Rapid Pathogen Test Device Using Magnetic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current COVID-19 detection methods, such as RT-PCR, are time-consuming, require specialized equipment and skilled personnel, and are not suitable for rapid screening at points of entry or in resource-limited settings, while existing rapid tests lack reproducibility and may produce false positives.
Innovation Solution
A rapid test device utilizing Microscale Affinity Chromatography (MAC) and optical molecular sensing technology, which includes a cartridge with pre-filled micromagnetic particles and fluorescent-labeled secondary antibodies for detecting primary antibodies to COVID-19 in saliva samples, providing results in seconds to minutes without the need for extensive sample preparation or laboratory equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RT-PCR is used for pathogen detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory RT-PCR systems and implements it in a simplified point-of-care device using magnetic separation and fluorescent detection, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with magnetic field-based separation and optical detection systems, enabling rapid results without the time-consuming mechanical processes of traditional RT-PCR
2Measurement precision
If RT-PCR is used for pathogen detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core detection capability from complex RT-PCR laboratory systems and implements it in a simplified point-of-care device using magnetic separation and fluorescent detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with magnetic field-based separation and optical detection systems, eliminating the need for specialized laboratory infrastructure
3Loss of time
If rapid screening methods are used, then loss of time is reduced, but reliability worsens due to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent compounds that emit light at different wavelengths when bound to different antibody types, enabling clear differentiation between specific and non-specific binding, thus reducing false positives while maintaining rapid detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent-labeled secondary antibodies as intermediaries that specifically bind to primary antibodies, creating a reliable signal amplification system that reduces false positives through specific antigen-antibody interactions
4Measurement precision
If complex laboratory procedures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated sample processing where the device automatically performs mixing, incubation, and detection steps, requiring minimal user intervention and technical expertise while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-fills the cartridge with all necessary reagents and prepares the magnetic particles with antigens before use, eliminating the need for users to perform complex sample preparation or reagent handling procedures
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, and cost-effective detection of COVID-19 infection and assessment of immunity, reducing the risk of false positives and requiring minimal technical expertise, suitable for point-of-care testing in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
micromagnetic particles having antigens adapted to bind to antibodies raised against the pathogen immobilized on the micromagnetic particles
Implementation Method 2
secondary antibodies labeled with a fluorescent compound, the secondary antibodies adapted to bind to antigens that have bound to antibodies raised against the pathogen
Implementation Method 3
facilitate binding of the secondary antibodies labeled with the fluorescent compound to the antigens that have bound to antibodies raised against the pathogen
Implementation Method 4
a mechanism configured to move a magnetic device relative to the cartridge... mix the micromagnetic particles with the test sample by moving the micromagnetic particles
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may include a rapid test device that provide rapid detection of pathogen infection and techniques for rapid assessment of immunity to the pathogen. In an embodiment, a device may comprise a mechanism configured to hold a cartridge configured to receive a test sample, the cartridge comprising: a first chamber configured to receive the test sample, the first chamber pre-filled with micromagnetic particles, a first reservoir pre-filled with secondary antibodies labeled with a fluorescent compound, a mechanism configured to move the secondary antibodies from the first reservoir to the first chamber, a computer system to control the mechanism configured to move the magnetic device to: mix the micromagnetic particles with the test sample by moving the micromagnetic particles, mix the micromagnetic particles with the secondary antibodies, and move the micromagnetic particles to the detection region, and circuitry configured to detect fluorescence of the fluorescent compound in the detection region.