Encoded Microvessels for Identifiable Reaction Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming separate reaction volumes in biological or chemical assays face challenges such as difficulty in identifying and manipulating microvessels, limited size and shape flexibility, and inability to handle microvessels in a controlled manner, which restricts their application in various assays.
Innovation Solution
The development of encoded microvessels with a microbody and a reservoir core that can be configured to separate substances from an ambient environment, allowing for individual identification and manipulation, and the use of a method to manufacture and read these microvessels with identifiable codes for tracking and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional through-hole plates are used for reaction volumes, then chemical reactions can be performed in isolated wells, but the reaction volumes are not separately identifiable and must be identified by position only
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the reaction system into individually identifiable microvessels (spheres, capsules, or irregular shapes) instead of using a continuous plate structure. Each microvessel contains a separate reaction volume and can be independently identified by position, shape, or encoded markers, enabling tracking of individual reaction compartments throughout the assay process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If through-hole plates are used, then reactions can be performed in array format, but the plate size and shape limit portability and sorting capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the fixed, rigid plate structure with flexible, movable microvessels that can be dynamically sorted, transported, and manipulated. The microvessels can be moved between different locations, sorted based on their contents or identifiers, and adapted to various assay configurations, providing dynamic versatility rather than static limitation.
3Ease of operation
If emulsion PCR with aqueous micelles is used, then separate reaction volumes can be formed, but the micelles are difficult to individually identify and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates visual identifiers on or within the microvessels, such as fluorescent markers, colored coatings, or shape variations, that enable easy optical detection and identification. These visual cues allow researchers to quickly locate, identify, and manipulate specific microvessels based on their contents or assigned identifiers without requiring complex imaging systems.
4Measurement precision
If optical detection is used for through-holes, then amplification can be detected from plate surfaces, but detection is limited to one side and provides limited information for diffusion studies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar detection on a plate surface to three-dimensional omnidirectional detection of spherical or capsule-shaped microvessels. This enables optical detection from multiple angles and directions, providing comprehensive information about reactions occurring within the microvessels and enabling studies of diffusion, transport, and other spatial phenomena.
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 enables the creation of individually identifiable microvessels that can be used in biological or chemical assays, allowing for precise control and manipulation, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of chemical reactions and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a microbody and a reservoir core that extends into the microbody. The microbody can be configured to separate a substance, such as a biological or chemical substance, in the reservoir core from an ambient environment that surrounds the microbody.
Implementation Method 2
The material can be transparent so as to facilitate detection of an optical characteristic of a substance within the reservoir core.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of isolated microvessels including a plurality of encoded microvessels each having a microbody and a reservoir core. The microbody is configured to separate a biological or chemical substance in the reservoir core from an ambient environment surrounding the microbody. The microbody includes a transparent material that at least partially surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of an optical characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. The microbody of each microvessel includes an identifiable code that distinguishes individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other. The plurality of isolated microvessels also includes a plurality of compartments each configured to separate individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other.