Membrane Carrier Level Difference for Lateral Flow Stirring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lateral flow type immunochromatography methods, the simple detection system and uniform flow path structure lead to insufficient stirring of the substance to be detected and the label, affecting detection performance, and existing techniques do not adequately address flow rate variations and sensitivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A membrane carrier with a microstructure that includes a level difference in the flow path, featuring convex portions and a capillary action mechanism, promotes stirring and improves sensitivity by altering the flow path's height levels and inclinations, ensuring efficient transport and detection of substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform flow path structure is used in lateral flow immunochromatography, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the stirring effect between substance to be detected and label becomes insufficient, deteriorating detection performance
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed with different height levels in different regions. The bottom surface of the flow path includes a first level and a second level at different heights, creating local structural variations that generate stirring effects without complicating the overall device structure or manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a height dimension variation in the flow path structure by creating level differences between different regions. This vertical dimension change generates fluid dynamics effects (stirring) that improve mixing between analyte and label, while the level difference structure can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes
2Device complexity
If a simple detection system is used in lateral flow immunochromatography, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stirring effect becomes insufficient, affecting detection performance
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path structure incorporates local height variations with first and second levels, creating stirring effects in specific regions without requiring complex detection systems or additional components throughout the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing vertical level differences in the flow path, the invention achieves improved mixing and detection performance through structural design rather than through complex detection mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while enhancing performance
3Ease of manufacture
If nitrocellulose membrane with natural pores is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the pore diameter and connection are non-uniform, causing flow rate variations that lead to erroneous non-detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a porous polyethylene terephthalate membrane as the base material, maintaining the ease of manufacture associated with porous materials while providing a more uniform pore structure compared to natural nitrocellulose membranes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from natural nitrocellulose to synthetic porous polyethylene terephthalate, which provides more uniform pore characteristics. Additionally, the level difference structure in the flow path further standardizes flow rates by creating consistent hydraulic gradients across the membrane surface
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 membrane carrier enhances detection sensitivity and reduces erroneous non-detection errors by promoting effective stirring and flow control, allowing for highly sensitive and accurate optical determination of substances in liquid samples.
Implementation Method 1
a microstructure that causes a capillary action for transporting the liquid sample is provided on a bottom surface of the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a membrane carrier for a liquid sample test kit (3) that detects a substance to be detected in a liquid sample, the liquid sample test kit including at least one flow path (2) capable of transporting the liquid sample, in which a microstructure that causes a capillary action for transporting the liquid sample is provided on a bottom surface of the flow path (2), and a level difference at which a height level of the bottom surface changes, is provided in the flow path (2). The membrane carrier preferably has a detection zone for detecting a substance to be detected in the liquid sample.