Stable Fluid Interfaces With Porous Layers for Target Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for isolating, purifying, and detecting targets such as nucleic acids or proteins are time-consuming, expensive, and often damage the sample or result in inconsistent yields, acting as bottlenecks in analytical processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer system comprising stabilized aqueous and oil phases, stabilized by hydrophilic and hydrophobic porous materials, allows for autonomous sample preparation and testing through the application of forces like magnetism to isolate and detect targets, with optional communication of results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used for isolating and purifying targets, then the isolation and purification can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample processing into distinct phases (aqueous phases for binding/washing and oil phases for separation) that can be independently optimized and processed in parallel, dramatically reducing the overall time required for target isolation and purification compared to conventional sequential methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces porous materials as intermediary components that facilitate rapid mass transfer between phases and provide controlled interaction surfaces for target binding, enabling faster processing while maintaining high purification efficiency
2Reliability
If conventional purification methods are used, then targets can be isolated, but sample damage occurs and yields are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs porous materials with controlled pore sizes and surface properties that enable gentle yet effective target capture and release, minimizing mechanical stress and chemical damage to samples while ensuring consistent binding and elution across multiple processing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled changes in phase properties (such as density, viscosity, and surface tension) and environmental conditions (pH, temperature) to reversibly bind and release targets, ensuring high yield consistency while preventing sample degradation through optimized parameter transitions
3Productivity
If multi-phase systems are used to improve separation efficiency, then isolation speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation and purification functions into a single integrated multi-phase system where aqueous and oil phases work together in a unified device, eliminating the need for multiple separate processing steps and reducing overall system complexity despite the increased separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-phase system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions (binding, washing, separating, and eluting targets) within a single device architecture, allowing the same basic structure to handle different sample types and target molecules without requiring complex reconfiguration
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 rapid, efficient, and reliable isolation, purification, and detection of targets with reduced sample damage and improved yield, facilitating processes like PCR and LAMP in a single device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one aqueous phase or layer and at least one oil phase or layer stabilized in proximity to one another within a container by a hydrophilic porous material associated with the at least one aqueous phase or layer
Implementation Method 2
at least one aqueous phase or layer and at least one oil phase or layer stabilized in proximity to one another within a container by a hydrophilic porous material associated with the at least one aqueous phase or layer
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic porous material associated with the at least one oil phase or layer
Implementation Method 4
a hydrophobic porous material associated with the at least one oil phase or layer
Implementation Method 5
using a magnetic, electric, or acceleration-based force (e.g., via gravity or via a centrifuge) to draw the target or analyte through one or more phases or layers
Data Source
AI summary
Stabilized interface systems and compositions for positioning target(s), comprising fluids, associated structural material(s) having a pore that permits passage and positioning of targets and related compositions, and a fluid phase, layer, or interface stabilized with the associated structural material. Miscible interface systems and compositions for positioning target(s) for detection comprising two or more fluid regions with different properties within a phase or layer where the fluid regions are stabilized with respect to each other using a solid or semi-solid structure or material with at least one pore that allows passage of said target(s) wherein stabilization allows mass transport of a fluid constituent via diffusion to prevail over bulk fluid motion.