U-Shaped Reaction Chamber for Solid Phase Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for solid phase analysis of biological samples in reaction chambers suffer from residual liquid due to their conformation, which reduces sensitivity and specificity in tests for allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Innovation Solution

The system features U-shaped reaction chambers with a transverse duct and removable caps made of opaque material, allowing for optimized liquid handling and photometric readings, with caps colored to indicate specific substances, facilitating automatic recognition and improved test results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional reaction chambers are used, then the system structure is simple, but residual liquid remains in the chambers which reduces test sensitivity and specificity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest sensitivity and specificityVSAvoidreaction chamber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction chamber is divided into two separate branches (first and second branches) that are fluidly connected. This segmentation allows the liquid to be distributed and completely removed from both branches through the washing unit, eliminating residual liquid while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a transverse duct connecting the two vertical branches at their lower ends, adding a horizontal dimension to the otherwise vertical chamber structure. This dimensional change enables complete liquid evacuation by allowing washing solution to flow through both branches and exit via the transverse duct, thereby improving test precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple analytes are tested simultaneously, then productivity increases, but difficulty in detecting and measuring different analytes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of samples analyzedVSAvoidanalyte identification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Different branches of the reaction chamber are coated with different substances specific to different analytes (e.g., allergens or autoimmune markers). This local differentiation allows each branch to specifically detect its target analyte, enabling simultaneous multi-analyte testing while maintaining clear detection and measurement for each substance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses photometric sensors to detect optical modifications (color changes) of immuno-enzymatic reagents during reactions. Each analyte-probe combination produces a distinct optical signal, allowing simultaneous detection and differentiation of multiple analytes based on their unique color responses, thus increasing productivity without compromising detection clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Extent of automation

If manual editing of test results is performed, then accuracy can be verified, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresult editing automationVSAvoidtime for result processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically edits test results by having the photometric sensors detect the colors of the caps and automatically recognize and record the corresponding analytes. This self-service automation eliminates manual result editing, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy through automated optical detection and data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical editing processes with automated optical detection and electronic data processing. Photometric sensors automatically read the cap colors, and the system electronically processes and records the results, substituting manual labor with automated instrumentation to reduce time loss while improving extent of automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration enhances the sensitivity and specificity of tests by ensuring complete liquid removal and easy identification of analytes, automating the editing of test results through color recognition, thereby improving the accuracy of in vitro diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

the analytes present in biological fluids are generally determined by specific immunological reactions between antibody and antigen that form an immuno-complex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImmunological reaction:

Implementation Method 2

the signal relative to the enzyme must be made explicit by adding a suitable substrate which must modify its state so as to become detectable (for example by changing color and energy state)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme-catalyzed reaction: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

at least one photometric sensor that reads the intensities of optical modifications of the immuno-enzymatic reagent during the reaction with the detector reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotometric detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP3867644B1System and method for solid phase analysis of biological samples
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 CANNAVALE GIUSEPPE
  • EP3867644B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3867644B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3867644B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

System and method for solid phase analysis of biological samples with immunochemical methodology, in order to allow in vitro diagnosis of allergies and autoimmune diseases, the system comprising: a plurality of reaction chambers (100), each reaction chamber being U-shaped; First feeding means;a washing unit; second feeding means; third feeding means; at least one photometric sensor that reads the intensities of optical modifications of an immuno-enzymatic reagent during the reaction with a detector reagent; at least one processing unit; a control unit; Said at least a reaction chamber (100) comprises an element having at least one of its walls covered with a solid coating in which one or more different substances are contained, and said liquid, feed to the reaction chamber (100), reacts with the substances contained in the solid coating, in order to generate immune complexes.