Electrically Distinguishable Polymer Particles for Multiplex Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplex detection technologies are limited in their ability to reliably and cost-effectively detect multiple protein targets or unique events in a single run, often requiring complex optical instrumentation and labels, whereas electrical impedance-based methods lack multiplexing capabilities and uniformity in particle detection.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrically distinguishable polymer particle populations with unique electrical parameters, allowing for multiplexed detection and quantification using a narrow range of impedances, compatible with simple and cost-effective point-of-care devices, without the need for optical labels or detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical components and labels are used for multiplex detection, then the ability to detect multiple protein targets is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems with electrical impedance-based detection. Instead of using optical components, lenses, filters, and light sources to detect and differentiate particle populations, the invention uses electrical impedance measurements that can distinguish particles based on their electrical properties. This substitution eliminates complex optical instrumentation while maintaining multiplex detection capability through electrical parameter measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (absorption, fluorescence, scattering) to electrical impedance properties. By measuring impedance at different frequencies or analyzing impedance characteristics, the system can differentiate multiple particle populations without requiring optical labels or complex optical systems. This parameter change simplifies the device while enabling multiplex detection.
2Measurement precision
If bead aggregation is used for electrical quantification, then a single protein target can be detected, but the full range of impedance intensities is required making multiplexing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection approach by using non-aggregating individual beads with distinct electrical properties for each target, rather than relying on aggregation of identical beads. Each bead population maintains its individual identity through unique impedance characteristics, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple targets without requiring the full impedance range that would be needed for aggregated bead detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrically distinct bead populations as intermediaries that carry specific binding properties (such as different antibodies or receptors) while being distinguishable by their electrical impedance. These intermediary beads enable multiplexing by providing both the target-specific binding capability and the electrical distinguishability needed for simultaneous multi-target detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If particle populations with unique electrical parameters are used, then multiplexed detection is enabled, but maintaining uniformity in size and density while achieving electrical distinction is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing electrical distinction at a local level within the bead structure or composition while maintaining overall size and shape uniformity. This could involve varying the internal composition, coating, or material properties of beads to create different impedance signatures without significantly altering their external dimensions or flow characteristics. This allows multiplexing while preserving the uniformity needed for consistent flow and capture behavior.
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
Enables robust, reliable, and cost-effective multiplexed protein quantification and detection across various targets, including biomolecules, by using hydrogel beads with tailored properties for uniform flow and capture, facilitating accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Implementation Method 1
each population having a unique electrical parameter during flow through a spatially confined electric field in the electronic detector
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are multiplexible particle systems and related methods of making and using the multiplexible particle systems. A plurality of monodisperse polymer particle populations are provided, wherein each population has a unique electrical parameter for multiplexed detection by flow through a spatially confined electric field, and the distribution of the electrical parameter within each population is sufficiently narrow for reliable multiplex detection. The density difference between populations may be relatively uniform, such as within 30%, including within 30% of a suspending solution density for when the particles are flowed through a confined electric field and detected in a multiplex manner by a change in the electric parameter measured by a counting device. Relatively uniform density of particles is important for ensuring minimal settling while the plurality of particle populations flow together under a single flow regime. The multiplexible particle systems are used in applications including multiplex detection or quantification, electrically barcoding, sorting, and counting.