Microporous Transport Layer with Open Grooves for Lateral Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lateral flow tests face an optimization dilemma between maximizing transport speed, signal sharpness, and minimizing liquid volume, as larger pore sizes enhance speed but reduce signal clarity, and smaller pore sizes improve signal sharpness but slow down liquid transport.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a microporous transport layer with deepened, open grooves acting as flow channels separated by microporous webs, which increases capillary forces and allows for a dense adhesion of selective binders while maintaining a high flow acceleration effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If larger pore size is used in the transport layer, then liquid transport speed is improved, but signal sharpness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transport layer is segmented into multiple channels with different pore sizes. The first channel has larger pore sizes to enable rapid liquid transport, while the second channel has smaller pore sizes to provide a large internal surface area for immobilizing selective binders and achieving sharp signal detection. This segmentation allows each channel to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transport layer are given different pore size characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The region dedicated to fast transport has larger pores, while the region dedicated to signal detection has smaller pores with larger internal surface area. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each location to have the optimal pore size for its purpose.
2Manufacturing precision
If smaller pore size is used in the transport layer, then signal sharpness is improved, but liquid transport speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transport layer is divided into functionally distinct channels: the first channel with smaller pores optimized for signal sharpness and the second channel with larger pores optimized for transport speed. This segmentation enables each channel to specialize in one function without being constrained by the opposing requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport layer exhibits spatially varying pore size characteristics, with smaller pores localized in the signal detection region and larger pores localized in the transport region. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve both fast transport and sharp signals simultaneously.
3Speed
If greater layer thickness is used, then transport velocity is improved, but liquid volume loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport layer is segmented into multiple channels with optimized thicknesses for their respective functions. The first channel has greater thickness to enable fast transport velocity, while the second channel has reduced thickness to minimize liquid volume consumption and loss. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing differential optimization of thickness across different functional regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transport layer have different thickness characteristics: the transport region has greater thickness for high velocity, while the detection region has smaller thickness for reduced liquid volume loss. This local differentiation in thickness optimizes both transport speed and liquid conservation simultaneously.
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
This design achieves a balance between accelerated liquid transport and sharp signal detection, allowing for precise control of flow speed and preventing clogging, especially with viscous or solid-containing samples.
Implementation Method 1
a microporous transport layer in which the transport liquid flows from the starting zone to the target zone by means of capillary action
Implementation Method 2
open-pored side walls, which increases capillary forces and allows for a dense adhesion of selective binders while maintaining a high flow acceleration effect
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid transporting device, comprising a liquid-impermeable support (12), applied thereupon a starting zone (24; 24'), for applying liquid to be transported, and a target zone (26, 28; 26a-e), into which the transported liquid is intended to be transported, and also a conducting zone, which extends between the starting zone (24, 24') and the target zone (26, 28; 26a-e) and comprises a microporous transporting layer (14), in which the transported liquid flows from the starting zone (24; 24') to the target zone (26, 28; 26a-e) under the action of capillary force. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the conducting zone has a multiplicity of open flow channels, which are separated from one another by microporous webs with open-pored side walls.