Microfluidic Biochip with Capturing Agents for Sickle Cell Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing sickle cell disease (SCD) are costly, time-consuming, and not widely available in low-income countries, leading to high mortality rates due to lack of early and equitable diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic biochip device with microchannels functionalized with capturing agents such as fibronectin, laminin, and antibodies, capable of capturing and analyzing red blood cells from a fluid sample, providing real-time imaging and cytological analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional diagnostic methods are used for sickle cell disease, then diagnostic accuracy can be maintained, but the cost increases and diagnosis time extends to 2-6 weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory diagnostic systems with a microfluidic device that integrates sample processing, cell capture, and imaging in a single chip. This substitution enables rapid diagnosis within minutes by automating fluid handling and cell analysis through microfluidic channels, eliminating the need for complex laboratory equipment and manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple diagnostic functions (sample filtration, cell capture, morphology analysis, and adhesion assessment) into a single integrated microfluidic device. By combining these previously separate steps into one unified system, the device achieves rapid simultaneous analysis of multiple parameters, reducing overall diagnosis time while maintaining comprehensive evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic methods are used, then comprehensive cell analysis can be performed, but the cost and complexity of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar diagnostic approaches to three-dimensional microfluidic structures with varying channel widths. This dimensional change creates dynamic flow conditions and shear stress gradients that enhance cell capture efficiency and morphology analysis capability, achieving comprehensive cell analysis with a compact, simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating regions with different channel widths along the microfluidic path. Narrower regions provide higher shear stress for capturing adherent cells, while wider regions allow better imaging access. This spatial variation in local properties enables multiple analysis functions within a single simple device structure.
3Reliability
If conventional diagnostic approaches are applied, then established protocols can be followed, but the availability and accessibility in low-income countries decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device performs self-service by automatically guiding the fluid sample through filtration, cell capture, and analysis regions without requiring external intervention. The integrated design with built-in flow control and imaging capabilities allows the device to operate autonomously, reducing the need for trained personnel and complex operational procedures while maintaining reliable diagnostic results.
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 biochip device enables rapid, cost-effective, and timely diagnosis of SCD by analyzing red blood cell morphology and adhesion, potentially reducing mortality rates by facilitating early intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one cell adhesion region includes at least one capturing agent that adheres or captures to a cell of interest in a fluid sample when the fluid sample containing the cells is passed through the at least one microchannel
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A microfluidic biochip device includes a housing including at least one microchannel defining at least one cell adhesion region. The at least one cell adhesion region is provided with at least one capturing agent that adheres a cell of interest to a surface of the at least one microchannel when a fluid sample containing cells is passed through the at least one microchannel. An imaging system measures the morphology and/or quantity of cells of interest adhered by the at least one capturing agent to the surface of the at least one microchannel when the fluid sample is passed therethrough.