Reusable Pregnancy Test Device Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pregnancy tests are disposable, leading to degradation of antibodies, are difficult to interpret, lack accuracy, contribute to environmental waste, and cause stress due to frequent use and potential infertility concerns.
Innovation Solution
A reusable test device using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) that can bind analytes like hCG, allowing for regeneration and repeated use, combined with a rechargeable electronic unit for accurate and easy result reading, and a sustainable design with a disposable wick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable pregnancy tests are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to antibody degradation and environmental waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by making the sensor unit reusable through regeneration. After use, the sensor unit can be regenerated by removing bound analytes through washing with buffers or solvents, allowing the MIPs to be reused multiple times. This recovers the binding functionality of the sensor unit, eliminating the need to discard it after single use and preventing antibody degradation associated with disposable tests.
2Loss of substance
If reusable sensor units are implemented, then loss of substance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the test device into separate components: a disposable wick for sample application and a reusable sensor unit with MIPs. This segmentation allows the complex regeneration process to be applied only to the sensor unit while keeping the overall system simple and manageable. The modular design isolates the complexity to a specific component that can be independently regenerated.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional LFA tests are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but measurement precision worsens due to interpretation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual interpretation system of traditional LFA tests with an electronic detection and display system. The rechargeable electronic unit provides digital or electronic readout of test results, eliminating the need for users to visually interpret lines or colors. This substitution of the reading mechanism with electronics greatly improves measurement precision and eliminates interpretation errors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If frequent test purchases are required, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time worsens due to stress and repeated store visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by enabling the sensor unit to be regenerated and reused multiple times. Instead of requiring users to continuously purchase new tests, the regeneration process allows the same sensor unit to perform multiple testing cycles. This continuous reuse eliminates the interruptions and stress associated with frequent repurchasing, saving time and reducing psychological burden while maintaining easy accessibility to testing.
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 reusable test device maintains binding affinity and selectivity, extends shelf life, reduces environmental impact, and provides accurate and stress-free pregnancy testing with improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) adapted to bind at least one analyte present in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The MIP layer comprises at least one type of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) adapted to bind at least one analyte present in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
The sample is placed on the paper and allowed to flow along a solid porous matrix by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable test device includes: a wick adapted to collect a fluid to be analyzed; a reusable sensor unit, including: a layer (8) having at least one type of molecular imprinted polymer adapted to bind at least one analyte present in said fluid; and a layer (7) having at least one electrode, wherein said reusable sensor unit is regenerable upon cleansing. The reusable test device further includes a rechargeable electronic unit adapted to read out results from said reusable sensor unit.