LDL Cholesterol Test Strip with POE-POP-POE Block Copolymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are either complex, require laboratory facilities, or are not compatible with strip technology due to challenges in introducing multiple reagents at critical timings, limiting their effectiveness for on-site, immediate patient assessment.
Innovation Solution
A test strip system incorporating a red blood cell separation layer, a reaction layer with POE-POP-POE block copolymer and surfactant, and a reflectivity changing reactant, which selectively solubilizes non-LDL cholesterol analytes, allowing for direct measurement of LDL cholesterol concentration without the need for laboratory equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-step reaction methods are used to quantify LDL cholesterol, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the need for multiple reagents and critical timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reagents (POE-POP-POE block copolymer, surfactant, and reflectivity changing reactant) into a single reaction layer that performs the functions of multiple separate reagents. This single layer simultaneously solubilizes non-LDL cholesterol, enables selective reaction, and provides the measurement signal, eliminating the need for sequential reagent addition and complex timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction layer is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it separates red blood cells, solubilizes non-LDL cholesterol analytes, enables the chemical reaction with reflectivity changing reactant, and provides the measurement signal. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory-based methods are used for LDL cholesterol measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation worsen due to facility requirements and delayed results
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is designed as a self-contained, self-service system that performs the complete LDL cholesterol measurement process without requiring external laboratory facilities, equipment, or personnel. The strip automatically separates blood components, performs the chemical reaction, and generates a measurable signal that can be read immediately, enabling point-of-care testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into discrete functional layers within the test strip (red blood cell separation layer, reaction layer with embedded reagents), allowing the entire measurement process to be miniaturized and performed in a portable format that does not require laboratory infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional surfactants are used to solubilize cholesterol, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to inability to selectively solubilize non-LDL cholesterol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of POE-POP-POE block copolymer combined with surfactant in the reaction layer. This composite provides both the ease of manufacture associated with conventional surfactants and the selective solubilization capability needed for accurate non-LDL cholesterol measurement, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and measurement precision.
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
Enables rapid, accurate measurement of LDL cholesterol levels in whole blood samples, providing immediate results that are more accurate than estimation-based methods like the Friedwald equation, especially for non-fasting individuals, and is compatible with dry strip technology.
Implementation Method 1
the POE-POP-POE block copolymers solubilizing essentially only non-LDL cholesterol analytes
Implementation Method 2
the reaction layer including POE-POP-POE block copolymer, a surfactant, and a reflectivity changing reactant
Implementation Method 3
the non-LDL cholesterol analytes reacting with the reflectivity changing reactant in order to change a reflectivity of the blood sample
Implementation Method 4
a red blood cell separation layer, the red blood cell separation layer separating red blood cells from a blood sample
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a test strip for testing for cholesterol-related blood analytes in whole blood includes a red blood cell separation layer, the red blood cell separation layer separating red blood cells from a blood sample applied to the test strip as the blood sample flows downward through the red blood cell separation layer. The test strip further includes a reaction layer receiving the blood sample from the red blood cell separation layer, the reaction layer including POE-POP-POE block copolymer, a surfactant, and a reflectivity changing reactant, the POE-POP-POE block copolymers solubilizing essentially only non-LDL cholesterol analytes, the non-LDL cholesterol analytes reacting with the reflectivity changing reactant in order to change a reflectivity of the blood sample.