Lensless Imager Array for Polydisperse Sample Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic digital assays require monodisperse droplets and a linear single-track channel, which limits efficiency due to the need for pre-sorting and linear processing, making them time-consuming and inefficient for analyzing biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A system with a chamber configured for two-dimensional flow, equipped with a lensless image sensor array and electrodes for electrical energy delivery, allowing for sorting and imaging of polydisperse samples, enabling efficient processing and analysis of samples with varying sizes and contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional microfluidic systems use linear single-track channels for droplet processing, then droplets can be processed in sequence, but the processing efficiency is limited and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional linear single-track microfluidic channels to two-dimensional flow channels, allowing droplets to be processed in parallel across multiple tracks. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous processing of multiple droplet streams, dramatically improving throughput and reducing analysis time while maintaining precise control over droplet movement and interactions.
2Measurement precision
If conventional systems require monodisperse droplets of uniform size and type, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but pre-sorting is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical characterization to measure droplet parameters such as size, shape, and internal structure in real-time. By using these optical parameters to identify and select droplets of interest, the system can process polydisperse samples without requiring pre-sorting, maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly improving processing efficiency through selective analysis.
3Productivity
If conventional systems process droplets in series through linear channels, then each droplet can be analyzed, but the overall analysis speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements two-dimensional flow channels with multiple parallel tracks, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple droplet streams. This spatial arrangement allows many more droplets to be analyzed in parallel compared to sequential processing, dramatically increasing analysis speed while the modular channel design keeps the system configuration manageable.
4Reliability
If conventional microfluidic systems require pre-sorting of droplets, then uniform samples are obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs rapid optical characterization of droplets as they flow through the channel, identifying droplets of interest based on their optical properties before they reach the analysis region. This preliminary identification allows the system to selectively process only relevant droplets without requiring time-consuming pre-sorting, maintaining sample reliability while reducing preparation time.
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 system enables rapid analysis of polydisperse samples by sorting and imaging in two dimensions, improving efficiency and reducing processing time, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple samples and enhanced detection of biological entities like cells and proteins.
Implementation Method 1
the imager array may, in some variations, be configured to generate shadow images of the flow of the sample in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
each of the first and second structures has at least a portion that is optically transparent
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing a sample includes a chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, where the chamber is configured to accommodate flow of the sample from the at least one inlet toward the at least one outlet, and an imager array configured to image the flow of the sample in the chamber, where the imager array includes at least one lensless image sensor configurable opposite at least one light source.