Microfluidic Device with Microbead Packings for Rapid Gene Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting target genes, such as PCR and isothermal amplification, are time-consuming, costly, and require complex devices, especially when analyzing multiple targets simultaneously, and existing microfluidic devices for pathogenic virus detection take too long due to the need for RCA reaction surface formation and amplification.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with microbead packings in a microchannel where probe linkers on the microbeads amplify target genes by complementary bonding, blocking or reducing voids to change flow characteristics, allowing for rapid detection of pathogenic viruses by measuring changes in flow distance, time, and rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PCR method is used for amplification, then amplification efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to temperature controller and heating means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from variable (PCR) to constant (isothermal), eliminating the need for temperature controllers and heating means while maintaining amplification efficiency through isothermal amplification methods
2Productivity
If RCA reaction surface is formed on bottom surface of microchannel, then amplification is achieved, but detection time increases due to slow flow exclusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface amplification (bottom surface only) to three-dimensional volumetric amplification ( throughout the microchannel), dramatically increasing reaction surface area and reducing detection time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-forms microbead packings with probe linkers attached before insertion into the microchannel, enabling immediate amplification upon sample introduction without requiring surface formation steps
3Speed
If microbead packing is used for amplification, then detection speed is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flow rate changes as feedback signals to monitor amplification progress in real-time, allowing quantitative measurement of target gene concentration based on the degree of flow restriction caused by microbead aggregation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluorescently labeled probe linkers that change fluorescence intensity or pattern as they hybridize to target genes and cause microbead aggregation, providing visual confirmation and quantitative measurement
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
Significantly reduces detection time and enables quantitative analysis of target genes by blocking or reducing voids through gene amplification, facilitating efficient pathogenic virus detection.
Implementation Method 1
probe linkers which amplify a target gene by complementary bonding, thereby detecting the target gene
Implementation Method 2
a microchannel connected to the sample chamber through which the sample solution flows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2(b)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A microfluidic device for detecting a target gene according to the present invention comprises a plurality of capillary tubes which are partially immersed in a sample container containing sample solution and in which the sample solution flows by capillary phenomenon, and microbead packings arranged at one part in each capillary tube to be arranged on a flow path of the sample solution, wherein each of the microbead packings comprises: a packing tube arranged at the capillary tube so as to partially constitute the flow path of the sample solution, a plurality of microbeads contained in the packing tube and being in close contact with each other to form voids between the microbeads, and probe linkers formed on a surface of each microbead, wherein the probe linkers are configured to amplify a target gene in the sample solution by complementary bonding with the target gene, thereby detecting the target gene.