Sponge-Like Capture Zone Array for Liquid Digitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic tools for urinary tract infections (UTIs) face challenges with accuracy, turnaround time, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in low-resource settings. Additionally, existing digital bioassays require complex lab instruments for sample digitization and readout, limiting their adoption in medical settings due to hands-on time and trained personnel requirements.
Innovation Solution
A novel device and method for digitizing liquid samples using a dipstick with an array of capture zones containing sponge-like materials, allowing for simple quantification and detection of bacterial concentrations down to 10^3 CFU/ml without the need for external instrumentation or trained personnel. The device can be read by the naked eye or a cell phone camera, facilitating easy operation and interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital bioassays are used for quantification of biomarkers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of complicated lab instruments for digitization and readout
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the digitization function from complex external instruments and integrates it into a simple dipstick device with an array of capture zones. Each capture zone independently captures and holds a discrete volume of liquid sample, achieving digitization without requiring external pumps, valves, or complex instrumentation. This allows quantitative analysis while maintaining device simplicity and ease of use in point-of-care settings.
2Measurement precision
If new diagnostic technologies are adopted, then accuracy is improved, but hands-on time and trained personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dipstick device performs self-digitization through its array of capture zones that automatically capture and hold discrete liquid volumes without requiring external instrumentation or complex manipulation. The device is designed for minimal hands-on operation, allowing users to simply apply the sample and obtain results without extensive training, thereby maintaining high diagnostic accuracy while significantly reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If microfluidics technology is used for handling small volumes, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the liquid sample handling function into multiple independent capture zones on the dipstick. Each capture zone is designed to independently capture and hold a specific small volume of liquid (e.g., nanoliter to picoliter scale) through capillary action and surface tension effects. This segmentation enables precise handling of small volumes for high-productivity analysis while eliminating the need for complex external microfluidic equipment, pumps, or valves.
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 solution enables rapid, cost-effective, and accurate detection of UTI-causing bacteria at concentrations relevant for UTI diagnosis, addressing the limitations of current PoC tools by simplifying the process and reducing the need for specialized equipment and trained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
an array of capture zones for sampling liquid volumes between tens of microliters and femtoliters, wherein some or all of the capture zones contain a sponge-like material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a device (100) comprising a sampling part (110), wherein the sampling part (110) comprises an array of capture zones (112) for sampling liquid volumes between tens of microliters and femtoliters, wherein some or all of the capture zones (112) contain a sponge-like material. Also disclosed are a method for the preparation of such a device and a method for the detection and determination of the presence, concentration and/or properties of an analyte by contacting a liquid sample with such a device.