Pore-Based Sample Detection Apparatus for Rapid Virus Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rapid test kits for detecting influenza viruses have high minimum detection limits, leading to a window period where positive results are delayed due to insufficient viral multiplication, and existing methods like genetic screening are expensive and time-consuming, while lacking sensitivity for viruses and bacteria of equal shape or size.
Innovation Solution
A sample detection apparatus with an insulating partition and electrodes that applies electrical current through a pore, using a reagent with capture substances and tag particles to detect targets based on current changes, allowing for high-sensitivity detection of viruses and bacteria regardless of size or shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rapid test kits using gold colloid particles are used for virus detection, then detection speed is improved, but minimum detection limit increases leading to delayed positive results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pore as an intermediary structure that concentrates target particles. The pore acts as a mediator between the sample and detection system, forcing particles to pass through a constrained space where they can be more effectively detected by the gold colloid particles, thereby improving detection sensitivity without sacrificing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a pore structure with specific dimensions (0.1-10 μm diameter) to enhance detection. The porous structure concentrates target particles as they pass through, increasing the probability of interaction with detection reagents and improving the minimum detection limit while maintaining rapid detection capability
2Measurement precision
If genetic screening is used to improve detection sensitivity, then minimum detection limit is improved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex genetic screening procedures with a simplified physical-biological detection system. By using pore-based particle concentration combined with gold colloid agglutination, the system achieves high sensitivity detection without requiring time-consuming genetic analysis, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining detection sensitivity
3Speed
If existing particle detection apparatus are used, then detection speed is improved, but ability to determine specific viruses among particles of equal shape or size is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by functionalizing gold colloid particles with specific antibodies that recognize unique antigens on target viruses. This localized specific binding capability allows the system to distinguish between different virus types even when they have identical size and shape, maintaining both speed and identification accuracy
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 rapid and sensitive detection of specific viruses or bacteria by identifying changes in current signals, facilitating early detection and identifying bound targets, even when they have the same size or shape as the detection target.
Implementation Method 1
A pore is formed in the partition and makes the first chamber and the second chamber communicate with each other
Implementation Method 2
the currently used rapid test kit has only a high minimum detection limit. This poses a problem of so-called window period, leading to a failure in obtaining a positive test result in several hours after infection because the multiplication of influenza viruses in the body is still insufficient
Implementation Method 3
a reagent containing a capture substance to be specifically bound to a target and a tag particle bound to the capture substance is introduced into the first region together with a sample
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a sample detection apparatus including an insulating partition to divide a first and a second region, a pore formed in the partition, a first electrode arranged in the first region, a second electrode arranged in the second region, a power source configured to apply electrical current between the first and second electrode in a state in which a reagent containing a capture substance to be bound to a target and a tag particle bound to the capture substance is introduced into the first region together with a sample, and an electrolyte solution is introduced into the second region, a measurement unit configured to observe a change in a conductive state, and a detection unit to detect presence/absence of the target in the sample based on an observation result.