Gas-Phase Transport for Sample Analysis Cartridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analysis technologies face challenges in preventing the mixing of liquids between adjacent containers during the transportation of magnetic particles, which can affect the accuracy of test substance detection and require careful consideration of liquid compatibility, limiting the flexibility in reagent selection and cartridge design.
Innovation Solution
The use of a sample analysis cartridge with a gas-phase space in the passage part allows magnetic particles to transport between liquid containers, minimizing liquid mixing by breaking through gas-liquid interfaces, and utilizing a magnetic source to move particles through the gas-phase space, thereby suppressing liquid mixing and enhancing analysis accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic particles are transported through liquid-filled microchannels between adjacent liquid containers, then the test substance can be carried and transported effectively, but the liquids from adjacent containers may mix together affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas-phase space as an intermediary medium between adjacent liquid containers. Magnetic particles are transported through this gas phase rather than directly through liquid, which prevents mixing between liquids from different containers while still enabling effective transport of the test substance carried by the magnetic particles.
2Volume of moving object
If liquid containers are disposed adjacent to each other for compact cartridge design, then the cartridge size is reduced, but liquid mixing between containers becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-phase space serves as a physical barrier and transport medium between closely positioned liquid containers. This allows the cartridge to maintain a compact design with adjacent containers while preventing liquid mixing through the gas-phase transport path that magnetic particles utilize.
3Reliability
If gas-phase space is introduced to prevent liquid mixing, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-phase space serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier preventing liquid mixing between containers, serves as the transport medium for magnetic particles carrying the test substance, and enables the compact arrangement of liquid containers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components.
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 effectively prevents liquid mixing between containers, improving the accuracy of test substance detection and increasing the flexibility in reagent selection, allowing for diverse cartridge configurations without compromising analysis precision.
Implementation Method 1
A test substance is carried by magnetic particles, which are carriers, and transported by magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic source that generates magnetic force acting on the magnetic particles in the sample analysis cartridge set in the setting part, thereby transporting the magnetic particles between the liquid containers
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of detecting a test substance, a test substance is detected using a sample analysis cartridge supplied with a sample. The sample analysis cartridge includes: a passage part having a gas-phase space; and liquid containers communicating with the passage part through openings. The liquid containers include: a first liquid container containing a first liquid containing magnetic particles; and a second liquid container containing a second liquid containing a labeled substance. The magnetic particles are sequentially transported to the liquid containers through the gas-phase space in the passage part. Thus, the magnetic particles carry a complex of the test substance and the labeled substance. The test substance is detected based on the labeled substance in the complex.