Flowcell Substrate Bonding via Low-Temperature Adhesive Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA sequencing technologies face challenges in efficiently bonding substrates for flowcell devices at low temperatures to prevent damage to bio-chemicals and maintain chemical compatibility, while also achieving precise channel formation for effective DNA sequencing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of substrates with patterned wells and bio-chemicals, followed by low-temperature bonding using adhesive layers, and precise channel formation through laser cutting and printing techniques to create a flowcell device suitable for DNA sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-temperature bonding is used to bond substrates, then bonding strength is improved, but bio-chemicals are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the first substrate and second substrate to enable bonding at low temperatures. The adhesive layer (208, 212, 220) acts as a mediator that provides sufficient bonding strength without requiring high-temperature processing, thereby protecting the bio-chemicals from thermal damage while still achieving reliable substrate attachment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low-temperature bonding is used to protect bio-chemicals, then bio-chemical damage is reduced, but bonding strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding process parameters are changed by using adhesive materials with appropriate glass transition temperatures and bonding characteristics that enable strong adhesion at low temperatures. The adhesive layer is specifically selected and formulated to provide sufficient bonding strength at temperatures that do not damage bio-chemicals, representing a parameter change from high-temperature direct bonding to low-temperature adhesive bonding.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional bonding methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but channel formation precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: substrate preparation with patterned wells, adhesive layer application, bonding, and post-bonding laser cutting. This segmentation allows the bonding step to focus on simple adhesive attachment while the precision channel formation is achieved in a separate laser cutting stage, combining manufacturing simplicity with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Patterned wells are formed in the substrates before bonding, and adhesive layers are applied to specific regions in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that when bonding occurs, the alignment and positioning are already established, enabling precise channel formation without requiring complex real-time control during the bonding process itself.
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 approach allows for the creation of flowcell devices with improved chemical compatibility, reduced bio-chemical damage, and precise channel formation, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of DNA sequencing processes.
Implementation Method 1
bonding the first structure to the second structure, wherein forming the first structure comprises forming one or more first bio-chemicals in a first substrate and printing a first glue layer on the first substrate
Implementation Method 2
laser cutting to create channel regions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a flowcell structure, the method comprising forming a first structure, forming a second structure and bonding the first structure to the second structure. Further, forming the first structure comprises forming one or more first bio-chemicals in a first substrate and printing a first glue layer on the first substrate. Forming the second structure comprises forming one or more second bio-chemicals in a second substrate.