Two-Dimensional Matrix Droplet Array for Integrated Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyte analysis are cumbersome, requiring manual or complex robotic sample preparation and the use of expensive systems for transporting samples to analysis machines, which limits ease and cost-effectiveness, especially in clinical point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a top substrate bound to a bottom substrate, forming primary and secondary zones, with the top substrate having openings in the primary zones, allowing for sample processing and analysis within the device, including optional reagent delivery and pressure sample mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual or complex robotic sample preparation is used, then sample processing can be performed, but the device complexity and operational ease are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sample preparation, reagent delivery, mixing, and analysis) into a single integrated device. The sample processing chamber integrates mixing elements, reagent reservoirs, and analysis regions, eliminating the need for separate robotic systems and multiple devices, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various sample preparation tasks (mixing, dilution, concentration), reagent delivery, and analysis within a single system. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices, improving operational ease without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If expensive transport systems are used, then samples can be delivered to analysis machines, but the cost and device complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis capability is integrated directly into the sample processing device, eliminating the need for separate transport systems to move samples between preparation and analysis equipment. This consolidation removes expensive transport infrastructure while maintaining complete analytical functionality within a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an integrated sample processing chamber as an intermediary that combines preparation and analysis functions, allowing samples to be processed and analyzed in situ without requiring external transport systems or intermediate handling equipment.
3Reliability
If larger sample and reagent volumes are used, then assay robustness is improved, but the sensitivity and time to result are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates mixing elements and chamber designs that optimize fluid dynamics to enhance mixing efficiency and reaction kinetics. By controlling flow patterns, residence time, and mixing intensity, the system achieves robust assays with improved sensitivity using reduced sample and reagent volumes, effectively changing the operational parameters of the chemical reactions.
4Reliability
If larger sample and reagent volumes are used, then assay robustness is improved, but the time to result is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated mixing elements and optimized chamber geometry enhance mass transfer and reaction kinetics, allowing assays to reach completion faster. The design parameters of the mixing chambers and flow paths are optimized to maximize mixing efficiency and minimize reaction time, enabling robust results to be obtained more quickly with smaller volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs periodic mixing actions through integrated mixing elements that create oscillating flow patterns or repeated mixing cycles. This periodic action enhances mass transfer and accelerates reaction kinetics, reducing the time required to achieve robust assay results compared to static or continuous mixing approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a device that may be used for a range of different assays such as immunoassays, nucleic acid analysis, metabolite analysis, clinical chemistry, and complete blood cell count. The device optionally contains a sample analysis region to analyze the samples processed in the device. The device comprises a top substrate bound to a bottom substrate wherein the top substrate bound to the bottom substrate forms two or more primary zones separated by one or more secondary zones, and wherein the top substrate has an opening in one or more of the primary zones.