Vertical Flow Detection Device for Biomarker Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care testing solutions for biomarkers, such as those for cardiovascular disease, cancer prognosis, and biothreat detection, face challenges with low sensitivity due to low concentrations and are not efficient in resource-limited settings, where traditional methods are not sensitive enough and often require sophisticated equipment.
Innovation Solution
The development of vertical flow-oriented devices and systems, including a paper-based immunoassay, that utilize a porous membrane with smaller pore sizes and faster flow rates to enhance sensitivity, allowing for improved detection of biomarkers with a simple and efficient design suitable for resource-limited situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smaller pore sizes are used to improve sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional lateral flow to vertical flow configuration, changing the flow direction dimension. This vertical orientation allows gravity to assist flow through the membrane while maintaining small pore sizes for high sensitivity detection of biomarkers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters including using smaller pore sizes (0.1-10 μm) in the vertical flow configuration, adjusting membrane thickness (10-100 μm), and optimizing capture agent density to achieve both high sensitivity and maintained flow rates
2Measurement precision
If slower flow is used to improve sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from lateral to vertical flow orientation, the system utilizes gravitational force to maintain adequate flow rates even with smaller pore sizes, thereby preserving throughput while achieving enhanced sensitivity through reduced pore dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized capture zones with high capture agent density in the vertical flow path, creating regions of enhanced binding capability that maintain sensitivity without requiring system-wide slow flow
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated detection mechanisms are used to improve sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical flow configuration leverages gravitational force as a free resource to drive fluid through the membrane, eliminating the need for complex pumping mechanisms while maintaining adequate flow rates for sensitive detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses porous membranes with controlled pore sizes (0.1-10 μm) as the core detection element, where the porous structure itself provides both the flow pathway and the platform for capture agent immobilization, simplifying the overall device architecture
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
These devices achieve higher sensitivity and efficiency in detecting biomarkers, enabling effective detection of pathogens and toxins at low concentrations, even in resource-limited settings, with the ability to process samples quickly and accurately.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of porous structures extending between the first and second surfaces to form fluid conduits from a first fluid chamber formed by the first surface and a second fluid chamber formed by the second fluid surface
Implementation Method 2
a flow device configured to force a fluid sample flow in a direction from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber
Implementation Method 3
a capture agent immobilized on the membrane first surface and/or internally in the membrane between the first and second membrane surfaces
Implementation Method 4
detecting a target analyte in a fluid sample bound to the capture agent
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are vertical flow detection devices and related methods. The devices may comprise a membrane having a first surface and a second surface with a plurality of porous structures extending between the first and second surfaces to form fluid conduits from a first fluid chamber formed by the first surface and a second fluid chamber formed by the second fluid surface. A capture agent is immobilized on and/or in the membrane. A rigid porous membrane support mechanically supports the membrane and to provide a relatively uniform flow across the membrane. Various gaskets or holder elements are positioned around an outer edge of the membrane to prevent fluid leakage around the membrane. A fluid pump is configured to force a fluid sample flow in a direction from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.