Covered Fluidic Channels on Sensor Platforms for Liquid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thickness-shear mode resonators (TSR) face limitations in liquid environments due to reduced sensitivity, complex electronics, high fluid sample volume requirements, fragility, and high costs, making them unsuitable for portable point-of-care diagnostics and other applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of covered micro/nanofluidic channels onto sensor platforms, which confine and analyze liquids, allowing for sensitive mass and density detection with reduced damping and increased Q-factor, enabling miniaturization and low-cost manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TSR sensors are used in liquid environments, then mass sensing capability is maintained, but sensitivity decreases and Q-factor reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid sample into discrete microfluidic channels that are confined and positioned directly over the sensor surface. This segmentation allows the liquid to be confined to specific regions rather than contacting the entire sensor surface, thereby maintaining sensitivity while enabling liquid environment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from bulk liquid contact (three-dimensional environment) to confined liquid channels (two-dimensional surface integration). By integrating fluidic channels onto the sensor platform and confining liquid within these channels, the system maintains mass sensing capability while reducing the liquid-liquid interaction that causes damping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TSR sensors are used, then liquid analysis is possible, but fluid sample volume requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluidic pathway into microfluidic channels with small cross-sections, allowing liquid samples to be confined to narrow pathways. This segmentation dramatically reduces the total volume of liquid required for analysis compared to conventional bulk liquid cell designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds fluidic channels within or onto the sensor platform structure, creating a nested configuration where the liquid containment structure is integrated within the sensor assembly. This nesting allows for minimal fluid volume while maintaining proper liquid-sensor interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TSR sensors are immersed in liquid, then analyte detection is possible, but mechanical and hydrodynamic problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluidic channel structure with the sensor platform into a single integrated unit. The fluidic channels are formed directly on or within the sensor substrate, eliminating the need for separate liquid cell components, seals, and mounting structures. This integration reduces mechanical complexity while enabling analyte detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the liquid sample from the bulk environment and confines it to specific microfluidic channels positioned over the sensor surface. This extraction allows the sensor to detect analytes without being immersed in the entire liquid volume, thereby eliminating mechanical and hydrodynamic problems associated with bulk liquid immersion.
4Measurement precision
If electrodes are thoroughly polished to reduce surface roughness, then measurement accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microfluidic channels with controlled dimensions and smooth walls as an alternative to polishing electrode surfaces. Instead of mechanically polishing the electrode surface to reduce roughness, the system uses the geometric control and smooth walls of microfabricated channels to achieve similar measurement accuracy, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical polishing process with microfluidic channel design. Instead of using mechanical polishing to smooth electrode surfaces, the system uses precisely engineered microfluidic channels with inherently smooth walls to achieve measurement accuracy, substituting a mechanical manufacturing step with a fabrication-based approach.
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 integration of micro/nanofluidic channels on sensor platforms enhances sensitivity and reduces fluid requirements, maintaining high Q-factors for liquid measurements, enabling accurate and efficient analysis of analytes with potential for portable diagnostics and point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of micro/nanofluidic channels on sensor platforms enhances sensitivity and reduces fluid requirements, maintaining high Q-factors for liquid measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for analysis of liquids by covered fluidic channels integrated onto sensor platforms. According to an aspect, a method includes receiving at least one of a liquid and an analyte of interest into a covered fluidic channel with a predetermined orientation. The method also includes confining at least one of the liquid and the analyte of interest within the covered fluidic channel. The method further includes analyzing properties of at least one of the liquid and the analyte of interest.