Fluidic Channel Component Delivery via Displacement Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in efficiently introducing components into microwells for gene expression analysis, particularly in ensuring precise control over fluid flow and component delivery.
Innovation Solution
The method involves introducing a first fluid into a fluidic channel with microwells, followed by a displacement fluid, and then a second fluid with components that enter the microwell upon contact, with a second displacement fluid sealing the content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple fluids are introduced sequentially into the fluidic channel, then precise control over component delivery into microwells is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple fluid introduction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid introduction process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: first fluid introduction, first displacement fluid introduction, second fluid introduction with components, and second displacement fluid introduction. Each segment serves a specific function in controlling component delivery into micrawells, allowing precise manipulation of fluid flow and component placement without requiring complex simultaneous multi-fluid control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The first fluid and first displacement fluid are introduced before the second fluid containing the components to be delivered. This preliminary action prepares the fluidic channel by establishing initial flow conditions and clearing pathways, ensuring that subsequent component-containing fluid is delivered precisely into microwells without contamination or mixing issues from previous fluids.
2Productivity
If micrawell array density is increased, then the productivity of gene expression analysis is improved, but cross-talk between adjacent micrawells increases
Solution Approach 1:
Displacement fluids serve as intermediaries between the first fluid and the second fluid containing components, and between the second fluid and the third fluid. These displacement fluids create sharp fluid interfaces that prevent mixing and cross-contamination between different fluid introductions, thereby eliminating cross-talk between adjacent micrawells even when array density is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential introduction of fluids and displacement fluids creates continuous, controlled action throughout the micrawell array. Each displacement fluid immediately follows its corresponding component fluid, maintaining continuous control over fluid boundaries and preventing diffusion or mixing that could cause cross-talk, thereby enabling high-density arrays to operate without interference.
3Reliability
If displacement fluids are used to seal micrawell content, then the reliability of component containment is improved, but the duration of the fluid introduction process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Displacement fluids are introduced into the fluidic channel to physically displace and seal the component-containing second fluid within the micrawells. This hydraulic action creates reliable containment by using fluid pressure and displacement to ensure complete sealing, preventing any leakage or contamination while maintaining a relatively quick process through efficient fluid dynamics.
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 precise control over the introduction of components into microwells, reducing cross-talk and enabling higher density microwell arrays without increased cross-talk, thus enhancing the efficiency of gene expression analysis.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a first displacement fluid into the fluidic channel to displace the first fluid from the fluidic channel volume
Implementation Method 2
one or more components of the second fluid enters the content in the microwell when the second fluid comes into contact with the content in the microwell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed herein include systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods for introducing one or more components into a fluid. A first fluid and a second fluid can be co-injected into a fluidic channel of a flow cell. In some embodiments, the first fluid and a second fluid are immiscible (e.g. an aqueous buffer and a non-aqueous liquid). In some embodiments, the second fluid is less dense than the first fluid.