Multi-step Sample Loading Baseplate for Immunochromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current immunochromatographic test cards are limited to single-item tests, and attempts to develop multi-item tests face challenges such as high costs, complex processing, and interference between tests, which hinder their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A sample loading baseplate with a multi-step structure is designed to uniformly distribute a sample solution across multiple immunochromatographic assay components, ensuring simultaneous sample loading and minimizing interference between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple immunochromatographic test cards are used for multi-item tests, then the test items can be detected simultaneously, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need to remove barrier test papers and the risk of mutual interference between tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple immunochromatographic test cards into a single integrated test card structure. Multiple assay components are arranged on one card with a unified barrier test paper, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate cards and their individual barrier papers. This merging approach maintains multi-item detection capability while significantly simplifying the operation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The single test card structure is designed to perform multiple testing functions simultaneously. The card includes multiple assay components (test regions) that can detect different targets in parallel, with a universal barrier test paper that protects all components. This multi-functional design allows one card to replace multiple separate test cards.
2Extent of automation
If microfluidic chip technology is used for multi-item tests, then automation and integration are improved, but the cost increases and processing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sample loading baseplate with a multi-step structure as an intermediary component between the user and the assay components. The baseplate includes a sample loading portion with steps of different heights that automatically guide and distribute the sample to multiple assay components. This mechanical intermediary achieves automated sample distribution without requiring complex microfluidic chip technology, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-step structure of the sample loading baseplate enables self-service automated sample distribution. When sample solution is added to the baseplate, the stepped structure automatically guides the liquid flow to different heights and distributes it to multiple assay components without requiring external control systems or complex microfluidic channels. The structure itself performs the automation function.
3Device complexity
If in-series testing is performed on a single card, then the structure is simplified, but interference between tests increases and antibody immobilization becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The test card is segmented into multiple independent assay components arranged in parallel rather than in series. Each assay component has its own test region and reacts independently with the sample. This segmentation prevents interference between tests while maintaining a unified card structure, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging test items in a single-dimensional series sequence, the patent transitions to a two-dimensional parallel arrangement of multiple assay components on the card. This dimensional change allows simultaneous independent testing of multiple targets without the interference problems associated with in-series testing, while still maintaining structural integration.
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 solution enables high-accuracy, multi-item tests (such as 5-in-one or 6-in-one) with improved consistency and efficiency, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing the reliability of test results.
Implementation Method 1
the sample solution is capable of arriving at each of the mounting positions at substantially the same time after being intercepted and buffered by the multi-step structure
Implementation Method 2
the sample is processed for filtering of red blood cells, removing of interferences, and the like. The sample then flows through a conjugate pad where antigens immunologically bind to antibodies
Implementation Method 3
The sample subsequently flows through a nitrocellulose membrane where the immunocomplex specifically binds to the antigen and antibody bound on the nitrocellulose membrane in advance
Data Source
AI summary
A sample loading bottom plate (300,600, 810, 820, 831) and an immunochromatography detection apparatus (10) containing the sample loading bottom plate (300, 600, 810, 820, 831). During design of the sample loading bottom plate (300, 600, 810, 820, 831), a sample loading portion (310, 833) having a multistage-step structure is additionally provided on a sample loading region and comprises multistage steps having different heights, wherein a base surface (311) is used for carrying a sample solution. After a cover plate (100, 500, 834) is covered, the sample solution falls on the base surface (311) and then flows upwardly, and by means of the flow-intercepting and buffering effects of the multistage-step structure, the sample solution which finally flows to a top surface (342, 642) of the highest step (340, 640) can basically flow to sample loading regions of immunochromatography detection members synchronously, so that the multiple immunochromatography detection members can basically receive the sample solution synchronously, the unifying problem of time and sample horizontal lines is solved, and the test accuracy is high; moreover, only one-time sample adding is needed, the detection efficiency is high, and the risk of errors is low. During detection, the immunochromatography detection members perform detection individually and perform sample loading synchronously without mutual interference, and the accuracy of a detection result is high.