Integrated Microfluidic Chip for Simultaneous Cell Imaging and Biochemical Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microfluidic chips for biological detection lack integrated functions for simultaneous cell image analysis and biochemical detection, leading to reduced accuracy and efficiency in biomedical research.

Innovation Solution

An integrated chip with a sequentially stacked laminate structure, including an upper laminate for sample injection, a middle laminate with imaging and biochemical detection areas, and a lower laminate with filtering and electrode sensing elements, enabling simultaneous cell morphology and biochemical analysis through electrical impedance, fluorescence, and microscopic imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional microfluidic chips are used for biological detection, then the detection process is simple, but the chip cannot provide simultaneous image analysis and biochemical detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated function capabilityVSAvoidchip structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges imaging chamber, biochemical detection chamber, and control chamber into a single integrated microfluidic chip. The chip combines multiple detection modalities including optical imaging, electrochemical sensing, and fluorescence detection within one device, enabling simultaneous cell morphology analysis and biochemical parameter detection without requiring separate instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic chip is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform diverse detection tasks. The imaging chamber captures cell morphology, the biochemical detection chamber measures electrochemical signals, and the system can also perform fluorescence detection. This universal design allows a single chip to replace multiple separate detection devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate detection methods are used for cell image analysis and biochemical detection, then each detection can be performed independently, but the detection efficiency and accuracy are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection modalities within a single integrated chip system. The imaging chamber and biochemical detection chamber are merged into one device, allowing simultaneous capture of cell morphology images and biochemical signals. This integration ensures that both detection methods analyze the same sample under identical conditions, improving both efficiency and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic chip acts as an intermediary that coordinates multiple detection methods. The chip's microfluidic channels transport samples to both imaging and biochemical detection zones, synchronizing the detection process. The integrated system ensures that optical and electrochemical measurements are performed on the same cell population, enhancing measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 integrated chip enables accurate and simultaneous detection of cell morphology and biochemical parameters, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of biomedical research by combining imaging and electrochemical analysis capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The filtering element is for blocking suspended particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the electrode portions in the electrochemistry detection section can sense the bio-electrochemical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical impedance detection: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250010287A1Integrated microfluidic chip for cell imaging and biochemical detection and method using the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 NAT CENT UNIV

AI summary

An integrated chip having an integrated function capable of providing cell image and biochemical detection is provided and includes a sequentially stacked and sealed laminate set. The laminate set includes an upper laminate, a middle laminate and a lower laminate. The upper laminate has one or more holes for sample injection and sample or air discharging of. The middle laminate includes at least two hollow structures that define an imaging chamber and a biochemical detection area. The lower laminate includes at least one filtering element and at least one electrode sensing element disposed in the biochemical detection. The filtering element is for blocking suspended particles, and the electrode sensing element has electrode terminals for connecting to instruments or equipment to perform the measurements and analysis of electrochemistry and impedance.