Dual Flow Cell System for Parallel Biological Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cell systems for biological and biochemical analyses, such as sequencing-by-synthesis, face limitations in throughput, accuracy of imaging, thermal management, and efficiency in sample handling and mounting, necessitating improvements for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual flow cell system with independently accessible reaction chambers, featuring a carrier with retaining fingers and extension portions for secure substrate mounting, and thermal components like Peltier devices and heat sinks for precise temperature control, allowing for parallel processing and improved optical detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flow cell systems are used for sequencing-by-synthesis, then single-sample processing is achieved, but throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell system is divided into multiple independently accessible reaction chambers (e.g., first and second flow cells), each capable of holding and processing separate microarray substrates simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples, directly increasing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell system is designed with universal features that allow different flow cells to perform the same sequencing-by-synthesis functions independently. Each flow cell can be selectively mounted and accessed, enabling the system to handle multiple sample types and configurations through a unified platform, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing operational complexity
2Productivity
If multiple flow cells are mounted to a common microscope translation stage, then parallel processing is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cells are designed with selective mounting and accessibility features, allowing dynamic configuration where only the required number of flow cells are mounted to the microscope translation stage at any given time. This dynamic approach enables parallel processing when needed while simplifying the system when single-sample processing suffices, balancing productivity gains with manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope translation stage is configured to accommodate multiple independently accessible flow cells, with each flow cell having its own mounting interface and access path. This segmentation of the imaging system allows parallel observation of multiple reaction chambers without creating a monolithic complex system, as each chamber can be independently controlled and accessed
3Productivity
If substrate loading is performed manually, then ease of operation is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Microarray substrates are pre-loaded into flow cells outside the microscope system in a preparatory step. This preliminary action allows the substrates to be positioned and secured before being mounted to the microscope translation stage, enabling faster substrate changes during analysis without requiring complex in-situ loading mechanisms, thus improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity
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 dual flow cell system enhances throughput by enabling simultaneous processing of different samples, improves imaging accuracy, and optimizes thermal management, reducing the risk of temperature-induced optical disturbances and facilitating quicker substrate loading and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a heater block configured to transfer heat to the chamber from various temperature control and heat exchange mechanisms (e.g., Peltier devices, cooling components, heat sinks, and/or feedback controllers, etc.) external to the chamber
Implementation Method 2
various temperature control and heat exchange mechanisms (e.g., Peltier devices, cooling components, heat sinks, and/or feedback controllers, etc.) external to the chamber
Implementation Method 3
Typically some sort of optical signal, such as, for example, fluorescence, is detected by a microscope to determine the sequence in these techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A device for performing biological sample reactions may include a plurality of flow cells configured to be mounted to a common microscope translation stage, wherein each flow cell is configured to receive at least one sample holder containing biological sample. Each flow cell also may be configured to be selectively placed in an open position for positioning the at least one sample holder into the flow cell and a closed position for reacting biological sample contained in the at least one sample holder. The plurality of flow cells may be configured to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position independently of each other.