Honeycomb Tube Nanowell Structure for Cross-Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack efficient devices for performing multiplexing assays that can simultaneously analyze large and varied data sets.
Innovation Solution
A honeycomb tube with a planar frame and fluidic path, featuring a fluidic interface, pre-amplification chamber, and well chamber, which includes a well-substrate with nanowells for multiplex amplification reactions, allowing for simultaneous analysis of multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multiplexing assay devices are used, then multiple assays can be performed simultaneously, but cross-contamination between samples occurs and thermal conductivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the reaction space into separate wells within the well chamber, each containing specific reagents and samples. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different assay targets while allowing simultaneous multiplexed analysis. Each well is physically isolated yet thermally coupled through the common base plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves as a thermal intermediary that distributes heat uniformly across all wells. This thermal coupling mechanism enables synchronized temperature control for all samples during PCR cycling while maintaining physical separation to prevent contamination. The base plate mediates between the heating source and individual well reactions.
2Productivity
If multiple samples are analyzed simultaneously in traditional devices, then productivity increases, but thermal uniformity across samples deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with non-uniform thermal properties, including varying thickness and/or thermal conductivity in different regions. This allows each well to receive appropriate heat distribution based on its specific thermal requirements, achieving local thermal optimization while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs programmable temperature control that can independently adjust heating parameters for different zones or wells. This enables dynamic parameter changes to compensate for thermal variations, ensuring uniform reaction conditions across all samples during multiplexed analysis.
3Measurement precision
If nanowells with small volume are used, then assay sensitivity improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nanowell array is pre-formed in the well substrate before assembly with the base plate and sealing layers. This preliminary formation of precise well geometries allows for tight tolerance control during manufacturing, and the pre-formed structure simplifies subsequent assembly steps while maintaining the sensitivity benefits of small volumes.
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 efficient multiplexing assays with reduced cross-contamination and improved thermal conductivity, facilitating rapid and accurate detection of nucleic acids and proteins.
Implementation Method 1
A honeycomb tube with a planar frame and fluidic path, featuring a fluidic interface, pre-amplification chamber, and well chamber
Implementation Method 2
improved thermal conductivity, facilitating rapid and accurate detection
Data Source
AI summary
A honeycomb tube with a planar frame defining a fluidic path between a first planar surface and a second planar surface. A fluidic interface is located at one end of the planar frame. The fluidic interface has a fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet. The fluidic path further includes a well chamber having an well-substrate with a plurality of wells. The well chamber is arranged in the planar frame between the first or second surface and the well-substrate.