Sample Carrier Segmentation for Assay Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 'laboratory-on-a-chip' devices for chemical and biochemical analysis are expensive, inflexible, and prone to false readings due to unreacted reagents entering the detection zone, which can invalidate test results.
Innovation Solution
A sample carrier with a mixing zone, detection zone, and coupling channel that separates unreacted reagents from the detection zone, utilizing capillary action for fluid movement and a self-contained structure for efficient testing, including a planar design with recesses for chambers and conduits, and optional identifier elements for data storage and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complete integral unit is provided for carrying out specific chemical or biochemical assays, then the device is self-contained and foolproof, but it is expensive to produce and not readily adaptable to different tests
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable control unit and disposable test cartridges. Each cartridge is pre-prepared with specific reagents and pathways for different assays, allowing the system to perform multiple different tests using the same infrastructure, thus achieving both ease of operation and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable test cartridges are used instead of expensive reusable devices. Each cartridge is pre-configured for specific assays and discarded after use, eliminating the need for cleaning and preparation between tests while maintaining adaptability through variety of cartridge types
2Device complexity
If unreacted reagent is allowed to pass into the detection zone, then the assay process is simple, but false readings occur which can invalidate the result
Solution Approach 1:
The detection zone is physically separated from the reaction pathway by a porous membrane. This segmentation allows unreacted reagents to be retained in the reaction zone while only allowing reacted complexes to pass through to detection, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A porous membrane acts as an intermediary between the reaction zone and detection zone. It selectively permits passage of reacted complexes while blocking unreacted reagents, thus preventing false readings without complicating the overall assay process
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tests are provided in one device, then the device is more generally useful, but one or more tests may be unnecessary and the device is not readily adaptable to new antigens
Solution Approach 1:
Different test types are segmented into separate disposable cartridges rather than being integrated into one device. Each cartridge is optimized for specific assays, allowing users to select only the necessary tests, thus maintaining versatility while improving efficiency by avoiding unnecessary test components
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 rapid, cost-effective, and reliable chemical and biochemical analysis by preventing false readings and allowing for adaptable testing of specific substances, with the ability to test for one or a few elements quickly and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing capillary action for fluid movement
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed apparatus and a system for effecting testing on a sample, such as for medical testing. The apparatus includes a sample chip (30) provided with at least two chambers (48, 50) within which analyte and a sample to be tested can be located, one chamber being a mixing chamber (48) and the other a detection chamber (50), the latter being provided with a sensor or means to enable sensing of one or more parameters pertaining to the sample. A detector unit (70, 170) includes a slot (76) for holding a sample carrier (30), drive means (94) for moving parts of a sample from the mixing chamber (48) to the detection chamber (50), such as by electromagnetic force, sensing means (60) for sensing the one or more parameters, a diagnostic unit (84) for analyzing the sensed parameters and a display unit (72) for displaying the results of the test to a user. The test unit (70, 170) is preferably handheld, which the sample carrier (30) is preferably in the form of a disposable chip.