Upconversion Nanoparticle Lateral Flow Assay for Low Concentration Analyte Quantitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lateral flow strip assays lack sufficient sensitivity for detecting and quantifying analytes, such as biomarkers, present in low concentrations in samples.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a lateral flow strip with a capture moiety and a conjugate containing a detection moiety and highly-doped upconversion nanoparticles. The sample is applied, and the strip is inserted into a testing device where it is irradiated with a focused beam of light, eliciting a detectable signal from the nanoparticles for analyte quantification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lateral flow strip assays are used, then the device remains simple and inexpensive, but the sensitivity is insufficient for detecting analytes at low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the detection system by using upconversion nanoparticles that convert near-infrared light to visible light, enabling highly sensitive detection. The use of highly-doped UCNPs with specific compositions (e.g., NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+) and controlled sizes (50-200 nm) optimizes the upconversion efficiency and signal intensity, thereby improving detection sensitivity without requiring complex device modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining upconversion nanoparticles with detection antibodies or other recognition elements to form conjugates. These composite probes integrate the optical properties of UCNPs with the specific binding capability of antibodies, enabling sensitive and specific detection of target analytes while maintaining assay simplicity
2Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescent markers are used in lateral flow strips, then the assay remains simple, but the detection limit is insufficient for ultra-low concentration analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameters by using near-infrared excitation light (which penetrates tissue better and causes less autofluorescence) combined with upconversion nanoparticles that convert this low-energy near-infrared light into high-energy visible light emission. This energy conversion process enables ultra-sensitive detection with improved signal-to-noise ratio while using excitation wavelengths that are less harmful and penetrate deeper into biological samples
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 approach enables ultra-sensitive detection and quantitation of analytes at low concentrations, particularly suitable for point-of-care testing and early disease diagnosis, such as cancer.
Implementation Method 1
highly-doped upconversion nanoparticles for visualising interaction of the at least one analyte and the capture moiety; irradiating an area of the lateral flow strip comprising the highly-doped upconversion nanoparticles with a beam of light so as to elicit a detectable signal from the highly-doped upconversion nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for determining the quantity of an analyte in sample using lateral flow strips comprising highly-doped upconversion nanoparticles.