Continuous Circulation Flow Channels for Rapid Sample Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Micro-Total Analysis Systems (μ-TAS) for in vitro diagnosis, particularly in point of care testing, fail to efficiently perform multiple reactions quickly with a small sample volume.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device with multiple continuous circulation flow channels that circulate and mix solutions, incorporating capturing and detecting sections to process and analyze sample substances, including the use of carrier particles for sample substance capture and release, allowing for efficient sample handling and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional μ-TAS with a single loop-shaped flow channel is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently perform multiple reactions quickly with small sample volume
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel system is segmented into multiple independent loop-shaped flow channels (first, second, third circulation flow channels), each capable of performing different reactions simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple reactions, significantly improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple individual channel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump serves multiple functions by being able to circulate solutions in different flow channels in different directions. The pump can independently control fluid flow in each circulation channel, enabling one device component to perform multiple operations across different reaction pathways.
2Productivity
If multiple separate flow channels are used for multiple reactions, then reaction parallelism is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single circulation pump is designed to control multiple circulation flow channels, with the ability to pump solutions in different directions and at different rates. This multi-functional design allows the system to perform multiple reactions in parallel while minimizing the number of pump components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple circulation flow channels are merged into a single integrated device structure, sharing common components such as the circulation pump and control unit. This merging approach enables parallel reaction processing while reducing overall device complexity compared to using completely separate systems for each reaction.
3Productivity
If conventional mixing methods are used, then the mixing process is simple, but mixing efficiency and reaction speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates by periodically introducing air bubbles into the flow channels, creating intermittent flow patterns that enhance mixing efficiency. This periodic action disrupts laminar flow and promotes turbulent mixing, significantly improving reaction speed while using a simple pump mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Air bubble introduction creates mechanical disturbances and vibrations in the fluid flow, enhancing mixing through chaotic advection. This mechanical vibration approach improves mixing efficiency without requiring complex mixing devices or high shear forces.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple flow channel structure is used, then manufacturing is easy, but capturing and detecting sample substances efficiently is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Specific sections of the flow channels are designed with local quality variations, including capturing sections with increased width or depth and detecting sections with integrated sensors. These localized structural modifications enhance sample substance capture and detection capabilities without requiring complete redesign of the entire flow channel system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting section is nested within the circulation flow channel structure, with sensors positioned to detect substances as they flow through the channel. This nested arrangement integrates detection functionality directly into the flow path, improving measurement precision while maintaining a compact and manufacturable device structure.
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 enables rapid and cost-effective performance of multiple reactions with a small sample volume, improving the efficiency and speed of sample analysis in point of care testing.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump configured to circulate the solutions in the flow channels
Implementation Method 2
any one of the circulation flow channels has a capturing section which captures the sample substance
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic device for capturing or detecting a sample substance contained in a solution includes at least two continuous circulation flow channels selected from the group consisting of: a first type continuous circulation flow channel which is formed of a first circulation flow channel and a second circulation flow channel and which is configured to circulate the solution in the first circulation flow channel and then circulate the solution in the second circulation flow channel; and a second type continuous circulation flow channel which is formed of a third circulation flow channel and a fourth circulation flow channel and which is configured to circulate the solution in the third circulation flow channel and then circulate and mix the solution in both of the third and fourth circulation flow channels, wherein any one of the circulation flow channels has a capturing section which captures the sample substance, and/or a detecting section which detects the sample substance.