Porous Matrix Mixing Cup for Single-Pass Hemoglobin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing components like hemoglobin from blood samples that interfere with automated chemical analyzer tests are inefficient, as they rely on gravity settling of beads, which is slow and may not fully remove the interfering components.
Innovation Solution
A matrix with immobilized functionalized particles, such as IMAC beads, is used in a mixing cup to adsorb interfering components like hemoglobin through capillary action or hydraulic pressure, ensuring complete removal before the sample is tested.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity settling of beads is used to remove interfering components, then the method is simple to operate, but the removal efficiency is low and the process is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic pressure to force the liquid sample through the matrix containing immobilized functionalized particles. This hydraulic approach replaces the slow gravity-based settling method with a pressure-driven flow system that achieves complete removal of interfering components like hemoglobin in a single pass, significantly improving removal efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated pressure control.
2Ease of operation
If gravity settling of beads is used to remove interfering components, then the method is simple to operate, but the time required for complete removal is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
By applying hydraulic pressure to drive the sample through the matrix, the system achieves rapid removal of interfering components in a single pass without requiring prolonged settling time. This pressure-driven approach reduces the removal time from excessive durations to a efficient single-pass process while maintaining operational simplicity through automated pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionalized particles are pre-immobilized on the matrix before sample application, creating a ready-to-use removal system. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming settling processes during actual operation, as the removal capacity is already in place to instantly capture interfering components when the sample flows through.
3Device complexity
If beads are used to adsorb interfering components, then the method is simple, but the adsorption is incomplete and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a matrix with porous structure that provides extensive surface area for immobilizing functionalized particles. This porous matrix ensures complete adsorption of interfering components like hemoglobin as the sample passes through, achieving reliable and complete removal in a single pass without requiring multiple processing steps, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the matrix material with immobilized functionalized particles to create a composite structure that integrates both mechanical support and chemical adsorption functionality. This composite approach ensures complete and reliable removal of interfering components while maintaining a simple single-device structure that requires no multiple steps.
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
The matrix effectively reduces the concentration of interfering components in a single pass, improving the accuracy of chemical analyzer tests by ensuring a targeted component-free sample is dispensed on the test slide.
Implementation Method 1
A matrix with immobilized functionalized particles, such as IMAC beads, is used in a mixing cup to adsorb interfering components like hemoglobin through capillary action
Implementation Method 2
A matrix with immobilized functionalized particles, such as IMAC beads, is used in a mixing cup to adsorb interfering components like hemoglobin through capillary action or hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 3
A matrix with immobilized functionalized particles, such as IMAC beads, is used in a mixing cup to adsorb interfering components like hemoglobin
Data Source
AI summary
An insert mounted in a mixing cup and used by an automated chemical analyzer for removing a targeted component of a liquid sample includes a porous matrix formed of or carrying in an immobilized state functionalized particles having properties such that the targeted component of the liquid sample adheres to the functionalized particles. When the liquid sample is expelled from a disposable tip fitted on the end of a pipette forming part of the automated chemical analyzer into the mixing cup, the liquid sample is drawn into the matrix of the insert by capillary action, whereupon the targeted component of the liquid sample adheres to the immobilized functionalized particles of the matrix.