Salivary IgA Lateral Flow Testing for Rapid Immune Health Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quantifying salivary IgA, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are expensive, time-consuming, and require sending samples to a third-party lab, preventing individuals from quickly and regularly monitoring their immune health.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a saliva collection device, buffer, lateral flow assay, and portable electronic device is used to collect, dilute, and analyze saliva samples for IgA levels, providing rapid and accurate immune health assessment without laboratory equipment or specialized training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ELISA method is used to quantify salivary IgA, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of ELISA (quantifying sIgA) and implements it through a simplified lateral flow assay format that can be performed at home without requiring complex laboratory equipment or specialized training, thus maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable lateral flow assay strips that can be used immediately without requiring expensive, complex ELISA equipment. These single-use test strips eliminate the need for costly laboratory infrastructure while providing accurate sIgA quantification results within minutes
2Measurement precision
If ELISA method is used to quantify salivary IgA, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core analytical function from complex ELISA equipment and embeds it within a simple lateral flow assay strip that can be operated with basic materials, eliminating the need for expensive instruments while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ELISA instrumentation with a passive lateral flow assay system that uses capillary action and simple visual readout, substituting sophisticated mechanical measurement systems with a straightforward chemical-biological detection method
3Measurement precision
If third-party lab is used for sIgA analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables individuals to perform sIgA testing themselves using home collection kits and lateral flow assay strips, eliminating the need to send samples to third-party laboratories. The system provides all necessary reagents, instructions, and even digital readout capabilities for accurate self-testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer solution as an intermediary medium that facilitates the interaction between saliva samples and test strips. This buffer-based system enables accurate analyte detection while simplifying the overall operation for end users by providing a ready-to-use testing system
4Measurement precision
If traditional ELISA is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sIgA quantification function from time-consuming ELISA protocols and implements it through rapid lateral flow assay strips that deliver results within minutes, enabling frequent self-monitoring without sacrificing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates buffer solutions and pre-prepared lateral flow assay strips that are ready for immediate use. The buffer is pre-formulated to optimize analyte detection, and test strips are pre-assembled with all necessary reagents, eliminating preparation time and enabling rapid sequential 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
Enables individuals to obtain an indication of their immune health in minutes, with recommendations for improving it, using a portable and user-friendly system that matches the accuracy of traditional ELISA methods.
Implementation Method 1
As analyte in a sample is immobilized by the immobilizing molecules of a test line
Implementation Method 2
a wick that draws the sample from the sample pad, across the conjugate pad, across each test line, and across the control line
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an oral fluid collector, a buffer, a lateral flow assay, and a portable electronic device. The system may be used at a point of contact with an individual to quickly and accurately obtain information about the individual's immune health. For example, the system may be used to obtain information about the amount of IgA present in the individual's saliva. Methods of determining an individual's immune health are also disclosed.