Portable Photo-Thermal Spectroscopy Reader for Lateral Flow Assays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for diseases like malaria face challenges due to expensive and maintenance-intensive readers, which are impractical for remote or resource-limited settings, and suffer from background interference from hemoglobin in red blood cells, degrading test accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A low-cost, portable photo-thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader using a galvanometer to deflect a laser beam and an infrared detector array for rapid analysis of Lateral Flow Assay test strips, minimizing thermal cross-talk and requiring minimal maintenance, with a design that avoids hemoglobin absorption by using red laser diodes and uncooled LWIR sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional readers are used for RDT analysis, then diagnostic accuracy can be achieved, but the device becomes expensive and requires extensive maintenance and operator training

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable test strips with integrated reagents and sample pads, eliminating the need for complex reusable components that require maintenance. The test strip is a single-use, low-cost item that contains all necessary reagents, making the overall system simpler and more suitable for resource-limited settings while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The test strip is designed to be self-contained with pre-loaded reagents and sample pads, requiring no external preparation or complex operation. The user simply applies the sample and waits for results, making the device easy to use with minimal training while achieving reliable diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If conventional readers are used for RDT analysis, then diagnostic results can be obtained, but the device requires extensive maintenance and operator training

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical reading systems with a simpler optical detection method that automatically interprets test results. The reader device uses light absorption measurements to determine the presence of target analytes, eliminating the need for manual interpretation and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If hemoglobin absorption is targeted for detection, then sensitivity can be improved, but background interference from red blood cells degrades test accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest accuracyVSAvoidbackground interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses test strips with specific capture regions that contain antibodies or other capture agents targeted to the specific analyte of interest. This localized capture mechanism ensures that only the target substance is detected at the test line, while hemoglobin and other non-specific substances are excluded, eliminating background interference while maintaining high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent acknowledges that hemoglobin absorbs light in the visible spectrum, but deliberately uses this property by selecting test wavelengths where hemoglobin absorption is minimal. Instead of trying to eliminate hemoglobin interference, the system works around it by choosing optimal wavelengths that avoid hemoglobin absorption peaks, thereby converting the potential harm into a non-issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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, accurate detection of disease antigens within 1-6 minutes, reducing operational complexity and cost, while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity, even in challenging environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

photo thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader using a galvanometer to deflect a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto-thermal spectroscopy: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an infrared detector array for rapid analysis of Lateral Flow Assay test strips

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10132743B2Fixed optics photo-thermal spectroscopy reader and method of use

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 BLUE RIDGE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a low-cost, portable photo thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader for use in detecting the presence of diseases in the bodily fluid of affected patients. The PTS reader is designed to be durable, easy to use and provide readings from the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) with rapid results. Also provided are methods of use.