UCNP Lateral Flow Strip Reader for Simultaneous Test and Control Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accurate and inexpensive readers and cartridges for UCNP lateral flow tests that are easy for users to operate.
Innovation Solution
A lateral flow test strip reader and cartridge system that includes a housing with a test region and control region, a light source for simultaneous excitation, and an optical detector for detecting emission signals from both regions, utilizing upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) for accurate detection of targets in samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 300 mW, 980 nm laser light source with two hemisphere lenses is used to read the strip, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a smartphone camera as the detection device instead of expensive specialized imaging equipment. The smartphone's existing camera sensor is utilized to capture the upconverted light signals from UCNPs, significantly reducing device cost and complexity while maintaining adequate detection capability for lateral flow assay readout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) as an intermediary substance that absorbs infrared laser light and converts it to visible light that can be detected by the smartphone camera. This intermediary enables the use of a low-cost camera sensor by translating the infrared UCNP emission into the visible spectrum range where smartphone cameras are sensitive
2Ease of operation
If the optics and camera settings are fixed and the strip is moved at constant speed for reading, then the reading process is simplified, but the measurement precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the test strip through the detection system, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the detection system (smartphone with camera) into contact with the stationary test strip. The user places the smartphone camera directly over the test region of the strip, eliminating the need for precise mechanical movement and positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the user to perform the detection function using their own smartphone device, which they already possess and are familiar with. The smartphone's existing camera, processor, and display serve the detection function without requiring additional specialized equipment, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex optical alignment requirements
3Measurement precision
If upconverting nanoparticles are used for detection, then the sensitivity and detection limit are improved, but the cost of reagents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the unique optical parameter of UCNPs - their ability to absorb infrared light and emit visible light through upconversion. By matching the laser wavelength to the UCNP absorption peak and using a smartphone camera sensitive to the emission wavelength, the system maximizes detection sensitivity while minimizing reagent requirements through efficient signal generation
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 system provides rapid and accurate detection of target analytes with a limit of detection as low as 0.1 mIU/mL in less than 30 minutes, suitable for evaluating embryo viability and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are nanoscale particles (e.g., having a diameter of 1-100 nm) that exhibit photon upconversion in which two or more incident photons of relatively low energy are absorbed and converted into one emitted photon with a higher energy than either of the incident photons. The absorption typically occurs in the infrared range, while emissions typically occur in the visible or ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Implementation Method 2
In order to detect the UCNP labelled antibody on the control and test lines, an excitation light of the appropriate wavelength is used to excite the UCNPs.
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral flow test strip reader for reading an output of a lateral flow assay to determine a presence or absence of a target in a sample includes: a housing having a lateral flow test strip receptacle for receiving a lateral flow test strip therein, the lateral flow test strip receptacle defining a test region and a control region for a lateral flow test strip; a light source that generates an excitation light beam; at least one lens for optically expanding the excitation light beam in a direction across the test region and the control region such that the excitation light beam is configured to simultaneously impinge and excite both the test region and the control region; and an optical detector configured to simultaneously detect an image comprising emission signals from the test region and the control region.