Solid Support with Segmented Compartments for Simultaneous Interaction Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current solid supports in LigandTracer devices are limited in handling multiple interactions simultaneously, as they typically use a single liquid and a fixed number of defined areas, making it difficult to detect interactions between different species or ligands at various concentrations and cell lines simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The development of a solid support with multiple independent compartments, each containing non-overlapping defined areas separated by dividers that allow fluid flow when the support is tilted, enabling the use of different liquids and facilitating even liquid drainage during measurement, thus allowing for multiple independent measurements and improved interaction detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single liquid is used in a fixed number of defined areas on a solid support, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to detect multiple interactions simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to detect multiple interactions simultaneouslyVSAvoidsolid support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solid support is divided into multiple independent compartments, each capable of holding a different liquid. Each compartment contains non-overlapping defined areas separated by dividers. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple interactions using different liquids and species combinations in each compartment, greatly enhancing the device's versatility without requiring a completely new device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each compartment in the solid support is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold different liquids, accommodate different species interactions, and serve as an independent measurement unit. The dividers create separate fluid domains while maintaining a unified solid support structure, allowing one device to perform numerous detection functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If dividers are used to separate defined areas, then liquid distribution can be controlled, but fluid flow between areas may be uneven during measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid distribution uniformityVSAvoidfluid flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dividers are designed with specific geometric characteristics that allow them to dynamically respond to liquid flow conditions. During the measurement process, the dividers enable controlled fluid flow between compartments while maintaining separation during liquid addition and removal phases. The divider geometry is optimized to ensure even liquid distribution across all defined areas regardless of the specific interaction being measured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple liquids are used in different compartments, then multiple interactions can be detected simultaneously, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of simultaneous measurementsVSAvoidmulti-compartment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple compartments are integrated within a single solid support structure, with each compartment containing its own defined areas. The dividers create nested fluid domains within the unified support, allowing multiple liquids to be held simultaneously in a compact arrangement that maximizes measurement capacity while minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design enables simultaneous detection of multiple molecular interactions and interactions between different species or ligands at various concentrations, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of interaction characterization by ensuring even liquid distribution and reducing errors from uneven liquid drainage.

Implementation Method 1

the dividers are being configured for allowing fluid flow from one defined area to another when the solid support is placed in a non-horizontal position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven fluid flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The temporary reduction of liquid comprises a reduction of the amount of liquid near at least one of said defined areas without changing the total amount of liquid in contact with said solid support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven liquid drainage: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3189330B1Method of detecting interactions between species

Publication Date: 2020.03.04 RIDGEVIEW INSTR AB

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a solid support suitable for improving the detection of how different species interact with each other. The solid support has multiple defined areas divided by low dividers, and optionally independent containers divided by high dividers, each container having at least two defined areas. The solid support is typically used in measurements where the total amount of liquid is temporarily reduced during measurement. The solid support extends the possibilities of the measurement system.