Porous Material ATPS Stabilization for Pathogen Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concentrating and purifying target analytes from biological fluids are limited by instability during phase separation, narrow ranges of effective ATPS component concentrations, and low yields, making it difficult to detect analytes with extremely low concentrations.
Innovation Solution
The use of phase separation behavior modifying agents embedded within a porous material to stabilize and enhance the performance of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) by adjusting parameters such as volume ratio, fluid flow rates, and concentrations of ATPS components, thereby widening the range of effective concentrations and improving yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is used for concentrating target analytes from biological fluids, then concentration capability is improved, but phase separation stability deteriorates due to fluctuations in sample volumes, concentrations, and ratios
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier protein is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between the ATPS components and the target analytes. The carrier protein forms a complex with the target analytes and facilitates their transport through the phase separation process, stabilizing the ATPS composition while maintaining concentration capability. The carrier protein acts as a bridge that prevents direct interactions that would cause instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies key parameters of the ATPS system including the addition of carrier protein at specific concentrations, adjustment of pH levels, ionic strength, and temperature conditions. These parameter changes optimize the phase separation behavior and stabilize the ATPS composition while maintaining the ability to concentrate target analytes at low concentrations.
2Manufacturing precision
If ATPS components are used for isolating target analytes, then purification capability is improved, but the effective concentration range is limited to narrow parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier protein serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a stabilizing agent for the ATPS, a carrier for target analytes, and a facilitator of phase separation. This multi-functionality expands the effective concentration range of ATPS components while maintaining high purification capability across different sample types and analyte concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system combining carrier protein with ATPS components (polymer-salt or polymer-polymer systems). This composite material approach allows the system to operate effectively across a broader concentration range while maintaining separation precision, as the composite structure provides both stability and selective binding capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If conventional ATPS is used for detecting low concentration analytes, then detection sensitivity is improved, but yield of purified analyte deteriorates due to low concentrations and fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier protein performs preliminary binding and concentration of target analytes before the main phase separation process. This preliminary action aggregates low-concentration analytes into detectable quantities early in the process, ensuring both high detection sensitivity and adequate yield for downstream applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier protein serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between low-concentration analytes and the detection system. It concentrates and stabilizes the analytes during transport through the ATPS, ensuring sufficient yield while maintaining the sensitivity needed to detect low-concentration targets.
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 stabilizes ATPS during phase separation, allows for a wider range of ATPS component concentrations, and increases the yield of purified target analytes, enabling more efficient detection and concentration of analytes even at low concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
The porous material may be used to facilitate the phase separation process
Implementation Method 2
aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) within a porous material for isolating and/or concentrating one or more target analytes from a sample solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and/or device for improving the separation behaviors and performance of aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) for the isolation and/or concentration of one or more target analytes from a sample. In one embodiment, the present method and device comprise ATPS components within a porous material and one or more phase separation behavior modifying agents that improve the separation behavior and performance characteristics of ATPS, including but not limited to the increasing the stability or reducing fluctuations of ATPS thought the adjustment of total volume of a sample solution that undergoes phase separation, volume ratio of the two phases of the ATPS, fluid flow rates, and concentrations of ATPS components.