Biosensor Distributor Channel with Flow Control Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biosensors face challenges in achieving sequential filling of reaction chambers with sample liquid, especially when the amount is limited, as existing technologies prioritize simultaneous filling, which can lead to inefficient use of reagents and prolonged measurement times.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating regions in the distributor channel that temporarily slow down or stop capillary flow between feed channels, allowing each reaction chamber to be filled completely before the sample liquid proceeds to the next, using hydrophobic surfaces or geometric constrictions, and employing a process involving hydrophilic coating and its selective removal for efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If capillary flow is used to transport sample liquid through distributor channels to multiple reaction chambers, then the system is simplified and requires no drive mechanisms, but the sample liquid fills all reaction chambers simultaneously which is inefficient when sample liquid is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different capillary properties within the distributor channel. Specifically, hydrophobic regions are introduced at strategic locations to temporarily block capillary flow, while hydrophilic regions allow flow. This spatial variation in surface properties enables sequential filling of reaction chambers without adding complex mechanical drive mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and measurement efficiency
2Productivity
If hydrophobic regions are introduced in the distributor channel to slow down or stop capillary flow, then sequential filling of reaction chambers is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the distributor channel by introducing hydrophobic regions alongside hydrophilic regions. This parameter change in surface wettability allows control over capillary flow characteristics without altering the basic channel structure. The hydrophobic regions temporarily block flow while hydrophilic regions promote flow, enabling sequential chamber filling. This approach maintains ease of manufacture by working within the existing microchannel structure while modifying surface properties
3Speed
If sample liquid is rapidly transported to reaction chambers using hydrophilic coating, then measurement time is reduced, but insufficient sample liquid reaches each chamber when the total volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by creating alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions in the distributor channel. The hydrophobic regions periodically block capillary flow to allow complete filling of upstream reaction chambers before releasing flow to downstream chambers. This periodic blocking and releasing mechanism ensures that limited sample liquid volume is distributed sequentially to multiple chambers, with each chamber receiving sufficient liquid for complete reagent interaction
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 approach ensures faster and more accurate measurements by ensuring each reaction chamber is adequately filled with sample liquid, optimizing reagent interaction and reducing measurement time, while also simplifying and economizing the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one region for at least temporarily slowing down or stopping the capillary flow of the sample liquid has been inserted, in the distributor channel
Implementation Method 2
The distributor channel which is otherwise of hydrophilic construction, to speed up the capillary flow, is thus made deliberately hydrophobic in this region
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a component (4) of a biosensor, comprising at least one first device (6) for receiving a sample liquid, wherein the device (6) is connected via a distributor channel (7) to further receiving devices (8 to 11), into each of which a feed channel (71, 72, 73, 74) branching off from the distributor channel (7) opens, and the feed channels (71, 72, 73, 74) are arranged in succession in flow direction (S) of the sample liquid passed on through the distributor channel (7). In accordance with the invention, it is envisaged that, in the distributor channel (7), in each case between two immediately successive feed channels (71, 72; 72, 73; 73, 74) in flow direction (S), at least one region (K) for at least temporary slowing or stoppage of the capillary flow of the sample liquid has been inserted. It is thus possible to control the capillary flow of the sample liquid such that always only one receiving device (8, 9, 10, 11) is filled with the volume flow of sample liquid available before the next is filled, and effectively simultaneous filling of the receiving devices (8, 9, 10, 11) is prevented. This leads to rapid and complete filling of the respective receiving device (8, 9, 10, 11). Additionally presented is a process with which the regions (K) can be inserted into the distributor channel (7) in a simple manner.