Three-Chamber Target Analysis Tool with Breakable Partition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current target analysis methods require separate processes for binding and detecting substances, making it difficult to perform a single analysis using binding substances.

Innovation Solution

A target analysis tool with three chambers: the first chamber contains immobilized binding substances, the second chamber contains labeled binding substances, and the third chamber is for detection, with partition walls allowing for the introduction of specimens and reagents to facilitate binding and separation of unbound labeled substances for detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If binding substances are used to detect targets through binding and separation processes, then the presence or absence of targets can be analyzed, but multiple separate processes are required and it is difficult to perform analysis in a single tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of analysisVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple analysis processes (binding, separation, and detection) into a single integrated device with three chambers. The first chamber performs binding between target and first binding substance, the second chamber performs separation using a partition wall, and the third chamber performs detection. This merging of processes into one device eliminates the need for multiple separate operations and enables complete analysis in a single tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into three distinct chambers (first, second, and third chambers) with specific functions. Each chamber is separated by partition walls with different permeability characteristics. This segmentation allows each process step to occur in a dedicated space while maintaining overall integration within a single device, resolving the contradiction between process separation and device integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If binding substances are used for target analysis, then target detection is possible, but separate processes for binding and detection are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis efficiencyVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation where the binding process in the first chamber can proceed while preparation for detection occurs in the third chamber. The partition walls allow controlled transfer of materials between chambers, enabling overlapping of process steps. This continuity reduces idle time between binding and detection, improving overall analysis efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 easy analysis of targets by allowing the binding and detection of substances within a single tool, improving efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The second partition wall is a porous partition wall through which the immobilized first binding substance cannot pass and the labeled second binding substance can pass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSize exclusion: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

binding a target in the specimen to the immobilized first binding substance as the first reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular binding: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

binding the immobilized first binding substance to the labeled second binding substance as the second reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular binding: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3249404B1Target analysis apparatus and target analysis method
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 NEC SOLUTION INNOVATORS LTD
  • EP3249404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249404B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3249404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a target analysis tool and a target analysis method that allow easily analysis of a target. The first target analysis tool of the present invention includes: a first chamber; a second chamber; and a third chamber. The first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are disposed continuously in this order. The first chamber contains, as a first reagent, an immobilized first binding substance obtained by immobilizing, on a carrier, a first binding substance that binds to a target. The second chamber contains, as a second reagent, a labeled second binding substance obtained by binding a labeling substance to a second binding substance that binds to the first binding substance. The third chamber is a detection section in which the labeled second binding substance is detected. A first partition wall is provided between the first chamber and the second chamber. A second partition wall is provided between the second chamber and the third chamber. The first chamber is configured so that a specimen holder having a specimen can be inserted from an outside of the first chamber to an inside of the first chamber. The first partition wall is a partition wall that is broken upon contact with a tip of the specimen holder inserted into the first chamber. The second partition wall is a porous partition wall through which the immobilized first binding substance cannot pass and the labeled second binding substance can pass.