Leukocyte Classification Reagent for Five-Group Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for classifying leukocytes into five groups face challenges such as failing to separate basophils, requiring complex equipment, and being sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which increases equipment costs and complicates the classification process.
Innovation Solution
A reagent system comprising at least two cationic surfactants, an organic compound with a hydrophobic and anionic group, and a buffer to adjust pH, allowing for the classification of leukocytes into five groups within a single channel at a broad temperature range, using low and high angle scattered light measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to classify leukocytes, then classification can be performed, but basophils cannot be separated from other groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the reagent by incorporating specific cationic surfactants (such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and cetylpyridinium chloride) that selectively interact with basophil cell membranes. This chemical parameter change enables the reagent to differentiate basophils from other leukocyte types through enhanced light scattering properties, resolving the inability to separate basophils while maintaining overall classification accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If conventional classification methods are used, then leukocytes can be classified, but complex equipment and cooling devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical classification systems with a chemical reagent-based approach. The reagent contains cationic surfactants that chemically interact with leukocytes to produce distinct light scattering patterns detectable by simple optical sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical sorting devices and cooling systems, maintaining classification capability while dramatically simplifying equipment requirements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used, then classification can be performed, but the process is sensitive to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates a reagent with buffered components and temperature-stable cationic surfactants that maintain consistent chemical properties across a wide temperature range. The reagent's pH buffer system and surfactant composition are specifically designed to resist temperature-induced changes, enabling accurate leukocyte classification without requiring strict temperature control, thus eliminating the need for cooling devices.
4Productivity
If conventional reagents are used, then classification into four groups is achieved, but five-group classification including basophils is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite reagent formulation combining multiple cationic surfactants (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride) with specific buffers and additives. This composite material creates distinct light scattering signatures for all five leukocyte types (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) simultaneously, enabling five-group classification with the same simplicity and throughput as conventional four-group methods.
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 precise classification of leukocytes into lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils within a single channel across a wide temperature range, improving reliability and reducing equipment costs by eliminating the need for cooling devices and simplifying equipment design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one negatively charged organic compound to bind with positively charged materials in the leukocytes to give morphological changes to the leukocytes
Implementation Method 2
achieve the classification of leukocytes by detecting the electrical signals or scattered light signals after the leukocytes have been particularly treated with a lytic agent
Data Source
AI summary
A reagent for classification of leukocytes includes (a) at least two cationic surfactants; (b) at least one organic compound bearing a hydrophobic group and an anionic group; (c) a buffer for adjusting pH into a range of approximately 2-8. Also disclosed is a method for classifying leukocytes with the reagent. With the reagent and method, erythrocytes are lysed rapidly and classification of leukocytes into five groups is achieved in the same channel. The reaction may be carried out at approximately between 10-40° C. and scattered light signals may be detected at two angles for measuring the classification of leukocytes into five groups.