Modular Pin Sample Carrier for Multiplex Assay Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplex assays face challenges with cross-reactivity, high costs, and labor-intensive optimization due to the need for multiple protein molecules to be immobilized under specific conditions, and the difficulty in automating high-density microplates like 1536-well plates, which suffer from inefficient liquid handling and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A sample carrier with a plurality of pins coated with substances that can be introduced into microplates, allowing for simultaneous detection and differentiation of multiple analytes in a single assay, using a standardized system that facilitates efficient liquid handling and minimizes contamination through a modular design and automated system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protein molecules are immobilized on micro-beads for multiplex assays, then the detection capability for multiple analytes is improved, but cross-reactivity increases and assay optimization becomes more labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the multiplex assay into separate singleplex tests, with each well coated with only one capture probe. This eliminates cross-reactivity between different coated proteins while maintaining the ability to detect multiple analytes through parallel testing of multiple wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic element of mixing multiple protein molecules in the same well. By removing co-immobilized proteins from each well and placing them in separate wells, the cross-reactivity issue is eliminated while preserving multiplex detection capability through parallel processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of analytes to be tested is increased, then the detection comprehensiveness is improved, but the material costs and personnel costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple singleplex tests into a single microplate format, allowing parallel processing of multiple analytes in one plate. This reduces material consumption compared to separate tests while maintaining comprehensive detection capability across multiple wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal microplate system where each well functions as an independent singleplex test. The same plate infrastructure supports testing for multiple different analytes by simply changing the capture probe coating in each well, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated plates for each analyte.
3Productivity
If high-density microplates like 1536-well plates are used, then the miniaturization and productivity are improved, but liquid handling efficiency decreases and contamination issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs automated liquid handling systems that perform pipetting, washing, and incubation steps without manual intervention. This automation compensates for the difficulty of manual liquid handling in high-density plates while maintaining the productivity benefits of miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical liquid handling with automated robotic systems. This substitution enables efficient processing of 1536-well plates by automating repetitive liquid handling tasks, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the high density of wells.
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, sensitive, and reproducible detection and differentiation of multiple analytes with reduced processing time and costs, improving the efficiency of multiplex assays and automating the handling of high-density microplates.
Implementation Method 1
at least one substance is adsorbed on the surface of the pins
Data Source
AI summary
A sample carrier for assaying can include a plurality of pins having a surface that is capable of picking up at least one substance on the surface. The pins can be arranged such that one or more of the plurality of pins are introduced into a corresponding reaction vessel of a microplate. The sample carrier can be divided into a plurality of modules, with each of the plurality of modules comprising one or more pins of the plurality of pins. Methods of use include placing the sample carrier onto a microplate so that at least the one or more of the plurality of pins extend into the corresponding reaction vessel of the microplate.