Microchip Flow Path Narrowing for High-Speed Particle Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometry systems face challenges with cross-contamination of samples, biohazard exposure, and high costs due to non-disposable flow cell and orifice parts, as well as limitations in achieving high-speed sorting and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A micro-particle sorting apparatus utilizing a microchip with a flow path, oscillating element, charge means, and optical detection system, where the flow path narrows at the orifice to enhance sorting speed and safety by controlling liquid drops outside the chip using paired electrodes, and a hermetically sealed cartridge to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow cell and orifice parts are used, then measurement and sorting functions are achieved, but cross-contamination of samples occurs and biohazard exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable microchip that integrates the flow cell and orifice parts, eliminating the need for expensive reusable components. The microchip is discarded after a single use, preventing cross-contamination between samples and eliminating biohazard exposure risks. This disposable approach directly resolves the safety and contamination issues associated with conventional reusable flow cells and orifice parts.
2Reliability
If conventional flow cell and orifice parts are used, then sorting function is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow cell and orifice parts into a single integrated microchip structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate expensive components while maintaining the sorting function. The integrated design reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the overall system architecture, resolving the cost issue associated with conventional separate flow cells and orifice parts.
3Measurement precision
If flow path width is increased for optical detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but sorting speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different flow path widths at different locations within the microchip. The flow path is wider at the optical detection portion to enable accurate measurement of micro particles, and narrower at the orifice portion to achieve high-speed sorting. This spatial variation in flow path dimensions allows the system to simultaneously achieve both high detection accuracy and high sorting speed, resolving the contradiction between these two performance parameters.
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 high-speed, safe, and cost-effective sorting by eliminating cross-contamination and biohazard risks while increasing sorting speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating element for transforming the liquid into the liquid drop and discharging the liquid drop at the orifice
Implementation Method 2
the micro particles arranged and flowing in the flow cell are irradiated with measurement light, and scattering light or fluorescence generating from the micro particles is detected
Implementation Method 3
the micro particles arranged and flowing in the flow cell are irradiated with measurement light, and scattering light or fluorescence generating from the micro particles is detected
Implementation Method 4
paired electrodes provided so as to be opposed to each other while sandwiching the moving liquid drop therebetween along a movement direction of the liquid drop discharged into the space outside the chip
Data Source
AI summary
A microchip is provided that includes a flow path through which a liquid containing a micro particle flows, an orifice through which the liquid flowing through the flow path is discharged into a space outside the microchip, and a light-irradiated portion provided at a predetermined location of the flow path and configured to be irradiated with light. A width of the flow path and a depth of the flow path at the orifice are set to be smaller than a width of the flow path and a depth of the flow path at the light-irradiated portion, and the flow path is configured to gradually decrease from upstream of the orifice in a cross-section area perpendicular to a liquid-delivering direction between the light-irradiated portion and the orifice. A cartridge including the microchip is also provided.