Multiplexing Skin Diagnostic Patch with Segmented Capture Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dermal patches for point of care diagnosis of skin conditions are inadequate as they often take too long to deliver results, are not suitable for small medical practices, and lack the ability for multiplexing of more than five analytes or conducting parallel replicates, especially for analytes present at low concentrations, and cannot handle incompatible detection protocols.
Innovation Solution
A flexible planar patch with a capture layer and a cover layer, featuring a water permeable analyte capture zone and a reagent zone, respectively, that allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes using compartmentalized capture and reagent divisions, enabling multiplexing and parallel replicates, and accommodating analytes with incompatible detection protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing dermal patches are used for point of care diagnosis, then they can be applied to patient's skin, but they take too long to deliver results and are not suitable for small medical practices
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is divided into multiple capture divisions (at least 5, preferably 6-12) that can simultaneously detect different analytes. Each capture division contains specific reagents and can process samples in parallel, enabling multiplexed detection of multiple skin condition markers at once, thereby significantly reducing total diagnostic time compared to sequential testing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patch includes a sample application layer with pre-loaded reagents and capture divisions that are prepared in advance. When a sample is applied to the skin, the analytes are immediately captured and processed by the pre-positioned reagents, eliminating the need for separate sample preparation steps and enabling rapid point-of-care diagnosis
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing patches attempt to detect multiple analytes, then they can provide comprehensive diagnosis, but they do not allow easy multiplexing of more than five analytes or conducting parallel replicates
Solution Approach 1:
The patch comprises multiple discrete capture divisions (at least 5, preferably 6-12) that can be independently configured to detect different analytes. Each capture division contains specific capture reagents and can be designed for different detection protocols, enabling flexible multiplexing of numerous analytes without requiring a completely new patch design for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The patch structure incorporates universal components including a common sample application layer, uniform capture division architecture, and standardized readout mechanisms. This universal design allows the same patch platform to be used for detecting multiple different analytes (cytokines, chemokines, bacteria, viruses, metabolites) by simply changing the specific reagents in each capture division, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity
3Measurement precision
If existing patches detect analytes at low concentrations, then they can identify subtle skin conditions, but they do not allow conducting parallel replicates for improved accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patch includes multiple capture divisions that can be configured as parallel replicates for the same analyte. Each replicate capture division independently captures and detects the target analyte, and the results can be averaged or compared to improve measurement precision for low-concentration analytes, reducing the impact of random variation in single measurements
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple replicate measurements for the same analyte are combined within a single patch device. The readout system integrates signals from all replicate capture divisions and processes them together to generate a final quantitative result, thereby improving accuracy without requiring multiple separate patch applications or complex external equipment
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing patches use different detection protocols for different analytes, then they can accommodate various detection methods, but they cannot handle incompatible detection protocols simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patch divides the detection system into separate, isolated capture divisions, each dedicated to a specific analyte and detection protocol. This physical segmentation allows incompatible reagents and detection methods to coexist in the same patch without interfering with each other, as each capture division operates independently with its own reagent compartment and detection pathway
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 patch enables fast and accurate detection and quantification of multiple analytes involved in skin conditions, improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy in small medical settings by allowing for rapid analyte collection and analysis, and handling of complex detection protocols.
Implementation Method 1
The analyte capture zone (105) consists of a first water permeable material. The first water permeable material is capable of transporting an aqueous solution
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible planar patch suitable for application to a patient's skin is provided. The planar patch comprises a capture layer (100) and a cover layer (200). The capture layer (100) comprises an analyte capture zone (105) and a fastener zone (104). The analyte capture zone (105) consists of a first water permeable material comprising a ligand capable of binding specifically to an analyte. The fastener zone (104) is impermeable to water and/or delimited from said analyte capture zone by a water impermeable barrier zone (108) and comprises an adhesive (133) capable of fastening the capture layer (100) removably to a surface. The cover layer comprises an adhesive (233) capable of fastening the cover layer (200) removably to the capture layer (100). In addition, a kit for assembly of the patch and a diagnostic method using the patch are provided.