Sample Collection Device with Integrated Binding and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low or variable concentrations of analytes in samples can impair the accuracy and reliability of assays, as existing methods fail to effectively concentrate and purify the analytes before analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection device equipped with a solid phase binding material within a sample container, which binds specifically to the analyte of interest, increasing its concentration and purity, and a container sealing component to facilitate transport and elution for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solid phase binding material is added to concentrate and purify analytes, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample collection container, solid phase binding material, elution buffer reservoir, and sealing cap into a single integrated device. The cap serves multiple functions: sealing the sample container and simultaneously serving as a reservoir for the elution buffer. This integration achieves analyte concentration and purification while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed with multi-functionality: it seals the sample container to prevent leakage, stores the elution buffer within its structure, and provides a interface for buffer delivery to the solid phase binding material. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the concentration and purification functions.
2Quantity of substance
If solid phase binding material is used to bind analytes, then analyte concentration increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid phase binding material is integrated directly into the sample collection container structure, eliminating the need for separate concentration devices. The material is positioned to directly contact the sample, allowing analyte binding and concentration to occur within the existing container framework rather than requiring additional components.
3Measurement precision
If solid phase binding material is used to remove interfering components, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid phase binding material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it concentrates the analyte by specific binding while also removing interfering components through selective adsorption. This dual action occurs within a single integrated structure, achieving purification and concentration without requiring separate processing steps or additional 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
The device enhances the concentration and purity of analytes, leading to more accurate and reliable assay results by specifically binding and concentrating the analytes, while removing interfering components, thereby improving the detection and measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The solid phase binding material may exhibit a relatively high level of affinity to the analyte. The affinity may cause the analyte to bind to the solid phase binding material in a higher concentration relative to the analyte's concentration in the sample.
Implementation Method 2
a container sealing component, such as a cap, for creating a seal around the sample container to prevent leakage of the container's content
Data Source
AI summary
A sample collection device having a sample container, a solid phase binding material, and a container sealing component is presented. The sample container may have a housing that forms an opening for receiving a sample, and that encloses a space for holding the sample. The solid phase binding material may be disposed within the space enclosed by the housing of the sample container and may be adapted, when the sample contains an analyte, to bind specifically to the analyte. The container sealing component may be removably attachable to the sample container at the opening thereof, and may be adapted, when attached to the sample container, to form a seal around the opening of the sample container.