Immunochromatographic Test Strip with Fat Removal Zone for Milk Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting causative microorganisms in milk, such as those causing mastitis in livestock, are either complex, time-consuming, or require specialized equipment, making them impractical for quick and convenient use in dairy farms.
Innovation Solution
An immunochromatographic method and device that uses a test strip with a third part for removing milk fat globules, allowing the antigen-antibody reaction to proceed, enabling on-site detection of specific substances in milk without the need for apparatus or cream layer treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods (cultivation-based or PCR) are used to identify causative microorganisms in milk, then detection accuracy is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex laboratory equipment and procedures, creating a standalone immunochromatographic test strip that can be used directly in the field. The test strip integrates sample application, antigen-antibody reaction, and result visualization into a single portable device, eliminating the need for complex cultivation or PCR equipment while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable immunochromatographic test strips that are inexpensive and single-use. Each test strip is pre-loaded with antibodies and reagents, designed to be discarded after one use. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, complex equipment maintenance and sterilization procedures, making high-accuracy detection accessible in resource-limited settings.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but time required for obtaining results increases to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of antibodies and reagents during test strip manufacturing. Antibodies are pre-coated on the test strip membrane, and all necessary components are pre-assembled before use. This eliminates time-consuming preparation steps in the field, allowing immediate testing and rapid result acquisition within minutes rather than days.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and biological systems (cultivation procedures, PCR cycling) with a simplified immunochromatographic reaction that proceeds passively through capillary action. The antigen-antibody binding occurs automatically as the sample migrates through the test strip, eliminating the need for incubation chambers, centrifuges, or thermal cyclers, thus reducing detection time to minutes.
3Productivity
If immunochromatographic method is applied directly to milk, then quick and convenient detection is achieved, but milk fat globules clog the porous membrane preventing proper flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the test strip into distinct functional zones: a sample application area, a fat globule removal zone with larger pores, and a detection zone with smaller pores. This segmentation allows milk fat globules to be filtered out in the intermediate zone before reaching the sensitive detection membrane, preventing clogging while maintaining rapid flow and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a gradient pore size structure in the test strip membrane. The upstream portion has larger pores that allow milk fat globules to pass through or be retained separately, while the downstream detection portion has smaller pores optimized for antigen-antibody interaction. This porous gradient structure enables selective filtration without compromising flow reliability or detection sensitivity.
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 quick and convenient detection of causative microorganisms in milk, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment decisions without the need for specialized equipment, effectively addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a third part disposed upstream from the first part or the second part and having voids for removing milk fat globules contained in the milk
Implementation Method 2
an immunochromatographic method for detecting a specific substance in milk by using an antigen-antibody reaction
Data Source
AI summary
An immunochromatographic method for detecting a specific substance contained in milk, which comprises (1) the step of contacting the milk with a test strip having a first part retaining a labeled first antibody directed to the specific substance or the specific substance that is labeled, a second part disposed downstream from the first part, on which a second antibody directed to the specific substance is immobilized, and a third part disposed upstream from the first part or the second part and having voids enabling removal of milk fat globules contained in the milk, at the third part or a further upstream part, and (2) the step of flowing the milk up to the second part or a further downstream part to obtain a detectable signal of the label at the second part or a further downstream part.