Lyophilized Reagent Storage in Microfluidic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic devices face challenges in storing reagents in a liquid state, which complicates rapid and simultaneous performance of multiple pathological tests, requiring skilled personnel and large equipment, and existing solutions like lyophilized beads or pellets have limitations in efficiency and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A method of loading liquid reagents into microfluidic devices and lyophilizing them using a freezing and drying process, including sublimation, to create a stable form that can be easily dissolved, with the option to add fillers and surfactants for improved reagent storage and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If reagents are stored in liquid state in microfluidic device, then rapid analysis can be performed, but storage stability deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the reagent from liquid state to lyophilized (freeze-dried) state, altering its physical properties to achieve long-term storage stability while maintaining rapid analysis capability when rehydrated with the biological sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading lyophilized reagents into the microfluidic device during manufacturing, so that the device is ready for rapid analysis without requiring reagent preparation at the time of use, thus achieving both speed and stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If lyophilized beads are used as disclosed in US 5,776,563, then reagent storage is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reagent from its traditional liquid formulation and converts it to lyophilized powder form, which can be directly loaded into the device during manufacturing without requiring separate bead formation processes, thereby improving manufacturability while maintaining storage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the microfluidic device itself serve multiple functions: it acts as both the reaction chamber and the storage container for lyophilized reagents, eliminating the need for separate reagent delivery mechanisms and simplifying the overall device structure
3Measurement precision
If conventional large automated equipment is used, then test accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large automated testing system into a compact microfluidic device that integrates sample processing, reagent mixing, and analysis functions in a single chip-scale platform, maintaining accuracy through precise microfluidic control while dramatically reducing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems with microfluidic principles, using pressure-driven flow and capillary action to transport fluids and mix reagents, thereby achieving accurate analysis in a compact device without large mechanical components
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 method allows for efficient storage and easy dissolution of reagents, enabling rapid and accurate biochemical analysis with improved economic efficiency and compatibility, reducing the need for large equipment and skilled personnel, and facilitating the manufacture of devices for multiple testing items.
Implementation Method 1
The lyophilizing may include a freezing process and a drying process, the drying process using sublimation in at least some portions of the drying process.
Implementation Method 2
The lyophilizing may include a freezing process and a drying process
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method of storing a reagent in a microfluidic device. The reagent, in a liquid form, is loaded into reaction chambers arranged on the microfluidic device; followed by lyophilization as being contained in the microfluidic device.