Lateral Flow Analyte Detection System with Zero-Point Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-quantitative assays for analytes in samples, such as agrochemicals, hormones, and toxins, often require skilled operators and complex interpretations due to the need for multiple standards and zones, making them less accessible for rapid and accurate results, especially in agricultural and animal husbandry applications.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a solid support with lateral flow, where a liquid sample interacts with labelled binding partners or analogues and a control reagent, allowing for comparison of label densities in detection and control zones to semi-quantitatively determine analyte levels, using a competitive assay format with a control set at the 'zero' point for easy interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple standards and zones are used for semi-quantitative analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple calibration standards and complex zone interpretations by using a control zone set at the 'zero' point. This simplifies the assay to a single detection zone with a clear positive/negative control, making the system easier to operate while maintaining semi-quantitative capability through threshold-based evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple calibration standards to quantify analyte levels directly, the patent inverts the approach by using a control zone at zero to establish a baseline. The detection is based on comparing signal intensity against this zero-point control, which simplifies the quantification process while maintaining precision for detecting analyte presence above threshold levels.
2Measurement precision
If multiple standards and zones are used for semi-quantitative analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complexity of interpreting multiple zones and calibration standards, leaving a simplified system with a single detection zone and a clear control zone. This extraction of unnecessary complexity allows unskilled operators to perform the assay easily by simply comparing the detection zone signal to the control zone signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The control zone at zero point provides self-service by automatically establishing the baseline for interpretation. The system self-regulates the evaluation criteria through the control zone, eliminating the need for operator expertise in interpreting multiple standards and zones.
3Speed
If rapid lateral flow assay is used, then speed of result is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from continuous quantification across multiple zones to a threshold-based comparison between detection zone and control zone. This parameter change allows rapid visual or instrumental reading while maintaining precision for detecting analyte levels above established thresholds, suitable for rapid decision-making in agricultural and animal husbandry applications.
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 enables rapid, semi-quantitative analysis with easy interpretation, allowing for accurate determination of analyte levels above a certain threshold, improving usability for unskilled operators and providing clearer indications of analyte presence or concentration, particularly in agricultural and animal welfare contexts.
Implementation Method 1
a solid support capable of allowing lateral flow of liquid therethrough
Implementation Method 2
labelled binding partners for said analyte or a labelled analogue of said analyte
Implementation Method 3
a labelled control reagent; allowing the sample, labelled binding partner for said analyte or a labelled analogue of said analyte and labelled control reagent to flow through a control zone
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the determination of a target analyte in a sample, said method comprising: a) applying a liquid sample suspected of containing said target analyte to a solid support capable of allowing lateral flow of liquid there through, which support has diffusibly arranged thereon, (i) either (a) a labeled binding partner for said analyte or (b) a labeled analogue of said analyte, and (ii) a labeled control reagent; b) allowing the sample, labeled binding partner for said analyte or a labeled analogue of said analyte and labeled control reagent to flow through a detection zone on said solid support; c) allowing the sample, labeled binding partner for said analyte or a labeled analogue of said analyte and labeled control reagent to flow through a control zone; and d) detecting the labeled density in the detection zone and the label density in the control zone and comparing these densities.