Magnetic Assay Surface for Rapid Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sample analysis are hindered by lengthy sample preparation times and reduced sensitivity, often requiring up to 20 minutes or more due to inadequate automated systems and the need for larger sample and reagent volumes, which limits throughput and increases processing time.
Innovation Solution
The development of an assay surface and processing unit that utilizes magnetic forces to move solid supports through sample preparation regions, incorporating a detection component for optical or digital detection, allowing for faster processing and higher sensitivity analysis, with features like wash regions, storage regions, and mixing areas to enhance sample preparation and detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analog detection systems are used, then detection range is limited, but sample preparation time increases and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional analog detection systems with digital detection systems that utilize magnetic forces to move solid supports through sample preparation regions. This substitution enables faster processing and higher sensitivity analysis by using magnetic field interactions instead of traditional mechanical or optical detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from analog signal measurement to digital detection, fundamentally altering how analytes are detected. This parameter change allows for increased sensitivity and reduced preparation time by enabling direct digital measurement of analyte presence and concentration.
2Measurement precision
If larger sample and reagent volumes are used, then detection accuracy improves, but processing time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic force-based manipulation of solid supports to replace conventional volume-dependent sample processing. This allows accurate detection without requiring large sample and reagent volumes, as magnetic forces enable precise control and detection of analytes at lower concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces solid supports as intermediary elements that bind to analytes and are then manipulated by magnetic forces. This intermediary approach allows for accurate detection of analytes without requiring large volumes of sample or reagent, as the solid supports concentrate and present the analytes for detection.
3Productivity
If automated sample processing systems are implemented, then processing speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex automated mechanical processing systems with a simpler magnetic force-based system. The magnetic fields automatically guide solid supports through sample preparation regions without requiring complex mechanical automation, thereby increasing processing speed while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid supports automatically respond to magnetic forces and move through the sample preparation regions without requiring external mechanical manipulation. This self-service mechanism simplifies the automation system while maintaining high processing speed, as the magnetic fields inherently guide the solid supports through the required paths.
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 significantly reduces sample preparation time, increases detection sensitivity, and enhances throughput, enabling analysis of multiple samples in less than 6 minutes with a high-sensitivity digital detection system, capable of processing at least 360 samples per hour per square meter.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of solid supports is moveable through the plurality of sample preparation regions under a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
a detection component configured to receive the plurality of solid supports by the magnetic force and to detect a presence of the analyte or determine a level or concentration of the analyte
Data Source
AI summary
Sample analysis systems and methods using assay surfaces, assay processing units (APUs), assay processing systems (APSs), and laboratory systems are disclosed. An assay surface includes a sample processing component comprising a plurality of regions, including at least one wash region and at least one storage region configured to hold a plurality of solid supports moveable through the regions under a magnetic force, and a detection component configured to receive the solid supports. An APU includes an assay surface receiving component, a magnetic element configured to generate a moveable magnetic field, and one or more processors configured to move the magnetic field. An APS includes one or more assay surfaces and an APU. A laboratory system includes one or more APSs and a controller for parallel processing. Sample processing and detection methods are disclosed with a reduced sample volume and/or shortened processing time and/or higher sensitivity.