Magnetic-Fluorescent Construct for Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing biological samples, such as blood, are often bulky, expensive, and prone to non-specific binding issues, limiting their applicability and accuracy for disease diagnosis due to the need for controlled environments and recurrent costs.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing constructs with a magnetic moiety and a fluorescent moiety connected by a linkage, allowing diffusional independence, which are applied within a controlled magnetic field to migrate and interact with analytes, using axial and transverse magnetic fields and evanescent fields to excite fluorescence for accurate analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical fluorescence, electrochemical, or magnetic methods are used for analyte detection, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to bulky supporting hardware and controlled environment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic and fluorescent properties into a single construct (magnetic bead with fluorescent label) that serves dual functions: magnetic manipulation and fluorescence detection. This integration eliminates the need for separate magnetic manipulation systems and fluorescent detection systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The construct is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be manipulated by magnetic fields for separation and concentration, and simultaneously detected by fluorescence for quantification. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the analysis system.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensing elements are used, then analyte detection is possible, but regeneration or replacement is required which increases operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs constructs that can be easily replaced rather than regenerated. The magnetic beads with fluorescent labels are designed as disposable sensing elements that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex regeneration protocols and reducing operational maintenance burden.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensing methods are used in complex biological samples, then analyte measurement is attempted, but non-specific binding interferes with accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concentrated zone of magnetic beads at the detection site through magnetic field manipulation. This local concentration ensures that the fluorescent signal originates from a defined region, reducing interference from non-specific binding elsewhere in the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic bead acts as an intermediary between the analyte in solution and the fluorescent detection system. The bead's magnetic property enables precise spatial control, while its fluorescent label provides the detection signal, mediating the interaction between sample and detector.
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 portable, inexpensive, and adaptable analysis of complex biological samples by reducing hardware complexity, minimizing non-specific binding, and providing reliable detection of analyte presence, level, and activity, suitable for widespread use in disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first magnetic field to the sample to migrate the construct towards a surface, wherein the first magnetic field comprises an axial magnetic field component; applying a second magnetic field to the sample to migrate the construct along the surface, wherein the second magnetic field comprises a transverse magnetic field component
Implementation Method 2
applying an evanescent field to the surface sufficient to excite fluorescence in the fluorescent moiety; and measuring fluorescence emission of the fluorescent moiety
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, presence and/or level of an analyte within a sample is determined by use of a construct comprising a magnetic moiety and a fluorescent moiety. In one embodiment, the construct is magnetically migrated to a transparent surface and then dragged along the surface. In one aspect, an evanescent field is applied and changes in the diffusional or rotational properties of the fluorescent moiety as it migrates in and out of the evanescent field are measured by changes in its fluorescent emission, providing a measure of the interaction between the construct and a component of the sample.