Microfluidic Analyte Cartridge for Rapid Point-of-Care Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molecule detection technologies require expensive equipment and specialized expertise, making them inaccessible for timely analysis in non-laboratory settings, leading to delayed identification of pathogens and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system comprising a cartridge device with a sample analysis cartridge, reader device, and sample collection device, utilizing magnetic particles, affinity molecules, and signaling agents to detect analytes, allowing for rapid analysis in non-clinical settings with minimal biohazard risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional molecule detection technologies are used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but the requirement for expensive equipment and specialized expertise increases, making them inaccessible for timely analysis in non-laboratory settings
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into separate functional modules: a disposable cartridge containing pre-prepared reagents and magnetic particles, a reader device for detection, and a sample collection device. This segmentation allows the complex detection chemistry to be pre-packaged in simple-to-use cartridges, making the system accessible to non-specialized users while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents, magnetic particles with affinity molecules, and other detection components are pre-prepared and sealed in cartridges before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex sample preparation steps, reducing the expertise required while maintaining detection performance
2Productivity
If conventional detection methods are used in laboratories, then thorough analysis can be performed, but the time required for analysis increases, leading to delayed identification of pathogens and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with a magnetic-based detection approach. Magnetic particles with affinity molecules rapidly capture target analytes, and magnetic fields are used for separation and detection, eliminating time-consuming centrifugation, filtration, and manual processing steps while maintaining thorough analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge system is designed to perform sample preparation, reagent mixing, and detection steps automatically or with minimal user intervention. The pre-configured cartridge performs multiple functions self-service style, dramatically reducing the time from sample collection to result generation while maintaining analysis quality
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
Enables rapid and accurate detection of molecules in various settings, reducing the need for specialized expertise and equipment, thereby facilitating timely identification of pathogens and contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic particles each having surface-bound affinity molecules
Implementation Method 2
surface-bound affinity molecules
Implementation Method 3
The reagent shuttle may be designed to move within the input tunnel when subjected to a force greater than a threshold force
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.