Electroosmotic Pump Flow Cell for DNA Sequencing Signal Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic systems for biochemical analysis, particularly in DNA sequencing, face challenges due to movable parts in pumping devices that disrupt fluorescent signal reading and require frequent cleaning or exchange, increasing analysis time.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electroosmotic (EO) pump within a microfluidic flow cell and manifold that uses a porous membrane core between electrodes to induce fluid flow without movable parts, reducing analysis time and minimizing interference with signal reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pumping devices with movable parts are used, then fluid flow can be controlled, but the movable parts disrupt fluorescent signal reading and require frequent cleaning or exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumping devices with movable parts with an electroosmotic pump that uses an electric field to generate fluid flow. The EO pump employs a porous membrane core with conductive coating and electrodes to create electroosmotic flow, eliminating mechanical moving parts that interfere with fluorescent signal detection while maintaining precise fluid flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a porous membrane core with conductive coating as an intermediary between the electric field and the fluid. This membrane core enables the electroosmotic effect to occur, allowing electric field-driven fluid flow without requiring mechanical pumping components that would disrupt optical detection
2Productivity
If traditional pumping devices are used, then fluid flow can be achieved, but the amount of time to complete analysis increases due to cleaning or exchange requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electroosmotic pump eliminates mechanical moving parts that require cleaning and maintenance, enabling continuous operation without interruption. The pump uses an electric field applied across the porous membrane core to generate sustained fluid flow, removing the need for periodic cleaning or exchange operations that slow down analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The electroosmotic pump provides continuous, uninterrupted fluid flow throughout the analysis process. Unlike mechanical pumps that require stopping for cleaning or exchange, the EO pump maintains constant operation by applying continuous electric field, ensuring uninterrupted biochemical analysis and maximizing productivity
3Loss of time
If electroosmotic pump is integrated into flow cell, then analysis time is reduced and signal reading is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electroosmotic pump directly into the flow cell structure, integrating the porous membrane core, conductive coating, and electrodes within the flow cell body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external pumping equipment, reducing overall system complexity while achieving faster analysis times and improved signal reading through the elimination of mechanical parts
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 EO pump system enables efficient and precise fluid flow in microfluidic systems, reducing analysis time and enhancing the accuracy of biochemical analysis by eliminating the need for movable parts, thus improving the reliability and speed of genetic material analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The EO pump includes a porous membrane core positioned between electrodes that induce a flow rate of the liquid through the porous core membrane based on a voltage potential maintained between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A flows cell for use in a microfluidic detection system is provided. The flow cell includes a flows cell body having a channel that is configured to convey a solution through the flows cell body. The flow cell also includes a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be removably held by the detection system, and the top surface is transparent and permits light to pass therethrough. The flow cell body also includes fluidic inlet and outlet ports that are in fluid communication with the channel. A pump cavity is also provided in the flow cell body. The pump cavity fluidly communicates with, and is interposed between, an end of the channel and one of the fluidic inlet and outlet ports. An electroosmotic (EO) pump is held in the pump cavity. The EO pump induces flow of the solution through the EO pump and channel between the fluidic inlet and outlet ports.