Elastomeric Membrane Microfluidic Cartridge for Dead Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mesofluidic and microfluidic processes for PCR and DNA sequencing require multiple manual handling steps and instruments, leading to inefficiencies, contamination risks, and increased costs due to the need for precise and consistent user execution.
Innovation Solution
An automated system integrating a disposable cartridge with integral flow paths and mechanical components in an instrument, allowing for automated fluid handling and processing without manual intervention, including thermal control, reagent storage, and magnetic bead handling, to streamline workflows from sample preparation to DNA sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling steps are used in mesofluidic and microfluidic processes, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but contamination risks increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated fluid handling where the instrument performs pumping, mixing, and processing operations without manual intervention. The disposable cartridge with pre-configured flow paths and reagent reservoirs allows the system to self-manage fluid workflows, eliminating manual pipetting and reducing contamination risks while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fluid handling functions from manual operations and transfers them to an automated instrument system. By separating the disposable cartridge (containing reagents and flow paths) from the reusable instrument, the system achieves automation while allowing easy replacement of consumables, thus reducing contamination risk without sacrificing operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for different processing stages, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple processing functions (thermal cycling, fluid pumping, mixing, magnetic bead handling) into a single integrated instrument. The disposable cartridge consolidates reagent storage, flow paths, and reaction chambers, allowing the instrument to perform multiple operations sequentially without requiring separate devices for each function, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with universal capabilities to handle various mesofluidic and microfluidic processes including PCR, DNA sequencing, and other biomolecular assays. The reusable instrument platform can accommodate different disposable cartridges for various applications, providing functional versatility without requiring multiple specialized instruments, thereby reducing cost and complexity.
3Productivity
If automated processing is implemented, then efficiency and repeatability improve, but initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct parts: a reusable instrument providing automated processing capabilities and disposable cartridges containing pre-configured reagents and flow paths. This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to be concentrated in the reusable instrument while the disposable cartridges provide simple, pre-prepared reaction environments, thus achieving high productivity without requiring every component to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridges are pre-configured with reagents, flow paths, and reaction chambers before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex setup operations during each experiment, allowing the automated instrument to simply execute pre-programmed sequences. The pre-configured nature of the cartridges reduces the operational complexity while maintaining high processing efficiency and repeatability.
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 solution enhances sample quality, repeatability, and cost-effectiveness by minimizing user handling, reducing contamination risks, and enabling flexible, automated processing of multiple samples in a single instrument, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of PCR and DNA sequencing workflows.
Implementation Method 1
portions of the first and second elastomeric membranes can be sequentially pushed apart by a fluid to form a channel for the fluid
Implementation Method 2
sealed portions of the first elastomeric membrane that are fixedly attached to corresponding sealed portions of the second elastomeric membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge can comprise a first elastomeric membrane and a second elastomeric membrane, and portions of the elastomeric membranes which are sealed to each other can circumscribe unsealed portions of the membranes. In a resting state, the unsealed portion of the first elastomeric membrane abuts or is proximate to the unsealed portion of the second elastomeric membrane. One or more reagents can be injected between the unsealed portions of the first and second elastomeric membranes to push the unsealed portions apart from each other in this region of the membranes. The unsealed portions can be sequentially pushed apart in downstream regions to form a channel between the elastomeric membranes. Positively displaced fluid pushes the unsealed membrane portions apart to a volume that conforms to the volume of the fluid to minimize or prevent dead volume in the channel and thus minimize or prevent air bubbles in the fluid.