Automated Multi-Analyte Detection System with Magnetic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laboratory assay analysis for multiple analytes is time-consuming, wasteful of resources, and requires significant human intervention, limiting the number of analyses that can be performed on a sample simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a housing with a reagent carousel, an incubator carousel with magnetic material for washing, and a robot for manipulating carousels, along with a flow cytometer for analysis, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple analytes with minimal human intervention by using a multiplexed bead-based chemistry system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory assay analysis is performed manually for multiple analytes, then measurement precision can be maintained through precise measurements, but loss of time increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the analysis process into distinct automated stages: sample preparation, reagent addition, incubation, washing, and detection. Each stage is handled by specialized automated components (robotic arms, carousels, magnetic separators) that operate in sequence, enabling parallel processing of multiple samples and analytes simultaneously while maintaining measurement precision through controlled automated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated robotic systems. Robotic arms perform precise liquid handling and reagent addition, automated carousels manage sample and reagent storage, and magnetic fields enable automated washing steps. This substitution eliminates manual measurement steps while maintaining precision through programmable robotic control, dramatically reducing analysis time.
2Productivity
If automated devices are used for laboratory analysis, then productivity increases and loss of time decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system employs universal components that perform multiple functions: the robotic arms handle both sample transfer and reagent addition, the carousels store and retrieve both samples and reagents, and the magnetic separation system performs washing for multiple analyte types. This multi-functionality increases productivity while managing complexity through standardized, reusable modules rather than dedicated single-purpose devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a nested architecture where reaction vessels are placed within incubation positions, which are part of larger carousel assemblies, which themselves are integrated into the main automated analysis system. This nesting allows compact arrangement of multiple processing stages within a single integrated device, increasing throughput while containing complexity within modular hierarchical structures.
3Measurement precision
If multiple analyses are performed sequentially on a single sample, then measurement precision for each analyte can be maintained, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple analyte analyses into a single simultaneous processing workflow. Multiple reaction vessels containing different analyte-specific reagents are incubated together, washed together using magnetic separation, and analyzed together in the detection system. This merging maintains measurement precision for each analyte through dedicated reagent formulations while dramatically increasing productivity by eliminating sequential processing steps.
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
The system allows for high-throughput analysis of up to 200 measurements per analyte per specimen and 100,000 measurements per minute, significantly reducing time and resource consumption while increasing efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic material is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in washing samples held by the incubator carousel
Implementation Method 2
at least one laser based detector for analyzing samples following mixing the sample with reagents
Implementation Method 3
a flow cytometer for conducting the analysis of the samples
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials between these carousels. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.