Flow Cell Liquid Degassing System for Bubble Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In sequencing systems, the presence of bubbles in flow cells can adversely affect imaging and detection operations, and existing technologies lack efficient methods for degassing liquids before introduction into these systems, leading to suboptimal performance and potential reagent waste.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a selector valve and a degassing system fluidically coupled to the flow cell, allowing for the selection and degassing of liquids before introduction, with the ability to control the flow of liquids bi-directionally or unidirectionally through the flow cell to manage bubbles and maintain reagent residency during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquids are introduced into the flow cell without degassing, then the system operation is simple and fast, but bubble formation occurs which adversely affects imaging and detection operations
Solution Approach 1:
The degassing system performs degassing of liquids before they are introduced into the flow cell. The controller automatically activates the degassing system to remove bubbles from liquids in advance, ensuring that only bubble-free liquids are introduced into the flow cell, thereby preventing imaging interference without requiring complex post-processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic detection and degassing functions where the controller monitors liquid conditions and automatically activates the degassing system when bubbles are detected. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining imaging quality
2Reliability
If a degassing system is added to remove bubbles from liquids, then imaging quality improves, but the device complexity and reagent consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to discard only the portions of liquid that contain bubbles after degassing, while the majority of the degassed liquid is retained and reused. The controller manages the liquid flow to minimize waste by directing only the bubbled portions to disposal while maintaining the degassed liquid supply for continued use
Solution Approach 2:
The degassing system processes liquids selectively based on detected bubble presence rather than continuously processing all liquids. The controller activates degassing only when and where bubbles are detected, avoiding unnecessary processing and reagent waste while maintaining detection accuracy
3Object-generated harmful factors
If liquids are continuously flowed through the flow cell to remove bubbles, then bubble removal is effective, but reagent residency time decreases affecting imaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The degassing system removes bubbles from liquids before they are introduced into the flow cell. By pre-degassing the liquids, the system eliminates bubbles in advance, allowing liquids to remain stationary in the flow cell during imaging operations without causing bubble-related interference, thus maintaining both effective bubble removal and adequate reagent residency time
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the bubble removal function from the imaging function by implementing a distinct degassing stage before liquid introduction. This segmentation allows bubble removal to occur in a separate process, enabling the liquid to then remain undisturbed in the flow cell during imaging, maintaining optimal residency time for detection operations
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 system effectively reduces bubble formation and removal, enhances imaging quality, and allows for the reuse and efficient management of reagents by degassing specific liquids before use, improving overall system performance and reducing reagent disposal needs.
Implementation Method 1
a degassing system to degas the selected liquid prior to introduction or re-introduction of the selected liquid into the flow cell
Data Source
AI summary
A system utilizes a flow cell for holding an analyte of interest for examination, such as a genetic material to be imaged for sequencing. Liquids, such as reagents and washing fluids are introduced into the flow cell during operations. A degasser removes gasses from at least some of the liquids before introduction into the flow cell. The liquids may be resident in the flow cell during detection operations, such as imaging. At least one fluid may be moved bidirectionally into and from the flow cell, such as for reuse. Another fluid may be moved unidirectionally through the flow cell to remove bubbles that may be present in the system.