Sample Analysis Tool Flow Control for Immunoassay Background Noise

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Immunoassay methods face a decrease in detection sensitivity due to increased background noise, particularly when the sample solution volume increases, and existing solutions to mitigate this issue are costly or require larger equipment.

Innovation Solution

The method involves supplying the sample solution and a developing solution simultaneously or prior to each other in a sample analysis tool with a development member, preventing the sample solution from flowing undesirably and reducing background noise by ensuring the labeled substance binds specifically to the analyte in the detection portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the amount of sample solution is increased, then the detection capability is improved, but the background noise increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of sample solutionVSAvoidbackground noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-supplying the developing solution to the development member before introducing the sample solution. This ensures that the developing solution is already in place to guide the sample solution flow in the correct direction and to provide the chemical environment needed for proper reaction, preventing back-flow and background noise from the outset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If a sample solution holding member is used to prevent background noise, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the development member to inherently control the flow direction of the sample solution through the pre-supplied developing solution. The system uses its own components (the developing solution and development member structure) to prevent back-flow and control sample solution movement, eliminating the need for additional holding members or mechanical flow control devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the size of the development member is increased, then the background noise is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackground noiseVSAvoiddevelopment member size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temporal sequence of solution supply rather than changing the physical dimensions of the development member. By changing the parameter of supply timing (developing solution first, then sample solution), the system achieves better flow control and reduced background noise without increasing the size or complexity of the development member structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach effectively prevents background noise increase without additional costs or equipment size requirements, enhancing analysis accuracy even with larger sample volumes.

Implementation Method 1

a development member (11) on which a developing solution supply portion (12), a sample supply portion (13), and a detection portion (14) are provided in this order from upstream to downstream along a flow of a developing solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a substance that specifically binds to an analyte in a sample is immobilized in the detection portion (14)... a labeled substance that specifically binds to the analyte... the complex containing the immobilized substance that specifically binds to the analyte, the analyte, and the labeled substance is formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecific binding:

Data Source

PatentUS9903863B2Method for analyzing, sample analysis tool, method for preventing flow of sample solution in undesired direction, and method for preventing increase in background

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 ARKRAY INC

AI summary

Provided is an analysis method in which increase in a background can be prevented in a simple manner without cost. The analysis method of the present invention is carried out using a sample analysis tool 10 including a development member 11 in which a developing solution supply portion 12, a sample supply portion 13, and a detection portion 14 in which a substance 17 that specifically binds to an analyte 16 in a sample is immobilized are provided in this order from upstream to downstream along the flow of a developing solution. A sample solution is supplied to the sample supply portion 13, and a developing solution is supplied to the developing solution supply portion 12 simultaneously with the supply of the sample solution or prior to the supply of the sample solution. By the development of the developing solution in the development member 11 in the presence of a labeled specifically binding substance 15, the sample solution is introduced to the detection portion 14. In the detection portion 14, a complex 18 of the immobilized specifically binding substance 17, the analyte 16, and the labeled specifically binding substance 15 is formed. The analyte 16 is analyzed by detecting a label 19 in the complex 18.