Handheld Microfluidic Apparatus for In Situ Biological Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic technologies face challenges in rapidly and accurately diagnosing infectious diseases at the point-of-care or in-field, requiring portable and accessible devices that can process and analyze biological samples without laboratory equipment.
Innovation Solution
A hand-portable apparatus that includes a sample extraction system, a thermal system for temperature control, and an optical system for fluorescence detection, allowing for the processing and analysis of biological samples in a microfluidic chip, enabling rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory equipment is used for sample analysis, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laboratory functions (thermal processing, optical detection, sample analysis) into a single integrated hand-portable apparatus. The apparatus housing contains all necessary components including the thermal system with heating element, optical system with light source and detector, and sample holder, eliminating the need for separate laboratory equipment while maintaining diagnostic capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-portable apparatus performs multiple functions within a single device: it heats the sample for processing, conducts optical analysis of the processed sample, and provides diagnostic results. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate laboratory instruments, achieving both portability and comprehensive analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory equipment is used for sample analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation in field conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed as a self-contained portable unit that can be operated independently in field conditions without requiring connection to laboratory infrastructure. The sample holder is specifically designed to work with droplet samples that can be collected in the field, and the integrated systems require no external support equipment, enabling operation in remote or resource-limited settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be self-sufficient in field operation. The sample holder automatically positions the sample, the thermal system independently processes the sample through heating, and the optical system autonomously analyzes the processed sample. The controller coordinates all functions without requiring complex external control, making the device easy to operate by users with minimal training in field conditions.
3Productivity
If rapid sample processing is implemented, then productivity and speed are improved, but measurement precision may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is designed to pre-position the sample droplet in the optimal location before analysis begins. The thermal system is pre-configured with the heating element in direct thermal contact with the sample holder, allowing immediate heating upon sample placement. This preliminary arrangement eliminates setup time and ensures that processing can begin immediately while maintaining proper sample positioning for accurate optical analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs thermal processing and optical analysis in continuous sequence without interruption. The thermal system heats the sample to process it, and immediately afterward the optical system analyzes the processed sample in the same chamber. This continuous workflow eliminates transfer steps and waiting time, achieving rapid diagnosis while maintaining measurement precision through uninterrupted processing.
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, and portable molecular diagnostics, allowing frontline professionals to deliver immediate results in under 15 minutes, suitable for field use without the need for traditional laboratory equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal system configured to control the temperature of the biological sample in the sample extraction system, and to independently control the temperature of the extracted biological sample in the microfluidic chip
Implementation Method 2
an optical system comprising one, or a plurality of light source(s) configured to illuminate the processed sample in the chip and to generate fluorescence from the sample in the chip
Implementation Method 3
an optical detector configured to detect the fluorescence and generate an output signal indicative of the fluorescence
Implementation Method 4
upon application of heat by the thermal system, the heat-deformable material deforms such that the inner chamber adopts a second configuration having a chamber volume less than the chamber volume of the first configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for processing and analysing a biological sample; the apparatus comprising: a. an apparatus housing; b. a sample extraction system to receive and hold the biological sample, and to extract the biological sample into a microfluidic chip; c. a thermal system to control the temperatures of the biological sample in the sample extraction system, and the extracted biological sample in the microfluidic chip; d. an optical system to illuminate the processed sample in the chip and to generate fluorescence from the sample in the chip, and an optical detector configured to detect the fluorescence; and e. at least one controller to control the sample extraction system, the thermal system and the optical system, and to determine one or more properties of the sample. The apparatus is configured to be handheld, and to extract and analyse the sample in situ, without requiring laboratory equipment.