Inverted Microwells for Reliable Microbead Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting biological substances, such as those using microarrays, often fail to reliably distribute microbeads into microwells formed above a flow channel, leading to incomplete light emission detection due to microbead contact with the bottom surfaces of the wells and optical disadvantages.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a hydrophilic solvent with a higher specific gravity than the microbeads is introduced into a flow channel, causing the microbeads to float and be positioned within microwells with open sides facing downwards, while an oily sealant displaces excess solvent, ensuring microbeads are contained within the microwells for accurate signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microbeads are introduced into microwells formed above a flow channel, then biological substance detection is enabled, but microbeads contact the bottom surfaces of the wells causing incomplete light emission detection
Solution Approach 1:
The microwells are inverted so that the open side faces downward toward the flow channel, while the bottom surface faces upward. This inversion allows microbeads to float on the solvent surface and be positioned at the open side of the wells, preventing contact with the bottom surface and enabling complete light emission detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The specific gravity of the solvent is adjusted to be larger than that of the microbeads, causing the microbeads to float on the solvent surface rather than sink to the bottom. This parameter change in solvent density enables reliable microbead positioning at the well opening.
2Measurement precision
If microwells are formed above the flow channel, then signal detection is improved, but optical disadvantages occur due to microbead contact with well bottom surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Inverting the microwell orientation positions the open side downward and the bottom surface upward, allowing floating microbeads to be located at the well opening rather than at the bottom. This eliminates optical interference from well bottom contact while maintaining the signal detection benefits of the inverted well structure.
3Reliability
If solvent with higher specific gravity than microbeads is used, then microbead distribution into micrawells is improved, but excess solvent must be displaced
Solution Approach 1:
An oily sealant is introduced as an intermediary substance to displace the excess hydrophilic solvent from the flow channel. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents solvent leakage while allowing the microbeads to remain positioned in the micrawells, simplifying the overall system by eliminating the need for complex solvent removal mechanisms.
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 configuration enhances the reliable distribution of microbeads into microwells, allowing for more accurate light emission detection and improved signal amplification reactions within the microwells, increasing the accuracy and versatility of biological substance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrophilic solvent has a larger specific gravity than the microbeads
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a biological substance, including introducing a first substance dispersed in a solvent into a flow channel formed between a first substrate and a second substrate such that the first substance is placed in a first well formed in the first substrate, and detecting the first substance. The first well is formed such that the first well has an open side which faces downwards and is communicated with the flow channel, and the solvent has a specific gravity larger than a specific gravity of the first substance.