Open Flow Substrate with Vertical Projections for Antibody Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing circulating antibodies are not robust or reliable, often leading to issues such as clogging and gas entrapment, which hinder efficient analysis and result reading.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a substrate with vertical projections and an open flow path for capillary flow, combined with an affinity binding mechanism in a retaining zone, allows for efficient binding and analysis of circulating antibodies, preventing clogging and facilitating easy result reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used for analyzing circulating antibodies, then the analysis can be performed, but clogging occurs and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple zones (receiving zone, transport zone, retaining zone, sink) with distinct functions. The retaining zone is further segmented into multiple retaining elements arranged in arrays, creating numerous small flow channels that prevent clogging while maintaining effective antibody analysis
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the device have different structural properties optimized for their specific functions. The receiving zone has larger dimensions for sample introduction, the transport zone has controlled dimensions for flow regulation, and the retaining zone has smaller dimensions with high surface area for efficient binding. This local optimization prevents clogging in critical areas
2Ease of operation
If conventional closed devices are used, then cell separation can be achieved, but gas entrapment occurs and result reading becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a closed device where gas entrapment is a problem, the invention uses an open device where the flow path is exposed to atmosphere. This inversion of the closed-system approach eliminates gas entrapment issues and allows direct visual observation of the retaining zone for easy result reading
Solution Approach 2:
The open flow path design allows the device to self-regulate fluid flow through capillary action and gravity without requiring complex closed-system pressure control mechanisms. The open structure naturally prevents gas bubble formation and allows direct observation of results
3Productivity
If traditional analysis methods are used, then antibodies can be detected, but the process is not cost effective and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary separation and concentration of target antibodies in the retaining zone before final detection. The affinity binding elements pre-concentrate the antibodies of interest, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-processing steps and enabling faster overall analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar flow paths to three-dimensional vertical flow paths with projections extending upward from the substrate. This adds a vertical dimension that increases surface area for binding while maintaining compact device footprint, enabling faster analysis
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
This approach enhances the analysis efficiency by ensuring cells are bound effectively, preventing clogging, and allowing for precise handling and detection of circulating antibodies, improving the overall analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
the spacing between the micro posts being small enough to induce a capillary action in a liquid sample applied, so as to force said liquid to move
Implementation Method 2
said retaining zone comprises at least one affinity binding means to which cell structures are bound
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for the analysis of circulating antibodies comprising the steps:a) providing an analysis device comprising a substrate, and provided on said substrate at least one sample addition zone, at least one retaining zone, at least one sink, and at least one flow path connecting the sample addition zone, the retaining zone and the sink, wherein the flow path is open and comprises projections substantially vertical to the surface of said substrate and having a height (H), diameter (D) and reciprocal spacing (t1, t2) such that lateral capillary flow of said sample is achieved and such that cells can flow through the projections, wherein said retaining zone comprises at least one affinity binding means to which cell structures are bound,b) adding at least one sample to a sample addition zone, andc) reading a result,wherein circulating antibodies directed against cell structures are determined.