Multiplex Immunochromatographic Test Strip for Pectin Methyl-Esterification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing pectin structural/functional properties are laborious, operator-dependent, and unable to discern the degree and pattern of methyl-esterification in pectins, limiting their application in food and industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A multiplex immunochromatographic system using a test strip with immobilized capture antibodies and labeled detection antibodies, allowing for rapid determination of pectin homogalacturonan methyl-esterification by forming a color pattern that can be compared to a Template Guide, enabling the assessment of pectin's degree and distribution of methyl-esterification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional immuno-methods (ELISA and Immuno-dot assay) are used to assess pectin structural properties, then pectin detection is possible, but the methods are laborious and operator-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, washing, incubation steps in ELISA) with a passive lateral flow system where sample migration is driven by capillary action through a nitrocellulose membrane, eliminating the need for complex mechanical instrumentation and manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip system performs self-contained analysis where the sample automatically migrates through the membrane, antibodies are automatically positioned at specific zones, and color development occurs spontaneously through antigen-antibody binding, requiring only sample application by the user
2Measurement precision
If conventional immuno-methods are used, then pectin detection is possible, but they only distinguish totally un-esterified or fully esterified pectin, not the degree and pattern of methyl-esterification
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is segmented into multiple parallel test zones, each containing different capture antibodies specific for particular methyl-esterification patterns (e.g., LM19 for low DM, LM20 for high DM, JIM5/JIM7 for specific patterns). This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple pectin forms and degrees of esterification in a single assay
Solution Approach 2:
The single test strip system performs multiple functions by incorporating various capture antibodies that can detect different pectin structural forms (un-esterified, partially esterified, fully esterified) and different distribution patterns, making it universally applicable for comprehensive pectin characterization without requiring multiple separate assays
3Measurement precision
If multiplex immunochromatographic system is used to detect different methyl-esterification patterns, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions are merged into a single integrated test strip where various capture antibodies and detection antibodies are combined in one lateral flow system, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple pectin forms and esterification patterns through a single assay rather than requiring multiple separate tests
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 system provides a rapid, sensitive, and user-friendly method for determining pectin structural/functional properties, capable of distinguishing between different methyl-esterification patterns, with a detection limit 500 times more sensitive than conventional methods, facilitating broader applications in the food and industrial sectors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one labeled anti-pectin detection antibody... allowing for rapid determination of pectin homogalacturonan methyl-esterification by forming a color pattern
Implementation Method 2
a sheet comprising a Control Zone with at least one immobilized unlabeled capture reagent and a Test Zone with at least one immobilized unlabeled anti-pectin capture antibody
Implementation Method 3
Both assay formats include immunoreagents immobilized on a carrier and fluid flow through that carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems and methods for the determination of degree and distribution of pectin homogalacturonan (HG) methyl-esterification. The systems comprise a sheet, at least one labeled anti-pectin detection antibody, and a Template Guide. The sheet may comprise an absorbent portion and a membrane portion; an absorbent portion, a membrane portion, and a conjugate portion; or an absorbent portion, a membrane portion, a conjugate portion, and a sample portion. The membrane portion comprises a Control Zone with at least one immobilized unlabeled capture reagent and a Test Zone with at least one immobilized unlabeled anti-pectin capture antibody. When the sheet comprises a conjugate portion, the at least one labeled anti-pectin detection antibody is on the conjugate portion. The system may optionally comprise a container with the at least one labeled anti-pectin detection antibody.