Disposable Sample Receiver for Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting biomarkers in flowable substances lack repeatability and accuracy, particularly in ensuring a consistent sample volume and timing for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A disposable sample receiver with a receiving chamber, a bottom outlet, and a flow path, where the chamber is filled until excess spills into a depression, and a removable impermeable separating member controls the flow into the path, combined with a permeable member and a directly visible detection compartment with a reagent that shifts color upon biomarker presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a disposable device with a sample inlet connected to a chamber is used to receive a capillary device containing a sample, then the sample can be received and processed, but the volume of the sample to be analyzed varies leading to low repeatability and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The depression is pre-formed around the receiving chamber to define the exact volume of sample to be analyzed. When the sample is filled into the receiving chamber, any excess automatically spills into the depression, ensuring that the precise volume required for analysis is always obtained regardless of the total sample volume introduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The depression acts as an intermediary volume reservoir between the receiving chamber and the analysis system. It captures excess sample volume and provides a controlled interface that ensures only the correct amount of sample proceeds to analysis, thereby decoupling the variability of sample introduction from the precision required for analysis.
2Measurement precision
If the sample is allowed to flow through the bottom outlet into the flow path without controlled timing, then the flow process is simple, but the timing of sample passage is inconsistent reducing repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the sample's own flow properties and the geometric relationship between the receiving chamber and depression to control timing. When the receiving chamber is filled to the point where excess sample spills into the depression, this naturally signals that the correct volume has been achieved and is ready for controlled release through the bottom outlet, eliminating the need for external timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection compartment contains a reagent that shifts color upon presence of a biomarker, providing a visual indicator that confirms the sample has reached the detection zone at the correct time. This color change serves as a built-in timing verification mechanism that enhances repeatability without adding mechanical complexity.
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 ensures a consistent sample volume and precise timing, achieving high repeatability and accuracy in biomarker detection, thereby creating a fail-safe system for analyzing biomarkers in flowable substances like blood.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent which shifts color upon presence of a biomarker in the sample of flowable substance
Implementation Method 2
the flow path comprises a permeable member, which prevents passage of at least one component of the flowable substance but permits passage of another one
Implementation Method 3
filling the receiving chamber until an excess of the flowable substance spills over into the depression
Data Source
AI summary
In the detection of the presence of a biomarker or the like in a sample of a flowable substance, e.g. a powder or a liquid, usually a body fluid, such as blood, urine, or saliva, for example, a disposable sample receiver (3) is used, which has a receiving chamber (301) that is dimensioned to receive a predetermined volume and is surrounded by a depression (303) receiving any excess volume for which there is no room in the receiving chamber (301). The receiving chamber (301) has a bottom outlet (302) closed by a removable strip (33), e.g. a plastic strip or foil. Upon pulling away the strip (33) from the bottom outlet, the sample in the receiving chamber is emptied into a flow path (32) leading to at least one detection compartment (321) permitting direct visual inspection. Preferably, disposable sample receiver (3) is used in a detector assembly (1) including an electronic camera (23), a CPU (26) and a display (22). Hereby, the volume of the sample to be analyzed will always be the same, and by controlling the exact point of time when the sample is passed on into the flow path (32), a high degree of repeatability and accuracy is achieved, and thereby also a fail-safe system.