Lateral Flow Assay Device Sequential Reagent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional blotting techniques for detecting immobilized analytes are time-consuming and prone to errors due to multiple washing and blocking steps, consuming limited resources and leading to irreproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A lateral flow assay device with a wicking pad sandwiched between a support and top layer, featuring reservoirs that deliver reagent solutions sequentially to the wicking pad for efficient contact with immobilized analytes, reducing the need for manual intervention and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional blotting techniques are used with multiple washing and blocking steps, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and resource usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the membrane with blocking agent and pre-placing washing buffers in reservoirs before the assay begins. This eliminates the need for manual intervention during critical steps, maintaining detection accuracy while reducing time consumption through automated fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service by using capillary action to automatically draw blocking agents and washing buffers through the membrane without external intervention. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent capillary properties of the membrane to deliver reagents, reducing manual handling time while maintaining assay reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple manual washing and blocking steps are performed, then analyte detection reliability is maintained, but operator error and irreproducibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device eliminates manual handling complexity by using capillary action to automatically deliver blocking agents and washing buffers through the membrane. The system self-regulates fluid flow without operator intervention, eliminating variability introduced by manual steps while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with capillary action-driven fluid delivery. Instead of manual pipetting and handling, the system uses the inherent capillary properties of the membrane to transport reagents, eliminating operator error and improving reproducibility.
3Reliability
If traditional blotting methods are used with multiple steps, then comprehensive analyte detection is achieved, but reagent and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device reduces reagent consumption by using capillary action to deliver precise amounts of blocking agent and washing buffers only where needed through the membrane. This self-regulating system prevents excess reagent use while maintaining comprehensive analyte detection through complete fluid saturation of the membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the membrane to control reagent delivery. The porous material allows capillary action to draw reagents through the membrane efficiently, ensuring complete coverage for detection while minimizing reagent waste through controlled flow paths.
4Reliability
If manual washing and blocking steps are performed, then proper sample preparation is achieved, but productivity and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains sample preparation quality while improving productivity by using capillary action to automatically perform washing and blocking steps simultaneously across the membrane. This parallel processing capability maintains thorough sample preparation without the sequential time constraints of manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the membrane and pre-positioning reagent reservoirs, enabling multiple samples to be processed through automated capillary flow without manual intervention. This preparation in advance allows high-throughput processing while maintaining preparation 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 lateral flow assay device enables efficient and reproducible detection of analytes by sequentially delivering reagents to the wicking pad, minimizing manual handling and resource use, while ensuring effective binding and washing steps.
Implementation Method 1
a wicking pad composed of a porous material, the wicking pad having a planar region for contacting a substrate... each of the reservoirs is in fluid communication with the first end of the wicking pad... allowing lateral flow of the reagent solutions from the reservoirs to the pump
Implementation Method 2
a pump comprising an absorbent pad located on the second end of the wicking pad
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Lateral flow devices, methods and kits for performing lateral flow assays are provided.