Multiparameter Lateral Flow Membrane With Isomorphic Flow Lanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow test strips are limited in their ability to efficiently test multiple ligands or analytes while maintaining ease of manufacturing and sensitivity, as the moving speed of the liquid sample decreases with distance, leading to unpredictable sample modification and depletion of conjugate particles, resulting in reduced sensitivity and limited production costs.
Innovation Solution
A multiparameter lateral flow membrane with two or more isomorphic flow lanes separated by hydrophobic channels, each containing a detection zone with a binding agent, enhancing assay sensitivity and signal intensity by ensuring equal sample and conjugate distribution across multiple test zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test lines are arranged in parallel on a single lateral flow membrane, then the number of analytes that can be tested increases, but the liquid sample speed decreases with distance from the origin, leading to unpredictable sample modification and depletion of conjugate particles
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral flow membrane is divided into multiple independent flow lanes separated by hydrophobic barriers. Each flow lane functions as an independent channel that guides liquid flow from the sample application zone to its own detection zone, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring uniform flow characteristics across all test lines
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrophobic barriers serve as intermediaries between adjacent flow lanes. These barriers redirect liquid flow laterally into the detection zones while preventing direct lateral flow between lanes, thereby maintaining controlled flow paths and preventing sample depletion in distal lanes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test lines are arranged in parallel on a single lateral flow membrane, then multiparameter testing capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into identical, modular flow lane units separated by hydrophobic barriers. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes where each lane can be produced using the same protocols, simplifying quality control and production scaling despite the multiparameter capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple test lines are merged onto a single membrane substrate with shared components (sample application zone, conjugate pad, absorbent pad), reducing the need for separate devices while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of common manufacturing processes for all lanes
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test lines are arranged in parallel on a single lateral flow membrane, then the ability to test multiple markers is improved, but sensitivity and signal intensity decrease due to sample and conjugate depletion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the membrane into independent flow lanes with hydrophobic barriers, each lane receives a dedicated portion of the liquid sample and conjugate particles. This prevents the depletion effect that occurs in parallel line designs, maintaining consistent sample flow rates and conjugate availability across all detection zones
Solution Approach 2:
Each flow lane is designed with localized detection zones positioned at optimal distances from the sample application zone. The hydrophobic barriers ensure that each lane maintains its own flow characteristics, allowing for optimized detection zone placement and reagent distribution in each local region, thereby preserving sensitivity across all parameters
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 multiparameter lateral flow membrane allows for improved sensitivity and signal intensity in multiparameter assays, enabling effective testing of multiple markers in a liquid sample with one membrane, maintaining manufacturing ease and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid to be tested for the presence of a ligand is applied to one end of a porous membrane layer and flows in lateral direction through the membrane under the action of capillary forces
Implementation Method 2
two or more isomorphic flow lanes in the direction of lateral flow separated by hydrophobic separation channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multiparameter lateral flow strip (1), comprising a microporous membrane layer (2) supported on a liquid-impermeable support layer (3), for lateral flow of a liquid through the microporous membrane layer (2), wherein the microporous membrane layer (2) has two or more flow lanes (4) in the direction of lateral flow, wherein said two or more flow lanes (4) are separated by hydrophobic separation channels (5), and wherein each of said two or more flow lanes (4) comprises a detection spot (6) including a binding agent, wherein said two or more flow lanes (4) are isomorphic lanes. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a multiparameter lateral flow immunoassay device comprising said multiparameter lateral flow membrane (1), the use of said multiparameter configured lateral flow membrane (1) in an immunological test, as well as to a method for the manufacture of said multiparameter configured lateral flow membrane (1).