Lateral Flow Assay for Beta-Lactam and Mycotoxin Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lateral flow test methods for detecting beta-lactam antibiotics and mycotoxins in food samples lack sensitivity and user-friendliness, particularly in detecting multiple beta-lactams at safe levels without the need for electronic readers.

Innovation Solution

A lateral flow assay with a test strip featuring separate beta-lactam and mycotoxin test zones and a combined control zone, using specific and multianalyte binders that form detectable complexes with analytes, allowing for visual or reader-based detection, with control zone capture agents having different affinities to distinguish positive results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional lateral flow test methods are used for detecting beta-lactam antibiotics and mycotoxins, then the test structure is simple, but the sensitivity is insufficient and multiple beta-lactams cannot be detected at safe levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidtest strip structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip is divided into separate functional zones: a beta-lactam test zone with specific capture agents for beta-lactam antibiotics, a mycotoxin test zone with capture agents for mycotoxins, and a control zone. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple analyte types at different sensitivity levels while maintaining clear functional differentiation throughout the test structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test strip integrates multiple detection capabilities into a single device that can simultaneously detect beta-lactam antibiotics and mycotoxins. The control zone serves multiple purposes by providing a reference signal for both analyte types and validating test functionality. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive screening without requiring separate tests for each contaminant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional lateral flow test methods are used, then the test structure is simple, but visual interpretation without electronic readers becomes difficult and less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual interpretationVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip utilizes colorimetric signal generation where capture agents form visible complexes with analytes, producing color changes or intensity variations that can be interpreted visually. The control zone provides a reference color signal that allows users to compare test zone results and determine positive/negative outcomes through visual comparison, eliminating the need for electronic readers while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If a single control zone with multiple capture agents is used, then the test structure is simplified, but the complexity of managing different affinities increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol zone structureVSAvoidcapture agent affinity differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different capture agents with specific affinities are localized to different zones within the control zone. Each capture agent is positioned where it can specifically interact with its target analyte, creating local functional differentiation. This allows the control zone to provide differentiated reference signals for beta-lactams and mycotoxins simultaneously, simplifying the overall test structure while maintaining specific affinity requirements for accurate detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 method enables sensitive detection of beta-lactam antibiotics and mycotoxins, including multiple beta-lactams at safe levels, providing a user-friendly, visually interpretable test that can be used with or without a reader, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Implementation Method 1

the binder is adapted to combine with the beta-lactam analytes, when present, from the solution to form a binder-analyte complex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding:

Implementation Method 2

the binder is adapted to combine with the mycotoxin analytes, when present, from the solution to form a binder-analyte complex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding:

Implementation Method 3

The test strip is configured to allow a test solution to flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

each of the control zone capture agents having different affinity to the binder and each able to capture the binder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding:

Data Source

PatentUS9562898B1Method and assay for detection of residues

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 CHARM SCIENCES INC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein include methods and assays for detecting beta-lactam analytes and mycotoxin analytes in a sample. Some embodiments include detection of multiple analytes in a sample utilizing a plurality of analyte binders and a control zone containing multiple control zone capture agents. In some embodiments, the multiple control zone capture agents capture a plurality of binders within one control zone. Test results are determined by comparison of the control zone signal to a test zone signal.