Integrated Cartridge for Biological Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for biological sample preparation and analysis, such as PCR, require significant time, skilled labor, and expensive instruments, limiting their accessibility and efficiency, especially in resource-limited areas.
Innovation Solution
The development of portable devices and systems that integrate sample preparation and analysis capabilities, including cartridges with transparent waveguides, metal back plates for thermal conductivity, and optical detection, enabling automated and cost-effective processing of biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional biological sample preparation and analysis methods are used, then analysis accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample preparation and analysis functions into a single integrated cartridge system. The cartridge includes reaction chambers, fluidic channels, and optical detection components all in one unit, eliminating the need for separate preparation and analysis instruments, thereby reducing overall time consumption and increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sample preparation systems with an integrated cartridge that performs preparation and analysis simultaneously. The optical detection system directly measures outcomes from the reaction chambers without requiring separate mechanical processing steps, significantly reducing time consumption
2Measurement precision
If traditional analysis instruments are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex analysis system into discrete functional modules within the cartridge: reaction chambers for sample processing, fluidic channels for fluid transport, and optical detection components for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping the overall device manageable and less complex
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cartridge serves multiple functions simultaneously: sample preparation, reaction execution, and optical detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized instruments, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated optical detection components
3Reliability
If skilled labor is required for sample preparation, then operation reliability is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a self-contained system that performs sample preparation and analysis automatically. The integrated fluidic channels and reaction chambers enable the system to process samples without requiring skilled manual intervention, while the optical detection system automatically measures outcomes, maintaining reliability while greatly simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary device between the sample and the detection system. It automatically performs the transition from raw sample to measurable signal through its integrated reaction chambers and fluidic pathways, eliminating the need for skilled operator intervention while ensuring consistent, reliable results
4Measurement precision
If expensive instruments are used for biological analysis, then measurement precision is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging sample preparation and analysis functions into a single cartridge, the system eliminates the need for multiple expensive separate instruments. The integrated optical detection components provide precise measurements while the combined design reduces overall system cost, improving cost-effectiveness without sacrificing analysis precision
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a disposable, low-cost unit that can be manufactured economically using standard materials and processes. This approach replaces expensive, complex instruments with an affordable single-use cartridge that maintains sufficient precision for the intended applications, significantly reducing cost while preserving measurement quality
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
These systems significantly reduce time and cost while increasing accessibility, allowing for efficient sample preparation and analysis, including PCR, in various settings, including resource-limited areas, facilitating disease detection and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent top layer configured to act as a waveguide and focus or direct electromagnetic waves onto the at least one reaction chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one prism, attached to a side of the transparent top layer and configured to focus or direct electromagnetic waves onto the transparent top layer
Implementation Method 3
a metal back plate, attached to the central part, wherein the metal back plate has an inner surface defining a second surface of the at least one reaction chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers. The device may have a reaction cartridge with a reaction chamber to perform techniques such as polymerase chain reaction.