Three-Layer Gene Sequencing Substrate with Dual Micro Flow Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gene sequencing substrates, particularly those using a two-layer structure flow-cell sequencing chips, have high manufacturing costs and limited sequencing ability, resulting in low efficiency and high costs for gene sequencing.

Innovation Solution

A substrate for medical tests is designed with a micro flow channel substrate and two opposing substrates, each with its own micro flow channels and sample inlets/outlets, allowing for full utilization of the micro flow channel substrate and doubling the sequencing ability, improving throughput and efficiency while reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a two-layer structure flow-cell sequencing chip is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the sequencing ability is limited and manufacturing costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplificationVSAvoidsequencing ability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-layer structure to a three-layer structure by adding a second substrate with second micro flow channels on the opposite side of the micro flow channel substrate. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous sequencing in both directions, doubling the sequencing ability while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sequencing system is segmented into independent first and second micro flow channels with separate sample inlets and outlets. Each channel can process samples independently and simultaneously, increasing overall productivity without complicating the device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a two-layer structure flow-cell sequencing chip is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the manufacturing cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplificationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing the third dimension (adding a second substrate on the opposite side), the patent doubles the sequencing capacity without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost. The additional micro flow channels are integrated into the existing three-layer structure, achieving cost-effective capacity expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro flow channel substrate serves multiple functions by having first micro flow channels on one side and second micro flow channels on the other side. This multi-functionality allows a single substrate to perform dual sequencing operations, reducing the need for multiple separate components and lowering manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If sequencing ability is doubled by adding more micro flow channels, then the throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequencing throughputVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent efficiently doubles throughput by exploiting the opposite sides of the micro flow channel substrate rather than stacking channels sequentially. This spatial arrangement increases capacity while maintaining a compact and simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second micro flow channels are merged into a single integrated three-layer device structure. The micro flow channel substrate acts as a common platform for both channel systems, combining multiple functions into one unified structure that avoids the complexity of separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11198904B2Substrate for medical test, gene sequencing method and gene sequencing chip
Publication Date: 2021.12.14 BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONCIS TECH CO LTD
  • US11198904B2 patent drawing
  • US11198904B2 patent drawing
  • US11198904B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A substrate for medical test and a gene sequencing method thereof are disclosed. The substrate for medical test includes a micro flow channel substrate, a first substrate, and a second substrate. A side of the micro flow channel substrate facing the first substrate is provided with at least one first micro flow channel, and the first substrate includes a first sample inlet and a first sample outlet which are in communication with the first micro flow channel; a side of the micro flow channel substrate facing the second substrate is provided with at least one second micro flow channel, and the second substrate includes a second sample inlet and a second sample outlet which are communication with the second micro flow channel.