Centrifugal Microfluidic Biochip External Sample Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processing biological samples from flat surfaces, such as those used in dermatology and oncology, is labor-intensive and prone to contamination when using conventional centrifugal microfluidic biochips, as the adhesive strips must be manually prepared and can adhere to the system, making sample analysis inefficient and risky.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal microfluidic biochip design where the sample carrier, with the biological sample, is positioned outside the fluidic system to cover the opening, secured by a fastening means that creates a fluid-tight seal, allowing fluid to wash over the sample and preventing contamination, with the fastening means acting as a clamp or lid to fix and protect the sample carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive strips are manually prepared and introduced into the fluidic system, then sample analysis can be performed, but the processing becomes labor-intensive and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sample carrier (adhesive strip) from the fluidic system interior. The sample carrier remains outside the fluidic system throughout processing, eliminating manual manipulation inside the system and reducing contamination risk while maintaining ease of sample application.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the fluidic system acts as an intermediary interface. Fluids flow through this opening to wash over the sample carrier externally, enabling sample analysis without direct introduction of the adhesive strip into the fluidic system, thus reducing both manual effort and contamination risk.
2Productivity
If adhesive strips are shredded for processing, then samples can be introduced into the biochip, but the shredded strips adhere to each other or to the walls of the fluidic system, making samples inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier is kept as a complete, unshredded unit outside the fluidic system. This eliminates the adhesion problems associated with shredded strips while still enabling efficient processing through external fluid washing, thus maintaining both productivity and sample accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of introducing the adhesive strip inside the fluidic system and shredding it there, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the strip outside and washing it with fluids flowing through the opening. This reverses the traditional sequence and eliminates adhesion issues.
3Reliability
If the sample carrier is positioned outside the fluidic system to cover the opening, then contamination is prevented, but the sample must be washed over by fluids flowing along the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the fluidic system serves multiple functions: it allows fluid passage for washing the external sample carrier, defines the analysis area on the sample carrier, and maintains the seal when closed by the fastening means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means combines multiple functions: it secures the sample carrier in position, closes the opening to prevent contamination, and creates a fluid-tight seal. This integration of functions into a single component simplifies the overall device complexity.
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 design enables complete analysis of biological samples without contamination, reduces manual effort, and ensures a secure, efficient, and hygienic processing of samples, allowing for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample contents.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugal microfluidic biochip... using an analyzer acting as a centrifuge... fluids flowing along the opening in the fluidic system
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal microfluidic biochip with a fluidic system formed from a plurality of chambers and/or conduits with an opening formed for introducing a biological sample into the fluidic system, including a fastener designed for fixing a sample carrier, having a biological sample and which covers the opening, to the centrifugal microfluidic biochip.