Glass Microfluidic Chip for Pump-Free Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-care devices for blood analysis are bulky, costly, and not suitable for disposable use due to the need for external pumps and non-disposable electronic components, while lateral flow test strips lack precise control over fluid flow, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost device with a glass fluidic substrate and a microchip lid that uses capillary forces or vacuum compartments to propagate fluid samples without active pumps, integrated with biosensing circuitry and electrodes for precise control and analysis, allowing for disposable, portable, and cost-effective point-of-care testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If external pumps are used to propagate fluid samples, then fluid flow control is achieved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps with capillary forces generated by surface tension and pressure differential mechanisms integrated into the microfluidic chip. This substitution eliminates bulky external pumping equipment while maintaining precise fluid flow control through carefully designed channel geometries and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions including fluid propulsion, mixing, separation, and detection directly into the microfluidic chip structure. By merging these previously separate components into a single integrated device, the overall size is reduced while maintaining functional capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external pumps and non-disposable electronic components are used, then analysis functionality is achieved, but disposability and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analysis system into two parts: a disposable microfluidic chip containing fluid handling and initial detection components, and a separate minimal readout device. This segmentation allows the chip to be discarded after single use while maintaining full analytical functionality through the integrated design of the disposable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the microfluidic chip as a low-cost, single-use disposable device that eliminates the need for expensive, non-disposable electronic components and pumps. The chip is manufactured using inexpensive materials and processes, enabling widespread distribution and elimination of cross-contamination risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for fluidic substrates, then fabrication is simplified, but precise control of fluid flow is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures in the microfluidic chip, combining materials with different surface properties, porosity, and mechanical characteristics. This allows simultaneous achievement of precise fluid flow control through capillary forces and compatibility with standard fabrication techniques like molding and etching.
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 device enables precise control over fluid flow and biochemical reactions, reducing fabrication costs and complexity, making it suitable for disposable, portable, and high-volume production, while improving the accuracy of point-of-care testing for various analytes, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and cells.
Implementation Method 1
the fluidic substrate is configured to propagate a fluid sample through the micro-fluidic component via capillary force
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum compartment which is connectable to the micro-fluidic component and which is adapted for creating a suction force in the micro-fluidic component when the vacuum compartment is opened, thereby propagating a fluid sample through the micro-fluidic component
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for analyzing a fluid sample. An example device comprises a fluidic substrate comprising a micro-fluidic component embedded therein, for propagating a fluid sample; a needle or inlet for providing the fluid sample which is fluidically connected to the micro-fluidic component; a lid attached to the fluidic substrate thereby at least partly covering the fluidic substrate and at least partly closing the micro-fluidic component; wherein the fluidic substrate is a glass fluidic substrate and wherein the lid is a microchip. The present disclosure also relates to a method for fabricating a fluid analysis device. The method comprises providing a fluidic substrate; providing a lid; attaching the lid to the fluidic substrate to close the fluidic substrate at least partly.