Flow Cell Surface Modification Using Immiscible Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for selectively modifying flow cell surfaces lack reproducibility and consistency, particularly in controlling the homogeneity of surface properties, leading to variations and difficulties in achieving desired hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity.
Innovation Solution
A versatile flow-through strategy is employed, utilizing immiscible fluids to coat an interstitial surface while inhibiting reagent modification of recesses, involving the use of fluids with specific contact angles and solidification methods to achieve selective surface modification without forming C—O—Si bonds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coating methods are used to modify flow cell surfaces, then surface properties can be altered, but the modification lacks reproducibility and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a mask structure to create distinct regions (recesses and interstitial surfaces) with different surface properties. The mask defines specific areas where coating is applied, ensuring that each region receives precise control over its surface modification characteristics, leading to reproducible and homogeneous surface properties in targeted zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-forming the mask structure with defined recesses and interstitial surfaces before applying the coating. This pre-structured approach ensures that subsequent coating processes consistently reproduce the same surface patterns, improving both reproducibility and homogeneity of surface modification across multiple manufacturing cycles.
2Ease of manufacture
If selective surface modification is attempted without a mask structure, then some surface areas can be modified, but control over which specific surfaces are modified is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow cell surface into distinct segments: recesses and interstitial surfaces, separated by mask structures. This segmentation allows independent modification of each surface type, providing ease of manufacture for selective modification while maintaining precise control over which specific surfaces are modified through the defined geometric boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure serves as an intermediary element between the coating process and the flow cell surface. It mediates the selective modification by physically blocking coating material from reaching certain areas while allowing it to contact other areas, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture for selectivity and precise control over modified surface areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reagents are applied to modify surfaces, then surface properties change, but reagents may inadvertently modify unintended surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring reagents are confined to specific regions (either recesses or interstitial surfaces) through the mask structure. This localized application allows versatile surface property modification in targeted areas while preventing harmful unintended reagent interactions with other surfaces, as the mask creates physical boundaries that control reagent distribution.
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 method enhances reproducibility and consistency of surface modification, preventing reagent interaction with recesses and ensuring stable, selective alteration of surface properties, such as hydrophobicity, without the susceptibility of C—O—Si bond hydrolysis.
Implementation Method 1
flowing a first fluid over the interstitial surface and into the recesses, such that the interstitial surface is substantially coated with the first fluid and the recesses are substantially filled with the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
solidifying the first fluid within the recesses. In some examples, the first fluid is solidified using a change in temperature
Implementation Method 3
the first fluid and the second fluid are substantially immiscible with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying an interstitial surface separating recesses from one another can include flowing a first fluid over the interstitial surface and into the recesses, such that the interstitial surface is substantially coated with the first fluid and the recesses are substantially filled with the first fluid; and while the first fluid remains within the recesses, replacing the first fluid coating the interstitial surface with a second fluid comprising a reagent.