Microfluidic Analyte Detection Cartridge With Magnetic Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies for molecule detection, such as nucleic acids and proteins, require expensive equipment and expert personnel, leading to delays in identifying pathogens, diseases, and contaminations, which can spread and cause harm before proper tests are conducted.
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 and quantify molecules, allowing for rapid analysis in non-clinical settings with minimal biohazard risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional molecule detection technologies are used, then detection accuracy and reliability are maintained, but detection time increases and expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection process into separate functional modules: sample collection device, cartridge device with magnetic separation chamber, and reader device. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve rapid detection while maintaining simplicity of operation through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic particles are used to capture and concentrate analytes, and magnetic fields replace complex mechanical separation processes, enabling rapid detection without requiring expert operation of sophisticated equipment
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment is used, then detection precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory equipment and concentrates it into a simple cartridge device. The magnetic separation chamber and magnetic particles extract and concentrate the analyte detection capability, eliminating the need for complex laboratory instruments while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from requiring complex equipment operation to using simple magnetic field application. By using magnetic particles with specific magnetic properties and applying magnetic fields at controlled strengths, the system achieves precise detection through parameter control rather than complex equipment
3Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented, then detection time decreases, but reliability and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary concentration and preparation of the analyte using magnetic particles before detection. The magnetic particles bind to the analyte and concentrate it in the magnetic separation chamber, ensuring reliable detection results are achieved quickly through pre-concentration rather than requiring lengthy analysis procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particles serve as an intermediary between the sample and the detection system. They capture and concentrate the analyte, then transfer it to the reader device for detection, ensuring both rapid processing and reliable results through this intermediate concentration step
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 minimizing the spread of illnesses and contaminations.
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
Implementation Method 4
The sensor may be configured to analyze the fluid mixed with the reagent ball and the sample and further configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one of the presence, absence, or quantity of the one or more analytes within the sample
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
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.