Lateral Flow Test Strip with Segmented Capture Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting analytes in samples, such as aflatoxin, using lateral flow test strips face challenges in providing accurate quantitative results within a narrow range, often resulting in high sensitivity but limited detection range and potential for indistinguishable results at low analyte levels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a lateral flow test strip with multiple test areas and a control zone, where the capture agents in each area have varying concentrations and affinities to the receptor, allowing for increased binding potential and sensitivity while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different analyte concentrations by measuring signal intensity differences between areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lateral flow test strip uses a single test area with high binding affinity capture agent, then sensitivity is improved, but the detection range becomes narrow and results at low analyte levels become indistinguishable
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into multiple test areas (first test area and second test area), each containing capture agents with different binding affinities. This segmentation allows different regions to respond to different analyte concentration ranges, thereby expanding the overall detection range while maintaining high sensitivity in each individual area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different test areas are assigned different local qualities in terms of capture agent binding affinity. The first test area uses capture agents with higher binding affinity for high sensitivity, while the second test area uses capture agents with lower binding affinity for broader detection range. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and detection range.
2Measurement precision
If the capture agent concentration is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then binding potential increases, but the ability to distinguish between different analyte concentrations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip divides the detection function into multiple test areas with different capture agent concentrations. The first test area has higher capture agent concentration for sensitivity, while the second test area has lower concentration for concentration differentiation. This segmentation allows both requirements to be met simultaneously in different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local qualities of capture agent concentration are assigned to different test areas. The first test area uses higher concentration for sensitivity, while the second test area uses lower concentration for maintaining concentration gradients. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and concentration differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple test areas with varying capture agent affinities are used to expand detection range, then device complexity increases, but measurement accuracy is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is segmented into multiple test areas, each with specific capture agent characteristics. This segmentation enables accurate quantitation across a wide range by distributing different detection functions across multiple regions, with each region optimized for specific concentration ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip structure is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: the first test area detects high concentrations with high sensitivity, while the second test area detects low concentrations with good differentiation. This multi-functionality allows a single test strip to handle a broad dynamic range without requiring multiple separate devices.
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 enhances the detection range and accuracy of analyte concentrations, providing a wider range of detectable concentrations with improved sensitivity and reduced testing errors, enabling precise quantitation of analytes like aflatoxin from 0 to 100 ppb.
Implementation Method 1
The first test area capture agent will have greater binding affinity to the receptor than to the receptor-analyte complex. As a result of that differential in binding affinity, captured receptor in the test area will decrease as sample analyte concentration increases.
Implementation Method 2
The solid support can be configured to allow the mobile phase to flow from the first test area to a second test area on the solid support
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for detecting analytes in a test sample. Embodiments include methods for quantitatively detecting analytes within a range of concentrations. In an embodiment the method includes a lateral flow test strip with multiple test areas for capturing a labeled receptor to provide a detectable signal.