Fluidic Pathogen Detection With Automated Lysis Buffer Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-cost, user-friendly tool capable of identifying infectious diseases without risking pathogen spread, suitable for untrained individuals, and providing laboratory-quality results that can be automatically transmitted to healthcare providers and authorities.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device comprising a housing with a lysis chamber, lysis buffer storage chamber, cap, compressor, and porous membrane, which automates the lysis process and integrates with a diagnostic system for real-time analysis and result transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex laboratory-based diagnostic system is used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system is divided into separate functional modules: a sample collection component, a lysis buffer delivery system, a heating chamber, and a detection component. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently optimized or replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining laboratory-quality detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A microfluidic channel system serves as an intermediary between the sample collection point and the detection mechanism. This microfluidic pathway integrates multiple functions (sample transport, lysis buffer delivery, heating) into a single integrated flow path, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining precision.
2Device complexity
If manual cell lysis procedures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically delivers lysis buffer through the microfluidic channel and applies controlled heating to the sample chamber without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller coordinates the entire lysis process autonomously, ensuring consistent results while keeping the device simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls lysis conditions by precisely adjusting temperature parameters through controlled heating. By changing the temperature parameter in a controlled manner rather than relying on manual procedures, the system achieves consistent and reproducible lysis results while maintaining device simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If point-of-care testing is implemented, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be operated autonomously by the user with minimal training. The microcontroller automatically coordinates sample collection, lysis buffer delivery, heating, and detection, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures while maintaining laboratory-quality reliability through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (such as manual mixing, heating, and sample handling) are replaced with automated microfluidic systems and electronic control. This substitution maintains or improves reliability while significantly enhancing ease of operation for untrained users.
4Measurement precision
If automated lysis buffer delivery is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The lysis buffer delivery function is merged with the sample collection and heating systems into a single integrated microfluidic channel network. This consolidation achieves precise buffer delivery while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating separate delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channel system serves multiple functions: sample transport, lysis buffer delivery, and heating medium flow. By making the fluidic system multi-functional, the device achieves precise buffer delivery without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same infrastructure performs multiple tasks.
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
Enables rapid, accurate detection of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing untrained users to perform tests and transmit results to healthcare systems, facilitating widespread surveillance and isolation measures.
Implementation Method 1
a lysis buffer storage chamber disposed within the housing and carrying a lysis buffer configured to lyse cells of the biological sample
Implementation Method 2
a compressor configured to compress the lysis buffer storage chamber and expel the lysis buffer from the lysis buffer storage chamber and into the lysis chamber
Implementation Method 3
a porous membrane in selective fluidic communication with the lysis chamber
Implementation Method 4
heating the lysis chamber in response to the closure signal
Data Source
AI summary
Fluidic devices, systems, and methods for analyzing an analyte are described. In an embodiment, the fluidic devices include a housing defining a lysis chamber shaped to receive a biological sample; a lysis buffer storage chamber disposed within the housing and carrying a lysis buffer configured to lyse cells of the biological sample; a cap configured to cooperatively couple to the housing; a compressor configured to compress the lysis buffer storage chamber and expel the lysis buffer from the lysis buffer storage chamber and into the lysis chamber when the cap is uncoupled from the housing; and a porous membrane in selective fluidic communication with the lysis chamber.