Superparamagnetic Particle Imaging for Multiplex Stationary-Phase Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic biosensing methods lack the capability to concurrently measure multiple analytes and often deal with homogenous media or monolayers, while point of care devices face challenges such as inefficient sample conjugation, poor connection between sections, and high complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid point of care (HY-POC) chip and superparamagnetic particle imaging technology are combined to enable simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes, using a 3-dimensional chip with analytical regions and superparamagnetic nanoparticles that generate spatially encoded responses to a changing magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic particle-based sensing methods are used, then biocompatibility and environmental safety are improved, but the capability to concurrently measure multiple analytes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing system into multiple independent magnetic particle-based sensors, each functionalized to detect a specific analyte. This segmentation allows concurrent measurement of multiple analytes while maintaining the biocompatibility and environmental safety benefits of magnetic particle methods, as each sensor operates independently without requiring homogenous media or monolayer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional surface assays to three-dimensional magnetic particle-based sensing in solution or hybrid formats. This dimensional change enables multiplexed detection of multiple analytes simultaneously while preserving the advantages of magnetic particle methods, including better biocompatibility and reduced background noise compared to optical methods.
2Ease of operation
If point of care devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple analytical functions into a single integrated point of care device that can simultaneously detect multiple analytes using magnetic particle-based sensing. This consolidation reduces the need for multiple separate devices, thereby simplifying operation while managing complexity through unified design. The hybrid point of care chip integrates sample processing, multiplexed detection, and data analysis in one platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal point of care device platform capable of detecting multiple different analytes through magnetic particle-based sensing. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform various diagnostic functions, improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for device switching while managing complexity through standardized interfaces and protocols.
3Ease of operation
If point of care devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary sample processing steps directly into the point of care device, including sample conjugation with magnetic particles and preparation of analytical regions. This preliminary action within the device eliminates the need for separate preparation steps, improving ease of operation while enabling streamlined manufacturing through integrated design that reduces assembly complexity and improves production efficiency.
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 allows for efficient, multiplexed analysis of various analytes with high sensitivity and specificity, reducing the need for reconstruction and external driving forces, and is suitable for point of care applications with biodegradable materials.
Implementation Method 1
labeling each of the analytes in the sample with a superparamagnetic nanoparticle... exciting the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in vitro... the response of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles comprises harmonics
Implementation Method 2
providing a changing external magnetic field in the analyzer and a field free zone, which can be a field free point, or field free line, or field free space, within the changing external magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based analytical method comprising providing a sample having analytes in a sample matrix, providing a point of care chip having analytical regions, each of which is a stationary phase having at least one or more sections, labeling each of the analytes with a superparamagnetic nanoparticle and immobilizing the labeled analytes in the stationary phase, providing an analytical device having a means for exciting the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in vitro and a means for sensing, receiving, and transmitting response of the excited superparamagnetic nanoparticles, placing the chip in the analytical device and exciting the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in vitro, sensing, receiving, and transmitting the response of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles, and analyzing the response and determining characteristic of the analytes, wherein the response of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles comprises harmonics. The present invention also provides the hybrid point of care chip and analyzer to be used in the analytical method.