iSCAT Lipoprotein Concentration Detection Without Purification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and quantifying lipoprotein particles in complex solutions, such as blood or blood plasma, are time-consuming, expensive, and provide incomplete information, limiting their application in clinical settings.

Innovation Solution

The use of single particle light scattering, specifically interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAT), allows direct detection and quantification of lipoprotein particles in complex biological samples without purification, by measuring the binding of particles to a surface using light scattering and calibrating the concentration based on binding rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used to detect and quantify lipoprotein particles in complex solutions, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidtime-consuming process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential detection function from complex conventional methods by using light scattering to directly detect lipoprotein particles in complex solutions without requiring purification or separation steps. This extraction of the core detection capability enables rapid analysis while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The light scattering technique provides multi-functional capability by simultaneously detecting particle concentration, size distribution, and composition in complex solutions. This universal approach replaces multiple specialized conventional methods with a single instrument that performs detection, quantification, and characterization functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If conventional detection methods are used for lipoproteins, then complete information is provided, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameter from requiring multiple specialized measurements to using light scattering intensity and pattern analysis. By measuring particle concentration, size, and composition through optical parameters alone, the system provides complete information at lower cost without requiring multiple different analytical techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If purification steps are added to detect lipoproteins in complex solutions, then detection accuracy improves, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of complex solution background interference into a beneficial feature by using light scattering patterns to identify and characterize lipoprotein particles directly within the complex matrix. The complex background becomes part of the measurement information rather than an obstacle requiring elimination through purification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Loss of information

If multiple detection methods are used to characterize lipoproteins, then comprehensive information is obtained, but the time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddetection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple detection capabilities (concentration measurement, size distribution analysis, and composition characterization) into a single light scattering-based system. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate instruments and methods, the system achieves comprehensive information gathering in a single rapid measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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, and cost-effective detection of lipoprotein particles in clinical samples, providing extensive information on their size, number, and distribution, suitable for diagnosing diseases and determining treatment regimens.

Implementation Method 1

detecting the binding of the particle to the surface using light scattering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

interferometric scattering microscopy (also referred to herein as iSCAT) to measure the concentration of a particle in a solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20250237603A1Method of determining lipoprotein concentration in solution using light scattering

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

The invention relates the use of single particle light scattering, preferably interferometric scattering microscopy (also referred to herein as iSCAT), to measure the concentration of a particle in a solution. The invention furthermore relates to the use of light scattering to detect lipoprotein particles in a sample, and to related diagnostic and treatment methods.