Detection Chip With Lipophilic Separator For Reagent Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biochip detection systems require multiple reagents to be added externally, limiting their portability and usability in both laboratory and field settings, and there is a need for a detection chip that can store and reuse reagents effectively.
Innovation Solution
A detection chip with a substrate containing a first slot with adjacent spaces for an active reagent and a hydrophilic droplet, separated by a lipophilic substance that is immiscible with both, allowing the reagent to be dissolved in the droplet upon temperature or illumination-induced phase change, enabling self-contained and reusable reagent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple reagents are added externally during biochip detection, then the detection function can be achieved, but the device complexity and operation complexity increase, and portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reagents (active reagent and hydrophilic droplet) into a single containment slot on the biochip substrate. The lipophilic substance acts as a separator that keeps reagents distinct during storage but allows them to mix when needed. This consolidation eliminates the need for external reagent addition operations while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagents are pre-loaded and stored on the biochip substrate before use. The active reagent is disposed in a first space and the hydrophilic droplet in a second space of the same containment slot, with the lipophilic substance pre-positioned to separate them. This preliminary preparation enables the chip to be self-contained and ready for detection without requiring external reagent addition during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reagents are stored separately to maintain stability, then reagent activity is preserved, but the device requires additional components and operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The lipophilic substance serves as an intermediary between the active reagent and hydrophilic droplet. It physically separates the two reagents during storage, maintaining their individual stability and preventing unwanted reactions. When detection is needed, the lipophilic substance allows the reagents to come into contact and mix, enabling the detection reaction without requiring complex handling operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the chip is designed to be portable for field use, then mobility is improved, but external reagent addition becomes difficult and the system becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all necessary reagents (active reagent, hydrophilic droplet, and lipophilic substance) into a single integrated containment slot on the biochip substrate. This self-contained design eliminates the need for external reagent addition equipment and operations, making the system fully portable while maintaining reliable detection functionality in both laboratory and field settings.
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 chip allows for the efficient storage and reuse of reagents, eliminating the need for additional reagents during detection, enhancing convenience and portability by integrating reagents within the chip, facilitating both laboratory and field applications.
Implementation Method 1
the lipophilic substance is immiscible to the active reagent and the hydrophilic droplet, and separates the active reagent from the hydrophilic droplet
Implementation Method 2
The lipophilic substance in the detection chip is transformed from solid to liquid
Implementation Method 3
the active reagent is dissolved in the hydrophilic droplet or a sample
Data Source
AI summary
A detection chip is provided. The detection chip includes a substrate, an active reagent, a hydrophilic droplet and a lipophilic substance. The substrate includes a first containing slot, wherein the first containing slot includes a first space and a second space adjacent to each other. The active reagent is disposed in the first space of the first containing slot. The hydrophilic droplet is disposed in the second space of the first containing slot. The lipophilic substance is disposed in the first containing slot, wherein the lipophilic substance is immiscible to the active reagent and the hydrophilic droplet, and separates the active reagent from the hydrophilic droplet.