Flow Cell Device With Hydrophilic Surface And Dynamic Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microarray analysis faces challenges with incomplete filling of the incubation chamber due to surface tension, leading to potential false negatives from air pockets and contamination risks during sample addition, especially when using cover slips without entry ports or vents.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell device with a reaction chamber, a waste chamber, and channels of varying widths, including a staircase and switchback section, to prevent premature wicking and bubble formation, along with a hydrophilic surface for complete chamber filling and an absorbent for capillary action-based washing and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the incubation chamber is filled to the rim of the gasket, then the reaction mixture can be added, but the reaction mixture may leak out of the side of the gasket, compromising the gasket/cover seal and increasing the risk of contaminating the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wick material as an intermediary component between the reaction chamber and the exterior. The wick absorbs excess reaction mixture through capillary action, preventing leakage while maintaining the seal integrity. This mediator allows the system to handle larger volumes without compromising the seal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cover slips with holes for filling and venting are used, then leakage and contamination risks are circumvented, but air bubbles or air pockets may be introduced into the incubation chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for holes in the cover slip by extracting the filling function to occur through the side of the reaction chamber during assembly. This eliminates the pathway for air bubble introduction while still allowing complete filling of the chamber.
3Quantity of substance
If surface tension is present in the liquid sample or reaction mixture, then the liquid may not completely fill the incubation chamber, but this can result in a false negative if an air pocket covers an array spot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the reaction chamber interior surfaces to be hydrophilic, changing the surface tension characteristics. This promotes complete wetting and filling of the chamber by the liquid sample, eliminating air pockets that would cause false negatives.
4Quantity of substance
If a hydrophilic surface is used for complete chamber filling, then air pockets are prevented, but premature wicking may occur without proper channel design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the channel connecting the reaction chamber to the waste chamber with dynamic width variations, including narrow sections and abrupt changes. This dynamic geometry controls the flow rate, preventing premature wicking while allowing complete filling during the incubation process.
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
Ensures complete filling of the incubation chamber, prevents contamination, and facilitates effective washing and drying, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of microarray analysis by maintaining intimate contact between target molecules and probes.
Implementation Method 1
surface tension of a liquid sample or a reaction mixture may also prevent the liquid sample or reaction mixture from completely filling the incubation chamber
Implementation Method 2
the waste chamber has an absorbent to allow liquids to be advanced by capillary action through the reaction chamber for washing and drying
Implementation Method 3
The reaction chamber has hydrophobic side walls to trap bubbles during the reaction
Data Source
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AI summary
A microarray system is disclosed. The microarray system includes a microarray formed on a planar substrate and an incubation chamber formed around the microarray. The incubation chamber has a plurality of interior surfaces including a bottom surface on which the microarray is formed and a top surface that faces the bottom surface and is generally parallel to the bottom surface. At least one of a plurality of interior surfaces is a hydrophilic surface.