Microstructured Surface Analyte Concentration via Centrifugal Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting analytes in large sample volumes are inefficient, particularly for low-concentration analytes like bacteria in water samples, as they require extensive time for concentration and often result in analyte loss during centrifugation and filtration, and can irreversibly trap samples in filters.
Innovation Solution
A method combining filtration and centrifugation into microstructured surfaces to concentrate analytes, using multi-zone filters and a system where the filter is oriented to face a microstructured surface during centrifugation, allowing for efficient recovery and detection of analytes by sedimenting them into microstructured wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard filtration and centrifugation methods are used to concentrate analytes from large sample volumes, then analyte concentration is achieved, but detection time is extended and analyte loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges filtration and centrifugation into a single integrated operation. The filter is positioned within the centrifuge tube, allowing simultaneous filtration of large sample volumes and centrifugal concentration of analytes onto the filter surface, eliminating the sequential time required for separate filtration and centrifugation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional bottom-pellet centrifugation to surface-based analyte concentration. By positioning the filter horizontally and using centrifugal force to deposit analytes onto the filter surface rather than forming a bottom pellet, the system enables direct access to concentrated analytes without time-consuming resuspension and transfer steps
2Quantity of substance
If centrifugation is used to concentrate analytes, then analyte concentration increases, but analyte loss occurs during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a permanent copy of the analyte concentration on the filter surface. Analytes are centrifugally deposited and retained on the filter membrane, creating a stable concentrated sample that can be directly analyzed without loss during transfer or resuspension, eliminating the analyte loss associated with traditional pellet resuspension methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the filter membrane to trap and retain concentrated analytes. The pores physically capture the analytes on the filter surface, preventing loss during handling and enabling direct analysis of the concentrated sample without requiring resuspension steps that cause analyte loss
3Quantity of substance
If filters are used to retain analytes, then analyte concentration is achieved, but samples are irreversibly trapped in the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional filtration approach. Instead of filtering analytes from the sample and then attempting to recover them, the system allows the concentrated analyte layer to remain on the filter surface as the final analytical format. The filter becomes the analysis substrate rather than a temporary holding device, eliminating the need for complex recovery procedures
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 approach significantly reduces detection time for analytes, achieving concentrations 25-90% faster than standard culture techniques, with improved analyte recovery and minimal loss, enabling rapid detection of analytes like Escherichia coli in water samples.
Implementation Method 1
a filter configured to retain the analyte of interest from the sample
Implementation Method 2
centrifuging the second container toward the microstructured surface to move the filtrand from the filter to the microstructured surface of the detection portion
Implementation Method 3
the microstructured surface of the detection portion can be further adapted to retain at least a portion of the concentrate of the sample under normal gravitational forces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The system can include a first container comprising a filter portion. The filter portion can include a filter comprising a filtrand of the sample on a first side of the filter. The system can further include a second container comprising the filter portion coupled to a detection portion comprising a microstructured surface. The method can include providing the first container, coupling the filter portion to the detection portion to form the second container where the first side of the filter faces the microstructured surface, and centrifuging the second container toward the microstructured surface. The method can further include inverting the second container after centrifuging to decant the supernatant from the detection portion, such that a concentrate comprising a sediment of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface, which can be interrogated for an analyte of interest.