Microfluidic Capillary Influenza Detection Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting influenza virus, such as RT-PCR, agglutination testing, and immunochromatographic tests, are costly, require specialized equipment and trained personnel, and are unsuitable for on-field testing, leading to challenges in early detection and containment of outbreaks, especially during pandemics.

Innovation Solution

A device with a measurement channel and microstructure that uses a detection reactant to form a networked product with the analyte, allowing for on-site detection of influenza virus without specialized equipment or knowledge, using a microfluidic capillary to control sample interaction and prevent clogging, and providing an optically-readable signal for easy confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RT-PCR is used for influenza virus testing, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential detection function from the complex RT-PCR process. By using a detection reactant that directly binds to influenza virus antigens and forms visible networked products, it eliminates the need for DNA/RNA amplification equipment and specialized laboratory infrastructure, achieving reliable detection with minimal device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection reactant serves as an intermediary between the influenza virus and the detection system. It binds specifically to viral antigens and forms networked products that can be visually detected, bridging the gap between the pathogen and the user without requiring complex instrumentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If RT-PCR is used for influenza virus testing, then detection reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs disposable detection cartridges containing pre-loaded detection reactants. These single-use units eliminate the need for expensive, maintained equipment while providing consistent, reliable results. The low-cost consumable approach makes widespread deployment economically feasible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If specialized equipment and trained personnel are required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory. The detection reactant automatically binds to viral antigens in the sample, forming visible networked products without requiring user intervention or interpretation. This self-service mechanism maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for trained personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of time

If rapid detection is achieved, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection timeVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection reactant is pre-loaded into the measurement channel in optimal concentrations and configurations. When the sample is introduced, the binding reaction occurs immediately without requiring sample preparation or incubation steps, achieving both rapid detection and high precision through advance preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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, cost-effective, and reliable on-site detection of influenza virus, reducing the risk of spreading and facilitating timely intervention and vaccine development by allowing for early identification of infected individuals.

Implementation Method 1

the analyte, if it is present in the sample, interacts with the detection reactant to form a networked product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The microstructure is configured to filter the networked product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

using a microfluidic capillary to control sample interaction and prevent clogging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS9012136B2Detection of an analyte in a sample

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for the detection of an analyte in a sample. The mechanisms utilize at least a first measurement channel comprising a detection reactant corresponding to the analyte to be detected, and at least a microstructure associated with the first measurement channel. When the mechanisms are in use, the sample is introduced into the first measurement channel and propagated by way of the first measurement channel towards the microstructure. If the analyte is present in the sample, the analyte interacts with the detection reactant to form a networked product, and the microstructure is configured to filter the networked product.