Porous-Stabilized Fluid Interface Systems for Rapid Target Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for isolating, purifying, and detecting targets such as nucleic acids, proteins, or pathogens are time-consuming, expensive, and often damage samples or result in inconsistent yields, acting as bottlenecks in analytical processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer system comprising stabilized aqueous and oil phases, stabilized by hydrophilic and hydrophobic porous materials, allows for autonomous sample preparation and testing through magnetic or centrifugal forces, enabling rapid isolation, purification, and detection of targets within a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used for isolating, purifying, and detecting targets, then the processes are thorough and reliable, but they are time-consuming, expensive, and damage samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample processing into distinct functional phases (aqueous phase for sample loading, oil phase for purification, gas phase for detection) separated by porous materials. Each phase performs a specific function simultaneously, eliminating sequential processing steps and reducing overall time while maintaining reliability through specialized functionality in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar processing to three-dimensional vertical phase separation. Samples move through stacked phases in the vertical dimension, enabling simultaneous isolation, purification, and detection operations to occur at different heights within the same device, thereby reducing processing time without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used for isolating, purifying, and detecting targets, then the processes are comprehensive, but they are expensive and result in inconsistent yields
Solution Approach 1:
The single device integrates multiple functions (isolation, purification, and detection) into one unified system with stacked phases. Each porous material layer serves multiple purposes: separating phases, enabling mass transport, and facilitating target interaction. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while ensuring consistent yields through standardized integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses porous materials as the core structural element throughout all phases. These porous layers provide consistent physical and chemical properties for phase separation and target interaction, ensuring yield consistency. The porous structure is cost-effective to manufacture and can be replicated across multiple devices with high precision, reducing variability in processing outcomes.
3Reliability
If conventional methods are used for isolating, purifying, and detecting targets, then the processes are detailed and thorough, but they damage samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces harsh mechanical processing steps (vigorous mixing, high-speed centrifugation, repeated pipetting) with gentle phase-based separation. Targets move through phases driven by concentration gradients and porous material interactions rather than mechanical force, preserving sample integrity while maintaining high processing efficiency through the streamlined phase transition pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the processing parameters from aggressive mechanical conditions to gentle chemical and physical gradients across phases. By controlling pH, ionic strength, and porous material properties rather than applying mechanical stress, the system maintains sample integrity. The phase transitions occur under controlled parameter changes that preserve biomolecule stability while enabling rapid processing.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient isolation, purification, and detection of targets with minimal sample damage, reducing processing time and costs while maintaining consistent yields.
Implementation Method 1
stabilized by a hydrophilic porous material associated with the aqueous phase
Implementation Method 2
stabilized by a hydrophilic porous material associated with the aqueous phase
Implementation Method 3
stabilized by a hydrophobic porous material associated with the oil phase
Implementation Method 4
stabilized by a hydrophobic porous material associated with the oil phase
Implementation Method 5
using a magnetic, electric, or acceleration-based force (e.g., via gravity or via a centrifuge) to draw the target or analyte through one or more phases or layers
Implementation Method 6
using a magnetic, electric, or acceleration-based force (e.g., via gravity or via a centrifuge) to draw the target or analyte through one or more phases or layers
Data Source
AI summary
Stabilized interface systems and compositions for positioning target(s), comprising fluids, associated structural material(s) having a pore that permits passage and positioning of targets and related compositions, and a fluid phase, layer, or interface stabilized with the associated structural material. Miscible interface systems and compositions for positioning target(s) for detection comprising two or more fluid regions with different properties within a phase or layer where the fluid regions are stabilized with respect to each other using a solid or semi-solid structure or material with at least one pore that allows passage of said target(s) wherein stabilization allows mass transport of a fluid constituent via diffusion to prevail over bulk fluid motion.