Slanted Test Line Arrays for Single-Scan Multiplex Lateral Flow Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lateral flow devices (LFDs) face challenges in reproducibility and manufacturing complexity, especially when attempting to multiplex assays, often requiring multiple passes for accurate quantification.
Innovation Solution
The use of a linear array of slanted test lines on a lateral flow strip or microfluidic device, allowing for multiplexed assays that can be read with a single scan direction, utilizing rare earth nanoparticles for detection and enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes without overlapping capture zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional linear arrays of test lines are used on lateral flow strips, then the device can be manufactured with simple structures, but multiple passes are required for accurate quantification of multiple analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear array of test lines into a two-dimensional array where test lines are arranged both horizontally and vertically. This dimensional change allows a single scan to capture multiple analytes simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple sequential passes and complex readers while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test lines are arranged in a linear fashion to detect multiple analytes, then multiplexing capability is achieved, but capture zones may overlap causing cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging test lines in a two-dimensional grid pattern rather than a single linear row, the invention creates sufficient spatial separation between capture zones. This 2D arrangement allows multiple analytes to be detected simultaneously without cross-contamination, as each test line has adequate spacing in both horizontal and vertical dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional array effectively segments the detection space into distinct regions for each analyte. Each test line occupies a unique position in the 2D grid, creating isolated capture zones that prevent interference between adjacent test lines while maintaining high multiplexing capability
3Ease of operation
If traditional lateral flow strips are used with simple visual readout, then ease of operation is maintained, but reproducibility and quantification accuracy are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional array design enables the lateral flow strip to provide its own enhanced quantification capability without requiring complex external equipment. The structured 2D pattern allows automated scanners to accurately quantify multiple analytes in a single pass, improving reproducibility while maintaining ease of operation through standardized reading procedures
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 efficient, reproducible, and cost-effective multiplexed assays with a single scan, providing quantitative results for multiple analytes without the need for complex readers or multiple passes, suitable for various applications including clinical diagnostics and environmental testing.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane creates and sustains the flow of any sample and reagents via, e.g., capillary action
Implementation Method 2
utilizing rare earth nanoparticles for detection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D~3F
AI summary
A system and method for lateral flow assays, utilizing a test strip having at least three sections, where the second section contains multiple test lines arranged at an angle to the direction of flow, each test line configured to capture at least one conjugated rare earth particle bound to an analyte of interest, where the test strip is configured to be read in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow.