Removable Solid-Support Fluorescence Readout for Multi-Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic means are limited in their ability to simultaneously and specifically detect and quantify a wide range of analytes, such as antibiotics, toxins, hormones, pathogens, and allergens, in a single test, often resulting in false negatives and inefficiencies due to limited capture zones, inter-reactivities, and complex result interpretation.
Innovation Solution
An immunochromatographic diagnostic means with a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of recovery locations on a solid support, using a separate reaction mixture container and fluorescence visualization, allows for the simultaneous detection and quantification of at least 5 different classes of analytes in a single step within 15 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analytes are detected using traditional diagnostic means with limited capture zones, then the detection capability is constrained, but the device complexity and inter-reactivities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or two-dimensional capture zone arrangements to a three-dimensional microarray structure on a solid support. This dimensional expansion allows numerous capture molecules to be densely packed in spatial organization (x, y, z coordinates), enabling detection of many analytes simultaneously without proportionally increasing device footprint or complexity. The 3D arrangement maximizes capture capacity within a compact format.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid support is divided into multiple discrete capture zones, each containing specific capture molecules targeted to different analytes. This segmentation allows independent detection of multiple analytes in parallel, with each zone functioning as an independent detection unit. The segmented structure reduces inter-reactivities between different analyte-detection pathways while maintaining high versatility.
2Reliability
If traditional diagnostic means are used for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes, then false negatives occur due to limited capture zones, but increasing capture zones increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a three-dimensional microarray arrangement on the solid support, the patent dramatically increases the number of capture zones that can be accommodated within a manageable device footprint. This 3D spatial organization allows sufficient capture capacity to detect multiple analytes reliably, reducing false negatives without requiring a proportionally large increase in device complexity. The dense packing of capture molecules in 3D space ensures comprehensive analyte capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of capture zone arrangement from traditional 2D surfaces to 3D volumes, and optimizes the density and distribution of capture molecules within these zones. By adjusting parameters such as capture molecule concentration, zone spacing, and spatial coordinates, the system achieves high reliability for multi-analyte detection while controlling device complexity through optimized parameter selection.
3Productivity
If multiple classes of analytes are detected in a single test, then productivity increases, but measurement precision and result interpretation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each capture zone in the microarray is designed with specific local quality characteristics - containing capture molecules with particular specificity for certain analyte classes. This localized specialization allows precise identification of which analytes are present based on which zones show signal. The distinct spatial-location correspondence between capture zones and analytes maintains measurement precision even when detecting multiple analyte classes simultaneously, as each zone's result can be independently interpreted and mapped to its target analyte.
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
The diagnostic means effectively and economically detects and quantifies at least 5 different classes of analytes, including antibiotics, toxins, hormones, pathogens, and allergens, with improved precision and reduced false negatives, while maintaining sensitivity and reproducibility.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one visualization molecule is a molecule detectable by fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
at least one reaction mixture containing biological recognition molecules and/or competitor ligands labeled with at least one visualization molecule
Implementation Method 3
at least one recovery system in the form of a solid support
Data Source
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AI summary
An immunochromatographic diagnostic means (1) for the detection and/or quantification of a plurality of analytes present in an essentially liquid sample (E) comprising: - at least one reaction mixture (2) containing biological recognition molecules and/or competitive ligands labelled with at least one fluorescence-detectable visualisation molecule, said reaction mixture being present in a separate container of said recovery system (3); and - at least one recovery system (3) in the form of a solid support to which competitive ligands and/or biological recognition molecules are fixed at recovery positions (4 and 5) that are distinct and known and that are arranged according to a two-dimensional matrix-like arrangement defined according to a coordinate system, so as to identify, by the location of said recovery positions (4 and 5) on said support, said analytes present in said sample (E).