Lateral Flow Device with Integrated Magnetic Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sample analysis systems are complex and expensive, limiting their use to clinical and research laboratories, and are not suitable for settings in the developing world, particularly due to high costs and complexity related to separation steps in assays.
Innovation Solution
Lateral flow devices and systems that integrate sample preparation and analyte concentration using magnetic particles and magnetic fields, allowing for improved sensitivity and wider sample compatibility by concentrating analytes directly within the assay, reducing the need for external sample preparation technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional automated analyzers with separation steps are used, then assay performance is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample preparation, analyte concentration, and detection functions into a single integrated lateral flow device. Magnetic particles are incorporated directly onto the lateral flow membrane, eliminating the need for separate external sample preparation technologies and complex separation steps while maintaining assay performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral flow device is designed to perform multiple functions: sample application, analyte concentration using magnetic particles, separation, and detection all in one platform. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate systems.
2Measurement precision
If external sample preparation technologies are used, then analyte concentration is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates concentration and detection functions into a single lateral flow device by incorporating magnetic particles directly onto the membrane. This eliminates the need for separate external sample preparation technologies, reducing overall system cost while achieving the same limit of detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral flow device performs self-concentration using magnetic particles that are already integrated into the device structure. The device serves its own sample preparation needs without requiring external equipment, thereby reducing cost.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic particle concentration is integrated into the lateral flow device, then sensitivity increases 100-fold, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic concentration function with the lateral flow detection platform by incorporating magnetic particles directly onto the membrane. This integration achieves 100-fold sensitivity improvement while avoiding the need for separate concentration devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particles are localized to specific regions of the lateral flow membrane where concentration is needed. This localized approach enhances sensitivity at the detection zone without requiring magnetic components throughout the entire device structure, thus minimizing complexity increase.
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 enables cost-effective, easy-to-use systems for analyzing biological samples, increasing sensitivity and reducing the limit of detection, allowing for analysis of a wider range of samples under various conditions, and providing faster detection with a 100-fold increase in sensitivity compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a sample concentration component... the concentration component is a magnet... the magnet is a permanent or semi-permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
the device further comprises a magnet transport component configured to move said magnet into and out of operable communication with the sample loading region
Implementation Method 3
a membrane comprising a test region and a control region... a fluid handling component comprising a sample pad in operably communication with the sample loading region and a plurality of absorbent pads
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for purification of sample components. In particular, provided herein are lateral flow devices, systems, and methods that utilize flow control of sample handling.