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Publication Number
US-8974749-B2
Publication Date
2015-03-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
There is disclosed an analysis device for the analysis of a liquid sample, said device comprising a substrate, said substrate at least partly having projections substantially vertical to the surface of said substrate, and having a height (H1), diameter (D1) and center-to-center distance (x1, y1) such, that lateral capillary flow of said liquid sample is achieved, wherein that said substrate comprises at least one substrate zone comprising projections substantially vertical to the surface of said substrate, and having a height (H2), diameter (D2) and center-to-center distance (x2, y2), such, that lateral capillary flow of said liquid sample is achieved and wherein at least one substance is applied at least partly between the projections in said at least one substrate zone. Moreover there is provided a method for the analysis of a sample. The device and method provide for instance improved control of the dissolution of a substance.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an analysis device for the analysis of a liquid sample that uses a substrate including a sample addition zone, a receiving zone downstream along a defined fluid flow path, and a connecting zone bridging the sample addition zone and the receiving zone. Projections substantially vertical to the surface of the substrate are provided in each of the sample addition zone, receiving zone, and connecting zone, with first height, first diameter and first center-to-center distance such that lateral capillary flow of the liquid sample is achieved when sample is dispensed onto the sample addition zone. The device therefore establishes a controlled fluid flow path through vertically oriented projection structures.
Between the sample addition zone and the receiving zone, an intermediate substrate zone is disposed entirely within the connecting zone. The intermediate substrate zone includes a plurality of projections substantially vertical to the surface, having at least one of a second height, second diameter and second center-to-center distance different from the first projection geometry, such that lateral capillary flow of the liquid sample is achieved. At least one chemical substance is applied at least partly between the projections in the intermediate substrate zone prior to dispensing the liquid sample.
The projections of the intermediate substrate zone produce increased capillary force on a liquid compared to surrounding zones to confine the applied chemical substance within the intermediate substrate prior to application of the liquid sample. In an additional configuration, an area without any projections entirely surrounds the periphery of the intermediate substrate zone, and the disclosed device architecture supports confining and controlling dissolution of an applied substance as the liquid sample flows toward and into the receiving zone.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. Together, they define an analysis device with vertically oriented projections arranged to achieve lateral capillary flow, and an intermediate substrate zone with a chemical substance applied prior to dispensing, where projection geometry provides confinement and controlled dissolution behavior toward a receiving zone.
Lateral capillary flow via vertically oriented projection geometry
A substrate having a sample addition zone and a receiving zone downstream along a defined fluid flow path, with a connecting zone bridging them, where projections substantially vertical to the surface have a first height, first diameter and first center-to-center distance such that lateral capillary flow is achieved when sample is dispensed onto the sample addition zone.
Intermediate substrate zone confining an applied chemical substance by increased capillary force
An intermediate substrate zone disposed between the sample addition zone and the receiving zone and entirely within the connecting zone, comprising a plurality of projections substantially vertical to the surface with at least one of a second height, second diameter and second center-to-center distance, and having at least one chemical substance applied at least partly between the projections prior to dispensing, wherein the projections produce increased capillary force on a liquid compared to surrounding zones to confine the applied chemical substance prior to application of the liquid sample.
Projection-free surrounding area around the intermediate substrate zone
An analysis device where an area without any projections entirely surrounds the periphery of the intermediate substrate zone, while the device includes a connecting zone between the sample addition zone and the receiving zone and at least one chemical substance applied at least partly between projections in the intermediate substrate zone entirely contained within the connecting zone.
Across both independent claims, the core claim coverage is directed to an analysis device substrate architecture that uses projections substantially vertical to the substrate surface to establish lateral capillary flow, combined with an intermediate substrate zone that contains projections of specified geometry and pre-applied chemical substance, with confinement enabled by increased capillary force relative to surrounding zones and, in one independent claim, an explicit projection-free surrounding area around the intermediate zone.
Stated Advantages
Confinement of the applied chemical substance within the intermediate substrate zone prior to application of the liquid sample.
Increased capillary force on a liquid in the intermediate substrate zone compared to surrounding zones to confine the applied chemical substance.
Documented Applications
An assay/analysis workflow in which an antibody detection conjugate is applied and the device provides controlled dissolution behavior as the liquid sample flows toward a receiving zone and a reaction/measurement zone.
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