Deformable Channel Microfluidic Device for Automated Sample Prep
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample preparation methods for chemical and biological analysis are inefficient, particularly for small volume samples, as they often require manual handling, risk sample loss and contamination, and do not interface well with automated analysis systems, and existing high-pressure techniques are limited in their ability to control pressure cycling and accommodate miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparation device with a deformable channel within a pressure vessel, connected to a pressurizing and pressure-relieving valve system, allowing for controlled pressure cycling and analysis through fluid isolation, deformation, and relaxation of the channel, enabling efficient processing and analysis of small sample volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical homogenization and ultrasonic cavitational disruption are used for sample preparation, then sample processing can be achieved, but manual handling is required leading to sample loss, operator error, and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample preparation functions (homogenization, extraction, separation, and analysis) into a single integrated microfluidic device. The microfluidic chip integrates the deformable channel for pressure-based homogenization, extraction chamber, and separation components, eliminating the need for manual transfer between separate equipment and thereby preventing sample loss and contamination while enabling automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deformable channel as an intermediary mechanism that uses external pressure to achieve internal sample homogenization and extraction. This mediator allows automated pressure control to replace manual mechanical operations, enabling reliable sample processing without direct human handling while maintaining effective sample preparation.
2Productivity
If high pressure is applied to promote cell lysis and extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but pressure control and cycling capability is limited in existing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically controllable pressure system that can rapidly cycle between high and low pressure states. The external pressure source is connected to the microfluidic device through controllable valves, enabling dynamic pressure cycling that adapts to different extraction requirements. This allows the system to optimize extraction efficiency by adjusting pressure parameters while maintaining versatility for different sample types and extraction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables independent control of multiple pressure parameters including maximum pressure, pressure cycling frequency, and pressure duration. By changing these parameters, the system can optimize extraction efficiency for different applications while maintaining adaptability to various sample matrices and target analytes, resolving the contradiction between productivity and versatility.
3Measurement precision
If sample volume is reduced to micro liter range, then analysis sensitivity is improved, but existing pressurization techniques cannot effectively pressurize such small volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the microfluidic sample preparation device within a larger automated analysis system. The microfluidic chip containing the deformable channel is integrated into a flow injection analysis system, allowing the small volume sample to be effectively pressurized through the nested configuration where the external pressure source acts on the microfluidic device. This nesting enables effective pressurization of micro-liter volumes while maintaining analysis sensitivity.
4Ease of operation
If manual sample handling is used, then sample processing can be performed, but sample transfer presents risk of sample loss, operator error, and cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sample handling operations into a single automated flow-through process. The microfluidic device integrates sample injection, pressure-based homogenization, extraction, and separation in one continuous flow path, eliminating manual transfer steps and thereby preventing sample loss, operator error, and cross-contamination while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous flow-through processing where the sample moves continuously through the microfluidic device without interruption or manual handling. The automated pressure cycling and flow control maintain continuous useful action from sample injection through extraction and separation, eliminating discontinuous manual transfer operations that cause sample integrity issues.
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
Facilitates continuous or semi-continuous high-pressure chemical synthesis and analysis, such as proteomic analysis and mass spectrometry, by allowing precise control of pressure to modulate reactions, extract components, and introduce reagents, thereby improving the efficiency and automation of sample preparation processes.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the pressure of a pressurizing fluid in the pressure chamber to a pressure sufficient to deform the flexible channel and pressurize the flexible channel and transmit pressure to its contents
Implementation Method 2
the pressure within the vessel is sufficient to deform the deformable channel and pressurize the deformable channel and transmit pressure to its contents by means of flexible deformation of the said channel
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a sample preparation device including a sample delivery source, an inline means of transferring the sample from the sample source into a deformable channel within a pressure vessel, and out of the channel into downstream analysis components, a deformable channel disposed within the pressure vessel, the deformable channel having an inlet end and an outlet end fluidly connectable to high pressure valves and a means to measure the fluid pressure within the deformable channel, an external source of a controlled pressurized fluid fluidly connectable to the pressure vessel and a controller system that monitors and controls the sample fluid pressure by control of the external pressure vessel fluid.