Rapid Diagnostic Test Strip Using Rare-Earth Particles for Multiplexed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rapid diagnostic test strips lack the ability to detect multiple illnesses using rare-earth particles with a single test line without on-strip calibration and fail to provide species-specific identification of coronaviruses and host immune responses.
Innovation Solution
The development of a rapid diagnostic test strip incorporating rare-earth particles with a single pure crystalline phase and uniform morphology, capable of binding multiple analytes, including coronavirus and influenza antigens, IgM, IgG, IgA, and cytokines, with encoded information on the test strip for manufacturing details and analyte specificity, utilizing a reader to detect emission profiles for accurate results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analytes are detected using a single test line with rare-earth particles, then the diagnostic capability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single test line to detect multiple analytes (coronavirus antigens, influenza antigens, IgM, IgG, IgA, and cytokines) through the use of rare-earth particles with distinct emission profiles. Each conjugating material is labeled with a specific rare-earth particle that emits at a characteristic wavelength, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple targets on one test line without requiring separate calibration areas for each analyte.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property changes by employing rare-earth particles that emit light at different wavelengths when excited. Each rare-earth particle acts as a spectral marker with a unique emission profile, enabling differentiation between multiple analytes based on their emitted wavelength rather than requiring visual color interpretation. This allows a single test line to provide multiplexed diagnostic information through spectral discrimination.
2Measurement precision
If rare-earth particles with uniform morphology and single crystalline phase are used, then the measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise particle parameters including uniform three-dimensional size (e.g., 50-150 nm), single pure crystalline phase (cubic or hexagonal), and uniform polyhedral morphology. These controlled physical parameters ensure that each rare-earth particle exhibits consistent optical properties and emission profiles, which is critical for accurate detection and quantification of analytes. The uniformity in particle characteristics reduces variability in signal intensity and improves measurement precision across different test batches.
3Loss of information
If encoded information is included on the test strip using additional rare-earth particles, then the information content and diagnostic value are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rare-earth particles as intermediary carriers of encoded information about the test strip. By placing specific rare-earth particles at defined locations on the strip (such as on the diagnostic pad or substrate), information about manufacturing date, expiry date, lot number, and analyte types can be embedded in the test strip itself. The reader system detects these encoded particles and decodes the information, providing comprehensive test metadata without requiring separate documentation or labeling systems.
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 multiple analytes with a single test line, providing species-specific identification and immune response analysis, offering improved sensitivity and specificity compared to existing technologies, with results available in under 5 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
Each rare earth particle has a single pure crystalline phase of a rare earth-containing lattice, a uniform three-dimensional size, and a uniform polyhedral morphology. A reader is adapted to illuminate the rare earth particles with a wavelength of light they are capable of absorbing and detect an emission profile of the rare earth particle in response to the wavelength of light.
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid diagnostic test strip, system, and methodology are disclosed. The test strips utilize a sample pad on a proximal portion of a substrate. When a sample (potentially containing various analytes) is provided to the sample pad, it is transported to a conjugate release pad located distally from the sample pad. The conjugate release pad includes two or more targeted materials, where each targeted material includes an upconverting rare-earth particle capable of conjugating to an analyte. The conjugated analytes are then transported distally along the test strip, where they may bind to one or more test lines. An absorbent pad is located distally from the test lines. The one or more test lines can the be briefly illuminated with one or more specific wavelengths of light that the rare-earth particles absorb, and the rare-earth particles then emit a response that can be detected and measured.