Multi-Reservoir Liquid Test Cartridge for Portable ELISA Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ELISA assays are complex, requiring laboratory equipment and skilled personnel, limiting their scalability and portability for onsite testing.
Innovation Solution
A portable kit with a sample analysis cartridge containing multiple reservoirs, a processing compartment, and a sensor compartment, utilizing a processing material and detectable material precursor to produce a detectable material correlated to the target material's quantity, compatible with ELISA, bacterial assays, and displacement assays, enabling field testing without specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ELISA assays are performed using traditional laboratory methods, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring specialized equipment and skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The assay system is segmented into discrete functional modules: a cartridge containing sample reservoir, reagent reservoir, and sensor chamber, separate from the reader device. This segmentation allows the complex analytical function to be packaged in a simple, portable format that maintains laboratory-grade precision while eliminating the need for complex laboratory infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including pre-coated capture antibodies on the cartridge, lyophilized reagent formulations, and integrated mixing mechanisms. These intermediaries bridge the gap between simple field deployment and complex laboratory procedures, enabling accurate measurements without requiring skilled personnel to perform complex manual operations.
2Measurement precision
If ELISA assays are performed using traditional laboratory methods, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring multiple steps and skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-prepared with capture antibodies coated on the sensor chamber surface and reagents are lyophilized in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform complex preparation steps such as antibody coating, reagent mixing, and equipment calibration, allowing unskilled personnel to achieve laboratory-grade results through simple sample addition and reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service features including automated mixing through cartridge inversion, self-contained reagent delivery through capillary action or pressure differential, and integrated controls in the reader that automatically interpret results. These features enable the assay to perform complex functions autonomously without requiring skilled operational intervention.
3Ease of operation
If portable testing is implemented, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes including lyophilization to stabilize reagents against temperature variations, integrated temperature compensation algorithms in the reader, and optimized antibody-antigen binding conditions that maintain precision across field temperature ranges. These parameter adjustments allow the portable system to maintain laboratory-grade measurement precision despite environmental variations.
4Productivity
If multiple reservoirs and compartments are integrated into the cartridge, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated cartridge structure: sample reservoir, reagent reservoir, mixing chamber, sensor chamber, and waste collection are combined in one disposable unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and manual transfer steps, improving productivity while keeping the overall system simple through single-use integration.
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 efficient, portable detection of target materials such as PFAS compounds and environmental contaminants with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for field-based ELISA-like testing without the need for laboratory-grade equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridges contain a sample reservoir containing two compartments fluidically separated by a barrier. Each compartment contains a chemical compound to facilitate voltammetric detection of a fluid parameter.
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,689,046 and 10,415,102 granted on Jan. 27, 2017, Sep. 17, 2019 respectively, owned by FREDsense Technologies Corp., and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, disclose methods that may be used for the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge, kit and method of determining the presence of a target material in a fluid sample are disclosed. The cartridge comprises multiple reservoirs, each reservoir comprising: a processing compartment in fluid communication with an inlet; and a sensor compartment with a sensor for generating a response to the presence of a detectable material. The detectable material is produced by a processing material from a detectable material precursor when the target material is present. This allows a wide range of assays, including bacterial assays and ELISAs to be used in the field. The cartridge may be used in conjunction with a base to calibrate the response of the sensor to known quantities of target material.