Lateral Flow Test Strip with Overlay for Even Sample Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional binding assays for onsite testing are limited by lengthy incubations, tedious preparation, and require additional steps for sample loading, making them inefficient for rapid analysis in scenarios like detecting contaminants in food supplies.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved lateral flow test strips and systems featuring a nitrocellulose membrane with a filtration conjugate pad and labeled receptors, along with a transparent overlay to facilitate even sample flow and direct viewing of results, allowing for rapid detection of analytes without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional binding assays are used for onsite testing, then detection capability is achieved, but testing requires lengthy incubations and tedious preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the filtration conjugate pad with labeled receptors to the nitrocellulose membrane in a integrated assembly. This pre-prepared configuration eliminates the need for separate preparation steps during testing, allowing users to simply apply the sample and obtain results rapidly without tedious assembly or lengthy incubation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated test strip assembly where the filtration conjugate pad, nitrocellulose membrane, and sample application area are combined. This consolidation eliminates separate preparation steps and reduces testing time by allowing simultaneous filtration, binding, and detection in one unified structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional testing systems are used, then analyte detection is possible, but additional accessories and loading steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the filtration conjugate pad to perform multiple functions: it filters the sample, delivers it to the nitrocellulose membrane, and provides labeled receptors for analyte binding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate accessories for sample application, filtration, and detection, simplifying the overall system while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated test strip assembly is designed to be self-sufficient, with the filtration conjugate pad automatically performing sample filtration and delivery without requiring external accessories or complex loading procedures. The user simply applies the sample to the designated area, and the integrated structure handles all subsequent steps autonomously.
3Productivity
If rapid analysis is achieved through improved lateral flow devices, then testing speed increases, but structural complexity of the test strip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging components in a linear lateral flow configuration rather than requiring multi-dimensional assembly. The filtration conjugate pad is positioned to overlap and contact the nitrocellulose membrane in a straightforward one-dimensional flow path, enabling rapid sample progression through the test strip without complex three-dimensional structuring.
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 convenient, efficient, and safe onsite testing for detecting analytes, with clear results obtained through direct observation of signal intensity on the test strips, improving sensitivity and reducing preparation time.
Implementation Method 1
the overlay may pressurize at least a portion of the test strip to generate an even flow of sample about the test strip
Implementation Method 2
capillary action of the sample solubilizes the bead labeled receptors. Advantageously, sample does not contact the bead labeled receptors prior to the capillary action of the sample during travel along the test strip
Implementation Method 3
the labeled receptor characterized by an ability to fowl an analyte-receptor complex when an analyte is present within the liquid sample; the test line capture agent characterized in that the capture agent has greater binding affinity to the labeled receptor than the analyte-receptor complex
Data Source
AI summary
Test strip devices, assemblies, systems, and methods for the analysis of a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a test strip includes a nitrocellulose membrane, a filtration conjugate pad with a fibrous labeled receptor bottom side, and an overlay tape enclosing the nitrocellulose membrane and a portion of the filtration conjugate pad. An assembly may include a delivery device for delivering sample to the test strip.