Hydrophilic Microfluidic Chip for Rapid Hybridization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microarray chip hybridization processes are slow due to molecular diffusion and require skilled operators for sample loading, while existing microfluidic solutions are complex, costly, and not suitable for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
An automatic sample loading device with a hydrophilic cover layer and microfluid layer, utilizing liquid surface tension and gas pressure for automatic sample loading, allowing for rapid and efficient filling of hybridization chambers and channels, and enabling reciprocating flow for enhanced hybridization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional static microarray chip hybridization is used, then the structure is simple, but the hybridization time is extremely long due to molecular diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static microarray chip into a dynamic system by introducing a microfluidic layer with channels that enable liquid flow through the chip. This dynamic fluid flow replaces passive molecular diffusion with active convective transport, dramatically accelerating hybridization while maintaining chip simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas pressure applied to the sample solution to drive liquid flow through the microfluidic channels. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism enables rapid sample delivery and hybridization buffer flow through the chip, reducing hybridization time from hours to minutes without complex external equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If delicate sampling devices such as pipette are used, then sample loading precision is achieved, but operator skill requirement increases and automation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip structure itself performs the sample loading function through its hydrophilic channels and gas pressure-driven flow system. The chip automatically guides and delivers the sample to the hybridization chamber without requiring external pipetting devices or skilled operator intervention, achieving both precision and ease of use
3Loss of time
If existing microfluidic hybridization chips are used, then hybridization time is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microarray chip and microfluidic channel system into a single integrated chip structure. The microfluidic layer is formed directly on the chip substrate with channels leading to the hybridization chamber, eliminating the need for separate microfluidic devices or complex assembly processes while achieving rapid hybridization
4Productivity
If existing microfluidic hybridization chips are used, then hybridization efficiency is improved, but sample loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microfluidic system into distinct functional zones: sample loading area, microfluidic channels with hydrophilic surfaces, and hybridization chamber. This segmentation with controlled interfaces minimizes sample adhesion losses at boundaries while maintaining efficient flow and hybridization performance
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
This solution enables automatic quantificational sample loading, significantly reducing hybridization time to under 15 minutes, simplifying operations, minimizing sample loss, and facilitating widespread adoption.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing liquid surface tension and gas pressure for automatic sample loading
Implementation Method 2
the contact angle between the surface of said cover layer with hydrophilic surface which contacts the microfluid layer and the hybridization sample solution can be in the range from 0 to 90 degree
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic injection device comprises at least an injection unit (1). The said injection unit (1) is formed by sealing a cover plate layer (3) with hydrophilic surfaces and a microfluid layer (4). The said cover plate layer (3) is provided with at least two through holes (5). The said microfluid layer (4) is provided with a hollow-out hybridization chamber (7) and at least two hollow-out microfluid channels (6). One end of each channel (6) is connected with the hybridization chamber (7), and the other end is connected with a through hole (5) of the cover plate layer (3) respectively. Taking advantage of the hydrophilicity of the cover plate, the automatic injection device makes a solution automatically enter and fill the hybridization chamber (7) and the microfluid channels (6) by the driving force of liquid surface tension. The flow uniformity of sample solution in microarray chip is achieved by the structural design of the hybridization chamber (7) and the microfluid channels (6). The automatic injection device has advantages of simple manufacture, easy operation, high hybridization efficiency, low sample cost, and automatic quantificational injection.