Centrifugal Microfluidic Device Nucleic Acid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal force-based microfluidic devices face challenges in controlling fluid flow and temperature stability, making it difficult to efficiently extract nucleic acids from biological samples using a compact disk-type body of revolution without a fixed frame.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device with a body of revolution containing microfluidic structures, including chambers, channels, and valves, uses micro-particles with modified surfaces to collect and separate nucleic acids through centrifugation and electromagnetic wave irradiation, incorporating phase-change valves for fluid control and a rotation operating unit for precise rotation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact disk-type body of revolution is used without a fixed frame, then the device achieves compactness and portability, but fluid flow control and temperature stability become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools the body of revolution before introducing the biological sample to ensure temperature stability during nucleic acid extraction. This preliminary cooling action addresses the temperature control issue inherent in using a compact rotating device without a fixed frame, allowing the device to maintain reliable thermal conditions despite its portability design.
2Device complexity
If centrifugal force is used for fluid flow, then the device structure is simplified and portability is improved, but precise control of fluid flow becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes variable rotation speeds of the body of revolution to dynamically control fluid flow through the microfluidic channels. By adjusting the centrifugal force through speed variation, the device achieves precise fluid flow control while maintaining its simplified structure and portability, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational precision.
3Measurement precision
If micro-particles are used to collect target material, then separation efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the separation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic micro-particles that automatically concentrate and collect target nucleic acids through magnetic attraction within the rotating body. The magnetic particles self-organize and perform the separation function without requiring additional complex separation mechanisms, thereby achieving high separation efficiency while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 device effectively separates and extracts nucleic acids from biomaterial samples, enabling efficient PCR processes by controlling fluid flow and temperature, reducing extraction time and improving analysis sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal force-based microfluidic device which controls fluid flow by centrifugal force in a microfluidic structure prepared on a body of revolution
Implementation Method 2
separating and concentrating a specific target material from a biomaterial sample
Implementation Method 3
micro-particles contained in one of the chambers, which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber
Implementation Method 4
the microfluidic structure wash the micro-particles having the target material collected thereon
Implementation Method 5
separate nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source into the micro-particles
Implementation Method 6
The phase-change valve may include a valve plug including heat generating particles and phase-change materials, the heat generating particles absorbing radiation energy from an external energy source and the phase-change materials melting by heat generated from the heat generating particles
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads. The microfluidic system includes the microfluidic device; a rotation operating unit which rotates the body of revolution; and an external energy source which irradiates electromagnetic waves.