Magnetic Immunoassay Cuvette Array for Flexible Parallel Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heterogeneous immunoassay devices have limited sample throughput due to rigid clock cycles and predetermined time windows, leading to inefficient use of machine components and prolonged throughput times.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stationary cuvette array and movable measurement and manipulation modules that allow flexible timing of process steps, including a support arm with aspirating needles and dispensers, a magnet assembly, and an optical detection device, enabling parallel processing of immunoassays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cuvettes are moved in a rigid cycle on a conveyor belt or carousel, then the measurement process is standardized and reproducible, but the sample throughput is limited and efficiency is reduced due to mandatory stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the cuvettes through stationary measurement and manipulation modules (conventional approach), the invention inverts the system by keeping cuvettes stationary in a cuvette array and moving the measurement and manipulation modules to the cuvettes. This eliminates the need for rigid conveyor cycles and allows flexible, parallel processing of multiple cuvettes, thereby increasing sample throughput and reducing throughput time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic, movable measurement and manipulation modules that can be positioned at different cuvettes as needed, replacing the static conveyor belt system. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different assay requirements and process multiple cuvettes in parallel, improving productivity and eliminating rigid cycle time constraints.
2Productivity
If multiple machine components are provided along a process path, then complete immunoassays can be carried out, but the device complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The movable measurement and manipulation modules are designed to perform multiple functions: they can manipulate cuvette contents (dispensing, mixing), separate magnetic particles, and carry out optical measurements. This multi-functionality allows a single movable module to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate stationary components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining complete assay capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the immunoassay process into distinct functional modules (manipulation, separation, measurement) that are integrated into a single movable unit. This modular segmentation allows the system to perform complete assays while using fewer overall components compared to having separate stationary stations for each function along a conveyor path.
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
Enhances sample throughput by allowing flexible timing of process steps and efficient utilization of machine components, reducing overall analysis time without increasing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet assembly for separating the magnetic particles on an inner surface of the cuvette
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical detection device for receiving a measurement signal that correlates with (for example is directly or indirectly proportional to) an analyte concentration in the selected cuvette
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a device for carrying out heterogeneous immunoassays by means of magnetic particles in cuvettes lined up next to one another, wherein each cuvette has a filling opening and at least one lateral measurement window which is transparent to the measurement radiation. In one embodiment, the device includes at least one stationary cuvette array in which the cuvettes are arranged for receiving liquid media, at least one support arm which is movable along the cuvette array and which is lowerable toward the filling opening of a selected cuvette. The support arm having at least one aspirating needle which is lowerable toward the bottom of the cuvette, and also having at least one dispenser which can be positioned above or in the respective filling opening for dispensing the liquid media into the cuvette.