Vertical Flow Assay Filter System for Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical flow assays face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and are prone to clogging when handling large sample volumes, particularly with urine samples, due to interference from contaminants which can affect downstream detection.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a filter system with porous and non-porous materials, including a porous membrane with capture moieties, an absorbent pad, and a housing body, that allows for vertical and lateral flow of liquid samples, facilitating effective filtration and detection of analytes through gravity-assisted or acceleration-assisted methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vertical flow assay is used to detect analytes in large sample volumes, then sample volume processing capability is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to clogging and contaminant interference
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the flow path into distinct functional zones: a filtration zone with porous materials that removes contaminants before sample reaches the detection membrane, and a detection zone with capture moieties. This segmentation allows large sample volumes to be processed while protecting the sensitive detection region from clogging and interference, thereby maintaining both high sample volume capacity and detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
Porous filtration materials serve as an intermediary component between the sample introduction and the detection membrane. These materials filter out contaminants and particulates from large sample volumes before the cleaned sample reaches the capture moieties, preventing clogging and interference while allowing sufficient analyte to pass through for sensitive detection
2Quantity of substance
If vertical flow assay processes large sample volumes, then sample volume handling is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to clogging from sample components
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into a pre-filtration section with porous materials and a downstream detection section. This segmentation isolates the clog-prone filtration function from the reliability-critical detection function, allowing large volumes to be processed through the filtration zone while ensuring consistent, reliable flow to the detection membrane
Solution Approach 2:
Filtration of contaminants is performed as a preliminary action before the sample reaches the detection membrane. The porous materials remove particulates and interfering substances in advance, preventing potential clogging issues during the detection phase and ensuring reliable, consistent flow throughout the assay
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 device enhances sensitivity and specificity in detecting analytes from large sample volumes by effectively removing contaminants and ensuring consistent fluid flow, thereby improving the efficacy of vertical flow assays.
Implementation Method 1
a porous membrane containing one or more capture moieties held within a defined capture region of the porous membrane
Implementation Method 2
the liquid sample subsequently flows into the at least one absorbent pad
Implementation Method 3
the liquid sample flows in a gravity-assisted or acceleration-assisted manner, wherein the liquid sample passes through the filter system prior to contacting the porous membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices and methods for isolation and detection of an analyte from a sample. In some embodiments, provided herein are devices and methods of use thereof for vertical flow-based isolation and detection of analytes in a liquid sample, such as a urine sample.