Magnetic Microcoil Array for Analyte Detection in Fluidic Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomedical assay devices are large, require significant sample volumes, are not self-contained, lack detection sensitivity, and are limited in their application flexibility, making them unsuitable for point-of-care or home use and requiring complex fluidic control systems.
Innovation Solution
A device combining a fluidic network with a magnetic microcoil array and integrated circuitry for detecting analytes, allowing for on-site, rapid, and sensitive analysis without active fluidic movement, using magnetic particles and signal particles to form binding complexes that can be moved and detected within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic particles and signal particles are used to form binding complexes that can be moved and detected within the device, then detection sensitivity is enhanced and sample volume is reduced, but device complexity increases due to integration of magnetic microcoil array and fluidic network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic particle manipulation system, fluidic network, and detection elements into a single integrated device. The magnetic microcoil array is integrated with the fluidic network to enable magnetic particle control within the chip, eliminating the need for external complex fluidic control systems and achieving miniaturization while maintaining high detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs magnetic particles that can perform multiple functions: serving as carriers for analytes, enabling magnetic manipulation for transport and separation, and facilitating detection through their magnetic properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure
2Ease of operation
If the device is miniaturized for on-site and point-of-care applications, then ease of operation is improved and portability is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a modular microchip with segmented functional zones including sample introduction areas, magnetic manipulation regions with microcoils, fluidic channels, and detection zones. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes and simplifies assembly while achieving miniaturization suitable for portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluidic control systems with magnetic field-based particle manipulation. The magnetic microcoil array enables precise control of magnetic particles through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps, valves, and complex fluidic actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements
3Device complexity
If active fluidic movement is eliminated to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but particle transport control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical fluidic movement with magnetic field-based particle manipulation. The magnetic microcoil array generates localized magnetic fields that can attract, repel, and transport magnetic particles bound to analytes through the fluidic network without requiring active fluidic pumps or valves, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining precise particle transport control
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as intermediaries that carry analytes through the device. The magnetic field acts as an intermediary control mechanism to manipulate these particle carriers, enabling transport and separation functions without direct mechanical intervention in the fluidic system
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 miniaturized, integrated, and versatile analysis of analytes with reduced sample volume requirements, eliminating the need for complex fluidic control and enhancing detection sensitivity for on-site and point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
The array of magnetic microcoils is activated to generate a magnetic field across at least a portion of a fluidic zone to move the binding complex to a fluidic zone where it can be detected
Implementation Method 2
The array of magnetic microcoils is activated to generate a magnetic field across at least a portion of a fluidic zone to separate magnetic particles and binding complexes from uncomplexed signal particles
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.