Reflux Device Analyte Detection Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for detecting analytes in biological samples face challenges with variable sample volumes, particulate interference, and the need for manual pipetting, which complicates point-of-care testing and introduces errors, especially when dealing with complex samples like blood or tissues.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-contained devices that utilize a reflux mechanism to prevent particulate material from entering the detection zone, providing suitable analyte dilution and eliminating the need for manual pipetting by using liquid reservoirs to create a reflux and wash the detection zone, allowing for consistent testing across varying sample volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is placed at the sample-receiving zone to retain red blood cells and particulate materials, then cell retention is improved, but cells or particulates can escape the filter and cause high background and assay interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflux port as an intermediary component between the sample receiving zone and detection zone. This reflux port allows liquid to flow back and wash particulate materials away from the detection zone, serving as a mediator that prevents cells and particulates from reaching the detection area while maintaining assay functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on forward flow through the filter, the patent implements a reflux mechanism where liquid flows backward through the sample receiving zone. This reverse flow direction helps wash particulate materials away from the detection zone, complementing the filter's forward flow retention function.
2Reliability
If the filter size is increased to retain more blood cells, then cell retention is improved, but the filter may retain samples and prevent them from reaching the test zone
Solution Approach 1:
The reflux port acts as an intermediary that regulates sample flow. It allows the sample to pass through the filter and reach the detection zone while simultaneously providing a wash mechanism to remove excess particulates, thus balancing retention efficiency with sample delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances filter retention with reflux washing. The reflux mechanism activates to wash particulates away when sample flow occurs, creating a dynamic system that adapts to maintain both retention and flow efficiency rather than relying on a static filter size alone.
3Measurement precision
If manual pipetting is required to ensure consistent blood volume, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-regulation of sample volume through its design features. The sample receiving zone and reflux mechanism automatically manage the sample processing, eliminating the need for manual pipetting while maintaining consistent testing conditions. The system serves itself by controlling fluid flow and particulate removal without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the reflux mechanism and sample receiving zone design that automatically handles volume consistency. The preliminary design incorporates the wash mechanism that will automatically activate during sample processing, preparing the system in advance to maintain precision without requiring user skill in pipetting.
4Quantity of substance
If liquid is applied directly over the sample-receiving zone to dilute the sample, then analyte availability is improved, but liquid flow favors movement of cells and particulates towards the testing zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to dilution by positioning the reflux port downstream from the sample receiving zone. Instead of applying dilution liquid directly over the sample zone (one-dimensional approach), the reflux mechanism introduces liquid from a different spatial location, creating a multi-dimensional flow pattern that dilutes the sample while directing flow away from particulate movement toward the detection zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than applying liquid in the forward direction toward the detection zone, the reflux mechanism applies liquid in the reverse direction, flowing back through the sample receiving zone. This inverted flow direction dilutes the analyte while preventing particulates from being pushed toward the testing zone.
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 efficient and accurate detection of analytes in complex samples without the need for manual handling, ensuring consistent results across different sample volumes and reducing errors, making the devices suitable for both skilled and unskilled users in point-of-care settings.
Implementation Method 1
The device allows for reflux of liquid into the sample receiving member, providing suitable analyte dilution and preventing leakage of particulate material into the signal generation member
Implementation Method 2
using liquid reservoirs to create a reflux and wash the detection zone
Implementation Method 3
The analyte captured at the reaction zone can be a nucleic acid, including oligonucleotides, or amino acid, or protein, or peptide, or lipid, or carbohydrate, or chemical compound or entity
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for detection of analytes in samples of various complexities are provided. The devices allow reflux of liquid into a sample-receiving member, providing for suitable analyte dilution and preventing leakage of cells or particulate material into the signal generation member. In one aspect, the devices are used to test analytes in biological samples such as blood, serum, plasma or other body fluids. In another aspect, the devices are used to test samples from tissues, such as organ tissues, tumor samples, or other body parts. In a further aspect, the devices are used to test microbial samples, food samples, or any other sample from which the analyte of interest can be captured into the reflux device.