Stochastic Tab Analyzer for Multiplexed Assays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flow cytometry methods for multiplexed bead-based assays are complex and do not provide options for time-dependent data collection, limiting their efficiency in analyzing small, light-responsive tabs such as microtransponders.

Innovation Solution

A stochastic sampling device and method that aligns tabs with a light beam source within a vessel, allowing for the simultaneous collection of analytical signals and identifier data from tabs, enabling efficient sampling and data collection of time-response data from multiple tabs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flow cytometry methods are used for multiplexed bead-based assays, then multiplexing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and time-dependent data collection is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplexing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical flow cytometry systems with a simplified stochastic sampling approach using random mixing and periodic alignment. Tabs are mixed in a small volume and periodically aligned with a light beam for detection, eliminating the need for complex flow cytometry mechanics while maintaining multiplexing capability through statistical sampling of multiple tabs over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic alignment of tabs with the light beam through rotation or translation movements. The stochastic sampling device periodically brings different tabs into alignment with the detection beam, enabling time-dependent data collection from multiple tabs through repeated periodic sampling cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If flow cytometry methods are used, then multiplexed assays are possible, but time-dependent data collection is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplexed assay capabilityVSAvoidtime-dependent data collection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously samples tabs over time through periodic realignment and detection cycles. By maintaining continuous operation where the stochastic sampling device repeatedly aligns and detects tabs, the system accumulates time-dependent data from multiple tabs, enabling kinetic analysis and time-response measurements that were not possible with conventional flow cytometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Tabs are pre-mixed and positioned in a small volume before detection begins. The stochastic sampling device prepares the tab population by random mixing and periodic alignment in advance, allowing time-dependent data collection to commence immediately when detection starts, without requiring complex pre-positioning or sequencing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If stochastic sampling is used to sample 80% of tabs, then sampling efficiency increases, but sampling time must be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling efficiencyVSAvoidsampling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes sampling parameters including rotation speed, translation velocity, and detection frequency to achieve efficient sampling of 80% of tabs. By adjusting these parameters, the system balances sampling completeness with time efficiency, enabling high productivity through optimized stochastic sampling rather than requiring exhaustive sampling of 100% of tabs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 and efficient sampling of 80% of tabs within a designated time period, facilitating high-throughput multiplex assays and simplifying the design of assay systems, making them suitable for both research and point-of-care applications.

Implementation Method 1

The tabs have an analytical surface adapted to yield a light responsive analytical signal, such as light absorption or emission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The tabs have an analytical surface adapted to yield a light responsive analytical signal, such as light absorption or emission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Luminescence

Implementation Method 3

The stochastic sampling device can for example rotate the vessel, be adapted to rail tabs against a side of the vessel closest to the light beam source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational settling: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9939379B2Compact analyzer for acquiring characteristics of small tabs placed in a vessel

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 P CHIP IP HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Provided among other things is an analyzer for use with tabs placed in a vessel including: a stochastic sampling device adapted to receive the vessel; a light beam source adapted to enter the moving vessel and selectively illuminate tabs; an analytical signal receiver adapted to receive a signal indicative of an analytical process occurring on the surface of the tab as the tab is selectively illuminated; a tab ID receiver adapted to collect ID data from the tabs in coordination with their selective illumination; and a controller for associating identified tabs with analytical signals.