Liquid Sample Digitizing Channel Using Cloud-Point Phase Separation

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature as a control parameter to induce phase separation in the liquid sample. By heating the liquid sample to its cloud point temperature, the surfactant solution undergoes phase separation into micellar and aqueous phases, achieving digitization without complex microcavity structures. This transforms the digitizing process from a mechanically complex operation to a thermally controlled phase transition process.

The patent directly exploits phase transitions by heating the liquid sample above its cloud point temperature, causing the surfactant solution to separate into distinct micellar and aqueous phases. This phase separation naturally creates discrete droplet units within the channel, achieving the digitizing effect through thermal-induced phase transition rather than mechanical division.

The patent extracts and utilizes the inherent phase separation properties of surfactant solutions at their cloud point temperature. Instead of adding external oil phases and surfactants as required by micro-droplet technology, the method extracts only the necessary liquid sample and relies on its own thermal phase separation characteristics to form micellar droplets, eliminating the need for additional costly materials.

The patent replaces expensive, consumable oil phases and surfactants with a reusable heating assembly and a simple channel structure. The phase separation is achieved through thermal energy input rather than material consumption, making the process more cost-effective and reducing ongoing operational costs associated with purchasing additional surfactants and oil phases.

The patent replaces complex mechanical digitizing equipment with a thermally driven system. Instead of using mechanical pumps, valves, and microcavity structures to divide and control liquid flow, the invention uses thermal fields to induce phase separation and create discrete droplet units. This substitution of mechanical systems with thermal fields significantly reduces equipment complexity and operational costs.

The patent enables the liquid sample to perform its own digitization through thermal-induced phase separation. The surfactant solution, when heated to its cloud point, automatically separates into micellar and aqueous phases without requiring external mechanical intervention or additional chemical agents. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex equipment and reduces operational costs.