Gene Sequencer Fluid System With Reverse Flow Cell Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gene sequencing technologies face challenges in efficiently loading multiple samples into different lanes of a sequencing chip while minimizing reagent usage and preventing sample mixing, leading to increased sequencing costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transport method involving a pump valve assembly that enables reverse loading of samples and reagents into and from flow cell lanes, with switchable fluid loading modules and mechanical motion platforms to integrate sample and reagent handling, allowing for efficient and flexible sample/reagent loading and reduced sequencing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If multiple samples are loaded through a single pipeline with branches to different chip lanes, then the pipeline volume and reagent loss are minimized, but different samples are inevitably mixed in the pipeline before reaching different lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional loading direction by loading samples from the outlet side of the flow cell backward to the inlet side. This reverse loading approach allows each sample to be delivered directly to its designated lane without mixing in common pipelines, while still using a single pipeline structure that minimizes reagent loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If barcode sequences are used to distinguish and mix multiple samples, then sample identification is enabled, but sequencing cost and sequencing time are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample identification function from the sequencing process itself by using physical separation during loading. Each sample is delivered to its designated lane through controlled fluidic paths without requiring barcode sequences, thereby removing the overhead of barcode synthesis, mixing, and post-sequencing identification while maintaining sample distinguishability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If samples are loaded outside the sequencer using automated instruments or manual loading, then multiple samples can be loaded, but the process involves many steps and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample loading function with the sequencer's existing fluidic system. The loading module integrates with the flow cell and pipeline structure, allowing samples to be loaded directly into the sequencing chip without external instruments or manual intervention. This consolidation eliminates multiple transfer steps and reduces the overall sequencing time.
4Ease of operation
If reverse loading of samples is implemented through a fluid system, then different samples can be loaded into different chip lanes, but the design of the fluid system needs further optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of fluidic paths using controllable valves that can switch between different loading configurations. The system transitions from static pipeline design to dynamic path selection, allowing the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple loading scenarios (single sample, multiple samples, different lane configurations) without requiring complex dedicated structures for each case.
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 improves sequencing efficiency by reducing sequencing time and costs through flexible sample/reagent loading and integrated handling, while minimizing reagent waste and ensuring each lane receives a distinct sample.
Implementation Method 1
a positive pressure driving step of generating the positive pressure driving force on an outlet side of the flow cell so that the first fluid is input into the lane from the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a negative pressure driving step of generating the negative pressure driving force on an inlet side of the flow cell so that the first fluid is input into the lane from the outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a fluid system, a fluid transport method, a gene sequencer, and a biochemical assay method. The fluid transport method includes the following steps: step a) of aspirating a first fluid from a fluid cartridge by using a pump valve assembly, so that the first fluid is input from an outlet (141) of a flow cell (115) into a lane (107) of the flow cell (115), and the first fluid output from an inlet (142) of the flow cell (115) is returned to the fluid cartridge; and/or step b) of aspirating a second fluid from a fluid cartridge by using a pump valve assembly, so that the second fluid is input from the inlet (142) of the flow cell (115) into the lane (107) of the flow cell (115), and the second fluid output from the outlet (141) of the flow cell (115) is returned to the fluid cartridge. The sample or reagent is reversely transported from the outlet (141) to the inlet (142) of the flow cell (115), and the reversely loaded sample or reagent may be directly returned to a sample cartridge (113) or a reagent kit finally, so that the sequencing time may be shortened, the sample/reagent loading flexibility may be improved, and the sequencing efficiency may be increased.