Microfluidic Disk for Delta-9-THC Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic screening tests for delta-9-THC in blood samples are hindered by high levels of metabolites, which interfere with accurate detection, especially in jurisdictions where marijuana is legal, and existing methods lack specificity for delta-9-THC, leading to potential false positives and difficulties in determining intoxication levels.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic disk system utilizing beads of different densities and fluorophore-labelled antibodies to separate delta-9-THC from its metabolites, allowing for precise detection of delta-9-THC levels in blood samples by centrifugal separation and fluorescence analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current diagnostic screening tests utilize reagents which seek to catch all forms of THC, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from metabolites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two distinct stages: first, metabolite removal using specific reagents; second, delta-9-THC detection using engineered antibodies. This segmentation allows each stage to focus on its specific function, preventing cross-interference and achieving both high sensitivity and precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes metabolites from the blood sample before performing delta-9-THC detection. By taking out the interfering metabolites in a preliminary step, the subsequent detection of delta-9-THC is no longer compromised by cross-reactivity, thereby maintaining both sensitivity and precision.
2Quantity of substance
If metabolite levels are high in habitual users, then the quantity of substance to be detected increases, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to metabolite interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes metabolites from the blood sample before performing delta-9-THC detection. By taking out the interfering metabolites in a preliminary step, the subsequent detection of delta-9-THC is no longer compromised by cross-reactivity, thereby maintaining both sensitivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs metabolite removal as a preliminary action before the actual delta-9-THC detection. This preliminary step ensures that when the engineered antibodies detect delta-9-THC, there are no metabolites present to cause false positives or interfere with measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If the detection method targets all forms of THC, then the reliability of detection is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish delta-9-THC from metabolites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two distinct stages: first, metabolite removal using specific reagents; second, delta-9-THC detection using engineered antibodies. This segmentation allows each stage to focus on its specific function, preventing cross-interference and achieving both high sensitivity and precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the binding parameters of the antibodies through engineering to achieve high specificity for delta-9-THC. The engineered antibodies have modified binding characteristics that allow them to distinguish delta-9-THC from metabolites, enabling precise detection while maintaining reliability.
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 accurate and specific detection of delta-9-THC in blood samples, reducing interference from metabolites and providing a reliable method for determining intoxication levels, suitable for roadside testing and law enforcement.
Implementation Method 1
a second fluid is located in the closed end, the first fluid is between the second fluid and the opening, and the second fluid has a higher density than the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
Upon application of a centrifugal force, the higher density first beads move to the second fluid
Implementation Method 3
If any fluorescently-labelled analyte specific antibodies are bound to the first beads (e.g., via the bound analyte molecules) the chamber region of the second fluid will fluoresce
Data Source
AI summary
The various technologies presented herein relate to identifying whether an individual has taken, and/or is under the influence of, a restricted drug. A density separation technique is utilized, wherein a sample (e.g., blood, saliva, urine, etc.) which may include an analyte is exposed to a first plurality of beads having an analyte attached thereto, a second plurality of beads having a metabolite-specific antibody attached thereto, and a plurality of fluorophore-labelled analyte-specific antibodies. After incubation, any analyte in the sample (e.g., delta-9-THC) is bound to the fluorophore-labelled analyte-specific antibodies, any free fluorophore-labelled analyte-specific antibodies are attached to the analyte of the first beads, and any metabolite in the sample is bound to the second antibody. By applying centrifugal separation, the first beads move to a region which undergoes irradiation. If no fluorescence occurs, the sample includes the analyte; if fluorescence occurs, the sample does not include the analyte.