Microchannel Analyte Detection Module with Integrated Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lab-on-a-chip systems face challenges in efficiently detecting analytes in small sample volumes due to high hematocrit levels and dead volume issues, which hinder accurate and quantitative analysis, especially when using whole blood without pre-processing.
Innovation Solution
A module and chip design that integrates a filtering zone and reaction zone within a microchannel, utilizing capillary forces to filter out noise materials and allow analytes to pass through, eliminating the need for separate filtering means and reducing dead volume, enabling efficient detection of analytes from minimal sample volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtering means (e.g., paper filters) are used to remove noise materials, then filtering effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and dead volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtering function with the microchannel structure itself. The microchannel's geometric constraints (height h to H, width 2H to L) create a size-based filter that removes noise materials while allowing analytes to pass through, eliminating the need for separate filtering components and reducing dead volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The microchannel has different dimensional characteristics at different locations - the height is specifically designed to be between h and H, and width between 2H and L, creating local geometric properties that enable size-selective filtering without requiring additional filtering materials or structures.
2Reliability
If separate filtering means are used to remove noise materials, then noise removal is improved, but dead volume increases and detection sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is integrated into the microchannel flow path itself, eliminating separate filtering components that would create dead volume. The microchannel geometry (height h<H, width 2H<L) enables noise material removal while maintaining continuous flow and minimizing sample loss.
3Productivity
If microchannel dimensions are reduced to increase integration, then detecting efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal parameter ranges for the microchannel (height h to H, width 2H to L) that balance detecting efficiency with manufacturability. These parameter definitions provide clear manufacturing targets while achieving high integration and detection efficiency.
4Loss of time
If whole blood is used without pre-processing, then sample preparation time is reduced, but hematocrit interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microchannel has specific dimensional properties (height h<H, width 2H<L) that create a local filtering environment. This geometric configuration allows whole blood to pass through while blood corpuscles are retained, enabling direct analysis of whole blood without pre-processing steps to remove hematocrit interference.
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 design allows for rapid and accurate quantitative analysis of analytes from as little as 5 μl of whole blood without pre-processing, achieving an effective volume ratio of 50-100% by effectively filtering out noise materials and maintaining high detection sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
analytes in fluids moving through a microchannel due to capillary floating
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a module for rapidly detecting analytes in fluids with high effectiveness and a chip having the module. The module includes a microchannel, which has a filtering zone for removing noise materials and a reaction zone wherein labeling reaction and immobilization reaction for detection of analytes are performed, sample fluid moving through the microchannel due to capillary floating. In a case where the chip having the module is used in detecting analytes in fluids, it is possible to minimize dead volume of sample fluid so that high effective volume ratio can be implemented. Therefore, the chip can be used in detecting analytes from the minimum amount of sample fluid.