Microfluidic Filter for Pathogen Detection in Liquid Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting pathogens in biological samples are slow, expensive, and prone to background interference, making it difficult to rapidly and accurately detect low quantities of pathogens in liquid samples.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a housing, inlet, outlet, and filter system that captures and concentrates pathogens, allowing for direct detection without the need for incubation or culture, and includes a release mechanism to minimize background interference during detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If growth-based methods are used to multiply pathogens, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detection time increases significantly (12-16 hours required)
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is pre-configured with capture surfaces and flow channels that concentrate pathogens as they pass through, eliminating the need for time-consuming culture growth. The preliminary arrangement of filter structures and flow paths enables direct detection of low-pathogen loads without requiring 12-16 hours of multiplication time.
2Loss of time
If DNA-based tests are used for rapid detection, then detection time is reduced, but cost increases compared to growth-based methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex biochemical DNA-based detection systems with a simpler mechanical filtration and concentration system. The filter physically concentrates pathogens through flow-based separation, eliminating the need for expensive DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing equipment while achieving rapid detection.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then background interference from non-pathogens is present, but signal-to-background ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter selectively extracts and retains target pathogens from the liquid sample while allowing non-pathogenic particles (red blood cells, dust) to pass through. This separation concentrates the target analyte and removes background interference, significantly improving the signal-to-background ratio for detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter creates a localized concentration zone where pathogens are retained on specific surfaces with high affinity binding sites. This local concentration of target pathogens at the filter surface, while excluding non-target particles, enhances the signal-to-background ratio by concentrating the detectable signal in a small spatial region.
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, sensitive, and specific detection of pathogens, reducing the need for lengthy laboratory processes and improving signal resolution, facilitating quick medical decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
a filter associated with the outlet and being sized and dimensioned to retain a target analyte on a surface
Implementation Method 2
introduction of a fluorescent probe specific to the target pathogen, or biomolecule associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for detecting a target analyte in a liquid sample. The device can comprise a housing. The housing can include an inlet for receiving a liquid sample, an outlet for removing a volume of the liquid sample from the device, a filter associated with the outlet and being sized and dimensioned to retain a target analyte on a surface thereof, and a flow system comprising at least one channel that is in communication with the inlet and the outlet. At least a portion of the at least one channel can be located substantially adjacent the surface of the filter and be shaped and dimensioned to reduce the amount of unreacted fluorescent probe available to create the background interference during detection of the target analyte.