Magnetically Separable Macro Granules for Immunoassay Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current immunoassay technologies face limitations in sensitivity and sample volume capacity due to the use of small beads that require long magnetic separation times and are prone to aggregation, and existing macro particle-based methods lack magnetic separation and automation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetically separable macroscopic granule particles (MGP) with sizes between 1 mm and 5 mm, coated with detection molecules, allows for rapid signal generation and high sensitivity in large sample volumes, enabling efficient magnetic separation and automation of ELISA processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If small beads (micrometer and nanometer scale) are used for immunoassays, then the surface area to volume ratio is increased, but the magnetic separation time becomes very long and bead aggregation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using small beads (0.1-10 μm) to large macroscopic granulate particles (1-5 mm), representing a dimensional change in particle size. This macroscopic scale provides sufficient surface area for immunoassay reactions while enabling rapid magnetic separation due to the larger mass and improved magnetic response, thereby resolving the contradiction between surface area requirements and separation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of particle size from micrometer/nanometer scale to millimeter scale. This parameter change fundamentally alters the magnetic separation characteristics, allowing large particles to be separated rapidly from sample matrices while maintaining adequate surface area for antibody-antigen binding through the macroscopic surface available on each particle.
2Area of stationary object
If small beads are used for immunoassays, then the surface area is increased, but bead loss during magnetic separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to macroscopic granulate particles (1-5 mm), the patent reduces bead loss during magnetic separation. The larger size and mass of these particles prevent them from being lost in the sample matrix or during handling, while still providing sufficient surface area for effective immunoassay reactions.
3Measurement precision
If larger sample volumes are used, then the sensitivity is improved, but the separation time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The use of macroscopic granulate particles (1-5 mm) enables the processing of large sample volumes (up to several milliliters) with rapid magnetic separation. The large particle size provides sufficient surface area for capturing analytes from extended sample volumes, while the magnetic properties ensure quick separation even from viscous or complex matrices, thereby improving sensitivity without proportionally increasing separation time.
4Measurement precision
If conventional ELISA methods are used, then the sensitivity is achieved, but the device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solid phase support from conventional ELISA plates and replaces it with magnetically separable macroscopic granulate particles. This extraction allows the immunoassay to be performed in a simplified format using standard laboratory equipment for magnetic separation, eliminating the need for specialized ELISA readers and complex plate-based protocols while maintaining sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The macroscopic granulate particles self-organize and can be easily separated using simple magnetic fields without requiring complex automated ELISA systems. The large particles naturally settle and can be manipulated with basic magnetic separators, making the assay self-sufficient and reducing dependence on complex device infrastructure.
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
This approach enables sensitive detection of analytes in large sample volumes with reduced matrix effects and rapid separation, while allowing for automation and minimizing bead loss, surpassing the limitations of conventional bead-based and macro particle-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
The particles can be separated by means of a magnet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to magnetically separable polymer-based macro granules for carrying out immunoassays for detecting highly diverse analytes for medical, biological and biotechnological sectors. The size of the macroscopic granulate particles is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm in cross-section, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the macro granules can be magnetically separated. According to a preferred embodiment, the polymer-based macro granules are located in a pipette tip.