Machine-Readable Lateral Flow Assay Using Bioelectrochemical Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lateral flow assays (LFAs) suffer from user errors due to faint color changes and reliance on visual cues, and smartphone applications for reading LFAs often produce inaccurate results under poor lighting conditions, making them unreliable for objective and accurate diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A machine-readable LFA device that generates electrical signals based on bioelectrochemical reactions, using wireless chips to transmit data to smartphones for accurate result analysis, eliminating the need for visual indicators and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lateral flow assays use visual color change indicators, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to faint color changes and user error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/visual detection system with an electrochemical detection system. The LFA device incorporates working and reference electrodes that measure electrical potential differences generated by bioelectrochemical reactions at the test and control lines, substituting the mechanical/visual observation method with an electrical measurement system to achieve machine-readable, objective results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrochemical mediators that facilitate electron transfer between the biochemical reactions at the test lines and the electrodes. These mediators enable the transduction of biochemical signals into electrical signals that can be measured and processed, serving as an intermediary between the biological recognition event and the electronic detection system
2Reliability
If smartphone applications rely on visual cues under poor lighting conditions, then the device portability is maintained, but the measurement precision and reliability worsen due to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the light-dependent optical detection system with an electricity-based detection system. By measuring electrical potential differences generated through bioelectrochemical reactions, the system eliminates dependency on lighting conditions and external power sources, enabling reliable operation in resource-limited settings without compromising diagnostic reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device generates its own electrical signals through bioelectrochemical reactions at the test lines, requiring no external power source. The electrochemical mediators and enzyme-substrate reactions self-generate the electrical potential needed for detection, making the system autonomous and independent of external lighting or power infrastructure
3Loss of information
If manual visual reading of LFAs is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of information increases due to user errors and subjective interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual interpretation system with an electronic measurement and communication system. The electrodes measure electrical potential differences objectively, and the results are transmitted via wireless communication (Bluetooth, WiFi, or NFC) to a computing device for automated analysis, eliminating subjective user interpretation and reducing information loss from human error
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback through wireless communication between the LFA device and external computing devices. The electrical measurements are automatically processed, analyzed, and transmitted to provide objective diagnostic results, replacing the manual visual reading process with an automated feedback loop that reduces user error and information loss
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
Provides objective, accurate, and automated test results through electrical signals, enabling reliable diagnostics even in resource-limited settings and facilitating integration with healthcare systems for large-scale data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a porous membrane structured to facilitate lateral flow
Implementation Method 2
test and control zones coated with analyte-specific antibodies or antigens
Implementation Method 3
At least a portion of the porous membrane acts as a bioelectrochemical cell that generates an electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to make and/or process a diagnostic test device are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a sensor to measure a current between a first electrode and a second electrode of a bioelectrochemical cell coupled to a test zone corresponding to a target analyte on a porous media of a device; a processor to compare the current to a threshold; and when the current is more than the threshold, identify that the target analyte is present in a sample; and an antenna to wirelessly transmit results.