Integrated Microfluidic Chip for Low-Volume Compound Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for extracting and separating compounds from biological or chemical samples require large amounts of sample material, reagents, and labor, and involve multiple separate steps that can lead to inefficiencies and sample loss.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip integrating sample loading, processing, filtration, chromatography, and detection into a single device, utilizing valve elements, an actuation element with a driving membrane, and gas pressure control to manage fluid flow and vortex generation for efficient compound extraction and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction and separation methods are used, then compounds can be isolated from samples, but large amounts of sample material and reagents are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple extraction and separation methods (solid-phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, chromatography) into a single microfluidic chip system. The chip combines sample loading chamber, processing chamber, filtration elements, chromatography column, and detection region into one integrated device, allowing sequential operations without transferring samples between separate equipment, thereby reducing sample and reagent consumption while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs gas pressure control to drive fluid flow through the microfluidic chip. Gas pressure is applied to the sample loading chamber and processing chamber to control liquid movement through channels and valve elements, enabling automated operation with minimal manual intervention and reduced reagent requirements
2Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction and separation operations are performed, then compounds are purified, but significant amounts of labor and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip is designed with integrated valve elements that automatically control fluid flow directions and pressures based on pre-set configurations. The system performs sequential operations (filtration, extraction, chromatography) automatically once sample is loaded, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and reducing both labor and operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The chip is pre-configured with specific valve element positions, channel configurations, and chromatography column packing before sample analysis. This preliminary setup allows rapid sample processing without requiring time-consuming adjustments or preparations during the actual extraction and separation operations
3Reliability
If multiple separate extraction and separation steps are used, then compounds are isolated, but sample loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all extraction and separation operations within a single microfluidic chip with continuous fluid flow through connected channels, the patent eliminates the need to transfer samples between separate equipment. This prevents sample loss that occurs during manual transfers and maintains compound isolation quality through seamless sequential operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates specific compounds from complex samples through selective interactions within the microfluidic chip. The chromatography column uses stationary phase materials that selectively retain target compounds while allowing others to pass through, achieving high-purity isolation with minimal sample loss
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional separation methods are used, then compounds are purified, but device complexity and dead volumes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from macro-scale separate equipment to micro-scale integrated chip architecture. By miniaturizing all components (channels, valves, columns) onto a single chip with dimensions in the micrometer range, the system eliminates dead volumes associated with large connectors and interfaces, while maintaining separation efficiency through precise microfluidic control
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip merges multiple functional components (filtration elements, chromatography column, detection region) into a single integrated device with streamlined channels. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate pieces of equipment and their associated connectors, reducing overall system complexity and dead volumes while maintaining high separation efficiency
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 microfluidic chip reduces material and reagent consumption, minimizes sample loss, and enhances separation efficiency by eliminating dead volumes and allowing on-chip detection, thus streamlining the extraction and analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation element includes a driving membrane and is configured to generate a vortex in the processing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first filtering element, a chromatography column, a liquid channel system... The first valve element is disposed between the sample loading chamber and the processing chamber. The second valve element is disposed between the processing chamber and the first filtering element
Implementation Method 3
a chromatography column... which are sequentially communicated
Data Source
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AI summary
A microfluidic chip includes: a sample loading chamber, a processing chamber, a first filtering element, a chromatography column, a liquid channel system, and a detection region which are sequentially communicated. The microfluidic chip further includes: a first valve element, a second valve element, and an actuation element. The first valve element is disposed between the sample loading chamber and the processing chamber. The second valve element is disposed between the processing chamber and the first filtering element. The actuation element is disposed over the processing chamber and includes a driving membrane, configured to generate vortices in the processing chamber and control the pressure within the processing chamber.