Disposable Capillary Flow Cell for Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow-cell devices for next-generation sequencing are costly and time-consuming due to complex fabrication requirements and inefficiencies in reagent use, particularly in handling and switching between reagents.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel flow cell devices and systems utilizing off-the-shelf capillaries or micro/nano-scale fluidic chips with specific channel patterns, incorporating diaphragm valves for efficient reagent flow control and reduced dead volume, allowing for faster and more cost-effective DNA sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multi-layer structures with precision fabrication techniques are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable single-lumen capillaries instead of complex multi-layer flow cells. These off-the-shelf capillaries are inexpensive, pre-fabricated with consistent dimensions, and discarded after use, eliminating the need for precision multi-layer fabrication while maintaining functional requirements for flow channel design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential flow channel function from complex multi-layer structures and implements it using simple single-lumen capillaries. By taking out only the necessary fluid transport capability and discarding unnecessary structural complexity, the system achieves required precision without complex fabrication
2Manufacturing precision
If multi-layer structures with precision fabrication techniques are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precision-fabricated multi-layer flow cells with inexpensive disposable capillaries. These capillaries are mass-produced using simple extrusion processes, making them cost-effective while providing sufficient manufacturing precision for their intended application
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential fluid transport function from complex multi-layer structures, implementing it through simple capillaries that can be manufactured at low cost using conventional processes, thereby eliminating expensive precision fabrication requirements
3Quantity of substance
If conventional flow cells are used, then reagent flow is maintained, but reagent waste increases due to dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates dead volume from the flow system by using simple capillary geometry without complex multi-layer channels. This removes unnecessary reagent accumulation zones while maintaining required reagent flow for the reaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow channel geometry from complex multi-layer structures to simple single-lumen capillaries with optimized dimensions. This parameter change reduces dead volume and improves reagent utilization efficiency while maintaining adequate flow rates
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional flow cells are used, then structural stability is maintained, but handling ease decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable capillaries that are designed for ease of handling and rapid replacement rather than long-term structural stability. Each capillary is a complete, self-contained unit that can be quickly inserted and discarded, greatly simplifying operations and reagent switching
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the flow cell system into individual replaceable capillary units. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for specific functions and enables easy replacement of individual components without affecting the entire system, improving handling ease and operational flexibility
5Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow cells are used, then reagent switching capability is provided, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into modular capillary units that can be quickly exchanged. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration for different reagents and samples, reducing the time required for pre-treatment and replication while maintaining full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic replaceability of capillary units, allowing the system to adapt quickly to different experimental requirements. This dynamic configuration capability reduces time consumption for reagent switching and sample preparation
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 enable rapid, cost-effective DNA sequencing by optimizing reagent use and reducing sample pre-treatment time, achieving efficient reagent utilization and flexible system throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a first diaphragm valve gating intake of a plurality of nonspecific reagents from the plurality of reservoirs, and a second diaphragm valve gating intake of a single reagent from a source reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Flow cell devices, cartridges, and systems are described that provide reduced manufacturing complexity, lowered consumable costs, and flexible system throughput for nucleic acid sequencing and other chemical or biological analysis applications. The flow cell device can include a capillary flow cell device or a microfluidic flow cell device.