabling reliable and efficient fluorescence-based analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple indicator zones are arranged sequentially along the flow channel, then each zone can be analyzed separately, but the zones cannot be captured in a single image requiring multiple shots and moving the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear sequential arrangement of indicator zones along the flow channel into a two-dimensional lateral arrangement. Multiple indicator zones are positioned side-by-side in the lateral direction (transverse to flow direction) rather than one after another in the flow direction, allowing all zones to be captured simultaneously in a single image by the camera.
2Productivity
If indicator zones are arranged side-by-side in the lateral direction, then all zones can be imaged simultaneously with a single shot, but the flow channel becomes more complex requiring turns or branches
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is divided into multiple sections with turns or branches that redirect the fluid flow to pass through laterally arranged indicator zones. This segmentation allows the channel to accommodate side-by-side zone arrangement while maintaining proper fluid flow path from the injection zone through all indicator zones to the waste reservoir.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated lateral flow assay reading devices are used, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the cost and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera of an ordinary cell phone universal for lateral flow assay imaging by arranging indicator zones to fit within the camera's imaging area. The device accommodates multiple indicator zones side-by-side, allowing the phone camera to capture all zones simultaneously without requiring dedicated expensive reading devices, thus achieving both accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
4Measurement precision
If fluorescence-based lateral flow measurements are performed, then sensitivity is improved, but compatibility with ordinary cell phone camera technology is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the imaging system by introducing optical filters (such as long pass filters or band pass filters) between the lateral flow device and the cell phone camera. These filters enable the camera to detect fluorescence signals by blocking excitation light and allowing only emission wavelengths to pass, thus making ordinary cell phone cameras compatible with fluorescence-based lateral flow measurements.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective multi-analyte measurements by ensuring consistent measurement conditions for indicator zones, facilitating faster imaging and broader diagnostic applications with existing mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the indicator zones being capable of producing an optically detectable response signal when interacting with a fluid sample provided thereto
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a lateral flow device, system, kit and method for analyzing a fluid sample. The device comprises a support structure, a flow channel formed in the support structure, and an injection zone in fluidic connection with the flow channel for introducing the fluid sample into the flow channel. According to the invention the flow channel comprises at least two indicator zones at least one of which is capable of producing an optically detectable response signal when interacting with the fluid sample, and the indicator zones are arranged at least partly adjacent to each other on different sections of the flow channel. The invention allows for low-cost imaging devices, such as cameras of mobile phones to be used for making challenging lateral flow diagnostics on a variety of fields of technology.