Multiplexed Assay Packaging with Guided Container Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available binding assays often involve complex setup and subsequent assay processing protocols, necessitating a product or packaging that facilitates reagent preparation and assay processing.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising an integral assembly of spaced containers with visual indicators and a receptacle holder, which guides users through the assay setup and processing by providing a platform for the containers and optionally a fluid reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex binding assay protocols are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assay system is segmented into discrete, pre-prepared containers (reagent containers, sample containers, control containers) that are individually packaged and then assembled into a complete assay kit. This segmentation allows complex reagents to be prepared in advance with high precision while simplifying the user operation to merely assembling the pre-prepared components into the receptacle holder.
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are prepared, aliquoted, and packaged into containers before the assay is performed. This preliminary action includes pre-mixing reagents, pre-allocating samples, and pre-labelling containers with visual indicators. By performing these complex preparation steps in advance, the actual assay operation becomes simpler while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reagents and samples are handled, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reagent containers, sample containers, and control containers are merged into a single integral assembly that fits into one receptacle holder. This combining of multiple components into a unified structure allows all necessary elements for the assay to be prepared and organized simultaneously, reducing the time required to gather and prepare individual components separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle holder serves multiple functions: it organizes containers, provides visual guidance through alignment features, facilitates proper positioning, and enables straightforward assembly. This multi-functional design reduces the time required for assay setup by eliminating the need for separate organization and positioning steps for each container type.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to containers, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators on containers utilize color coding (different colors or color patterns for different container types) to enable quick identification. This simple visual differentiation improves ease of operation during assay assembly without requiring complex mechanical or electronic identification systems, thus avoiding significant increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers incorporate asymmetric visual features such as oriented markings, directional indicators, or unique positional markers that guide correct placement in the receptacle holder. These asymmetric elements provide intuitive orientation guidance without adding complex mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to kits and components thereof used in the conduct of solid-phase binding assays.