Oscillating Optical Detection Assembly for Liquid Sample Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting analytes in small liquid samples, such as those used in point-of-care applications, face challenges in sensitivity, precision, and total assay time, particularly when dealing with volumes less than 50 µL, and there is a need for rapid and accurate nucleic-acid-based tests for COVID-19 detection outside laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves oscillating the entire optical detection assembly, including the source, detector, and container, to improve mixing and alignment, combined with the use of the Egoo device for automated and precise analysis, and the SIBA amplification technique for COVID-19 detection without nucleic acid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mixing methods (oscillating only the container) are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mixing function and optical detection function into a single integrated assembly. The container holder that secures the container is made movable to perform mixing by oscillating, while simultaneously holding the container in position for optical measurements. This integration eliminates the need for separate mixing devices and ensures consistent positioning during both mixing and measurement phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The container holder transitions from a static positioning device to a dynamic mixing device. The holder can be oscillated back and forth to mix sample and reagent, then returned to a fixed position for optical detection. This dynamic capability allows the same component to perform multiple functions sequentially, improving precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple separate mixing and measurement steps are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but total assay time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by performing mixing and measurement in an integrated sequence without removing the container from the detection assembly. The movable container holder allows mixing to occur within the detection assembly, followed immediately by measurement in the same positioned container, eliminating transfer time and maintaining continuous analytical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining mixing and measurement functions in one integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the time required for separate handling, transfer, and re-positioning of containers between mixing and measurement steps. The same container holder performs both functions sequentially, reducing total assay time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If small sample volumes (1-2 drops) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and sensitivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple mixing cycles before the final measurement. The movable container holder oscillates to thoroughly mix the small sample volume with reagent, ensuring homogeneous distribution of analyte molecules throughout the reaction mixture. This extended preliminary mixing compensates for the small sample size and improves measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing process uses periodic oscillation of the container holder to repeatedly agitate and homogenize the sample-reagent mixture. This periodic mixing action ensures complete dissolution and uniform distribution of analyte in small sample volumes, improving detection precision while maintaining ease of operation with simple oscillatory motion.
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 significantly enhances sensitivity and precision in analyte detection and enables rapid, accurate COVID-19 testing with reduced false positives, suitable for point-of-care applications and home use.
Implementation Method 1
a source of electromagnetic radiation, ii. a means for detecting electromagnetic radiation and iii. a container containing a liquid sample... such that applied electromagnetic radiation from the source may radiate through the container from the source to the detection means
Implementation Method 2
or alternatively such that applied electromagnetic radiation from the source may result in the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the liquid in the container to the detection means
Implementation Method 3
the method being characterised in that the sample and the liquid in the container are subjected to at least one mixing step (m) performed by oscillating the detection assembly in a circular or ellipse motion by vortexing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for quantitatively detecting the presence or absence of an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising an analyte detection assembly comprising a source of electromagnetic radiation, a means for detecting electromagnetic radiation and a container containing a detection liquid, said container being positioned between the source and the detection means such that electromagnetic radiation radiates through the detection liquid from the source to the detection means, wherein the mixing of the contents of the detection liquid is performed by oscillating the detection assembly in a circular or ellipse motion, using means adapted therefor, whereby the positioning of the container relative to the source and the means is constant throughout the completion of measuring the amount of an analyte in a liquid sample.