Multiplexed Lateral Flow Assay Fluid Distributor Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rapid diagnostic testing using lateral flow immunoassays faces challenges in efficiently distributing samples among multiple assays, leading to uneven test results and potential cross-contamination, especially when performing multiple tests simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed lateral flow assay device with a fluid distributor pad featuring a pattern of hydrophobic material to evenly distribute the sample among multiple flow paths, combined with an impermeable housing element and partitioning strips to isolate each assay and prevent contamination, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple analytes from a single sample deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple lateral flow assays are performed simultaneously using a single sample deposition, then testing efficiency and productivity are improved, but uneven sample distribution and cross-contamination occur leading to reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the single sample deposition into multiple separate flow paths using an impermeable housing with partitioning walls. Each lateral flow assay is isolated in its own chamber, ensuring that the sample is distributed evenly to each test without cross-contamination. This segmentation allows simultaneous testing of multiple analytes while maintaining measurement precision for each individual assay.
2Device complexity
If multiple lateral flow assays are performed simultaneously without isolation barriers, then device complexity is reduced, but cross-contamination between assays increases leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The housing element incorporates impermeable partitioning walls that create separate compartments for each lateral flow assay. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between tests while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The partitioning allows multiple assays to be performed simultaneously with improved reliability without requiring complex isolation mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If a fluid distributor pad with hydrophobic material pattern is used to distribute sample equally among flow paths, then sample distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distributor pad incorporates a hydrophobic material pattern with varying local properties - hydrophobic regions direct fluid flow while hydrophilic regions allow absorption. This local quality variation ensures uniform sample distribution across multiple flow paths. The pattern can be created using standard printing or coating techniques applied to the distributor pad material, making it manufacturable with moderate complexity.
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 solution ensures uniform distribution of the sample among multiple assays, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and enabling simultaneous testing for multiple analytes with improved accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid distributor pad includes a paper based microfluidic element having a pattern of a hydrophobic material to distribute the sample deposition substantially equally among the plurality of flow paths
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexed lateral flow assay device includes an impermeable internal reservoir having an opening to receive a sample deposition. A fluid distributor pad is arranged in fluid communication with a lower surface of the internal reservoir and divides a portion of the sample deposition substantially equally among a plurality of flow paths. Lateral flow assays having a plurality of flow lines are aligned with flow paths of the distributor pad. An impermeable paper top cover has a first window arranged over the opening of the internal reservoir, and at least a second window arranged over the test results of the lateral flow assays. A housing element houses the reservoir, the distributor pad and lateral flow assays. The housing element includes an impermeable bottom cover and a spacer element arranged between the top and bottom covers and, provides a gap between the lateral flow assays and the impermeable paper top cover.