Directing Channels for Fluid Flow Control in Closed Flow Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological and biophysical assays face challenges in efficiently directing and controlling the flow of reagents within closed flow cells to specific regions of interest, which affects reagent efficiency and the ability to perform multiple assays on a single sample.
Innovation Solution
The development of devices and systems with multiple directing channels, an inlet channel, and a waste outlet, allowing for precise control of fluid flow rates to direct reagents to specific regions of interest within a closed flow cell, including the use of reagent channels and reservoirs to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple directing channels are introduced to control fluid flow to specific regions, then reagent efficiency and assay multiplexing capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is segmented into multiple independent directing channels (first directing channel, second directing channel, third directing channel) that can be controlled separately. Each channel can be independently regulated to direct fluid flow to specific regions of interest within the reaction chamber, enabling precise spatial control of reagents while maintaining manageable system modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic flow control through adjustable flow rates in each directing channel. The system can dynamically adjust the flow rate of the first liquid in the inlet channel, the second liquid in the first directing channel, and the third liquid in the second directing channel to adaptively direct reagents to different regions of interest based on assay requirements
2Measurement precision
If flow control is improved to direct reagents to smaller regions of interest, then assay precision is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through a controller that monitors and adjusts flow rates based on detected conditions. The computing device receives feedback signals and adjusts the flow rates of liquids in the directing channels to maintain precise delivery to the region of interest, automatically compensating for variations in fluid properties or channel geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The device controls precise flow rates by adjusting key flow parameters independently for each channel. The controller modifies flow rate parameters of the first liquid, second liquid, and third liquid to achieve precise delivery to small regions of interest (smaller than the area of the sample), enabling high-resolution spatial control through parameter optimization
3Productivity
If multiple assays are enabled on a single sample, then productivity and reagent efficiency are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The directing channel system serves multiple functions: it can direct different liquids to different regions of interest, support multiple assays on a single sample, and provide flexible reagent delivery configurations. The same basic channel structure can be adapted for various assay types by adjusting flow rates and liquid compositions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated channels for each assay
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to reagent delivery by directing fluids to specific regions of interest within the reaction chamber rather than uniform distribution. This spatial targeting enables multiple assays to be performed simultaneously on different regions of the same sample, effectively multiplying assay capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity
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
This approach enhances reagent efficiency, reduces costs, and enables multiple assays to be conducted on a single sample by accurately directing fluids to specific regions of interest within the flow cell.
Implementation Method 1
flowing a first liquid from the inlet channel to the reaction chamber at a first flow rate, flowing a second liquid from the first directing channel to the reaction chamber at a second flow rate, and flowing a third liquid from the second directing channel to the reaction chamber at a third flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for directing fluid flow to one or more specific regions of interest within a closed flow cell are provided. A device includes a first directing channel having a first directing proximal portion and a first directing distal portion, a second directing channel having a second directing proximal portion and a second directing distal portion, an inlet channel having an inlet proximal portion and an inlet distal portion, a reaction chamber, and a waste outlet. The inlet distal portion is disposed between the first directing distal portion and the second directing distal portion. The first directing distal portion, the second directing distal portion, and the inlet channel may be substantially parallel. The first directing channel, the second directing channel, the first reagent channel, and the waste outlet are in fluid communication with the reaction chamber.