Lensless Microfluidic Particle Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lensless microfluidic detection techniques face challenges in effectively characterizing particles in heterogeneous fluid samples, particularly in industrial settings, where precise morphological, size-based, and statistical analysis of particles is needed for quality control and assurance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving suspending particles in a fluid and causing them to flow past a two-dimensional array detector, where they are illuminated and imaged, with applied particle characterization functions for categorization, including morphological, size-based, and statistical analysis, and additional operations like laser diffraction for further characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If lensless microfluidic detection techniques are used to acquire microscopic images of particles in heterogeneous fluid samples, then the device size is reduced and portability is improved, but the ability to perform precise morphological, size-based, and statistical analysis of particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into distinct functional modules: a microfluidic flow cell for sample introduction and positioning, a LED illumination source for particle lighting, and a CMOS sensor array for image capture. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining compact overall size while ensuring high-quality particle imaging and characterization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic flow cell serves multiple functions: it introduces the heterogeneous fluid sample, positions particles in the focal plane of the detector, and enables controlled flow past the detection zone. The same system simultaneously performs morphological analysis, size measurement, and statistical characterization of particles, achieving multi-functionality in a compact platform
2Productivity
If particles are caused to flow at high flow rates past the detector, then productivity and analysis speed are improved, but the time for acquiring sufficient image data for accurate statistical characterization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous particle flow through the detection zone at optimized flow rates, ensuring that particles are constantly being imaged and characterized. The microfluidic system enables uninterrupted sample transport past the detector, allowing high productivity while accumulating sufficient image data for accurate statistical analysis over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic strobe illumination synchronized with particle flow to capture images at optimal moments. This periodic action allows high-speed flow while ensuring that particles are illuminated and captured at the right frequency for accurate morphological and statistical characterization
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
Enables efficient characterization of particulate materials, providing ongoing quality control and assurance in industrial processes, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, by accurately categorizing particles and detecting contaminants or counterfeit materials.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring images of the particles as they flow past the two-dimensional array detector
Implementation Method 2
illuminating them as they do so
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to methods and device for detecting properties of heterogeneous samples, including detecting properties of particles or fluid droplets in industrial processes. A probe may be inserted into a first of multiple heterogeneous fluid samples. A portion of the first sample may be drawn into the probe and past a two-dimensional array detector. The portion of the first sample may be illuminated as it is drawn past the array detector and an image of the portion of the first sample may be acquired. The probe may be inserted into a second of multiple heterogeneous fluid samples. A portion of the second sample may be drawn into the probe and past a two-dimensional array detector. The portion of the second sample may be illuminated as it is drawn past the array detector and an image of the portion of the second sample may be acquired.