Retroreflective Bioassay Channel Using Gravity Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-substance analysis methods using immune and molecular beacons require expensive equipment and manual washing processes, leading to signal intensity fluctuations due to analyst skill variability.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a sensing substrate with retroreflective particles that utilize gravity-based sedimentation to separate unreacted optical labels, involving a transparent core particle with a reflective coating and bio-recognition substances, and a fluid channel for selective reaction and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual washing process is used to remove unreacted signal markers, then unreacted markers can be removed, but signal intensity fluctuates due to analyst skill variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical washing operation with a magnetic field-based separation system. Magnetic beads coated with recognition molecules bind to target analytes, and a magnetic field selectively separates bound complexes from unreacted signal markers, eliminating analyst skill variability and achieving consistent signal intensity measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic beads as an intermediary carrier that binds recognition molecules. These magnetic beads serve as a mediator between the target analyte and the detection system, enabling magnetic field-based separation and eliminating the need for manual washing while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If expensive optical equipment is used for detection, then analytical sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection equipment with a simple magnetic field-based detection system. By using magnetic beads that concentrate target analytes and provide a strong magnetic signal for separation, the system achieves high analytical sensitivity using inexpensive magnets and basic imaging equipment instead of sophisticated optical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical signal measurement requiring expensive equipment to magnetic field-based separation and detection. This parameter change enables the use of simple, inexpensive magnets and cameras to achieve the same analytical sensitivity that previously required complex optical instrumentation
3Productivity
If washing process is performed manually, then unreacted markers are removed, but analysis time increases due to manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual washing with rapid magnetic field-based separation. Magnetic beads bound to target analytes are quickly separated from unreacted signal markers using a magnetic field, reducing the washing step from several minutes of manual operation to a rapid automated process that significantly improves analysis throughput
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
Minimizes errors caused by analyst skill and simplifies the analysis process by replacing manual washing with sedimentation, ensuring accurate bio-substance quantification.
Implementation Method 1
a first step of mixing retroreflective particles with a detection solution containing the target bio-substance... a second step of placing the sensing substrate so that the bottom is located under the cover in a direction of gravity... a third step of injecting the detection solution containing therein the retroreflective particles into the fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
a fifth step of irradiating light into the fluid channel through the bottom; and a sixth step of generating and analyzing an image based on light retroreflected from the retroreflective particles
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-substance analysis method using a sensing substrate having a fluid channel is disclosed. The method includes mixing retroreflective particles with a detection solution containing a target bio-substance, wherein a first bio-recognition substance selectively reacting with the target bio-substance is modified on the retroreflective particles; placing the sensing substrate so that a bottom is located under a cover in a direction of gravity; injecting the detection solution containing therein the retroreflective particles into a fluid channel and maintaining the solution in the channel for a first time duration; turning the sensing substrate upside down so that the bottom is located above the cover in the direction of gravity and maintaining the sensing substrate in the turned state for a second time duration; irradiating light into the fluid channel through the bottom; and generating and analyzing an image based on light retroreflected from the retroreflective particles.