Microchip Flow Path Valve Layout for Reusable Biochemical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing microchip systems for biochemical reactions are costly due to the precise construction requirements of reaction chambers and valve mechanisms, and they become disposable after use since substances like magnetic beads cannot be reused.
Innovation Solution
A microchip controlling system is developed using an elastic sheet and a plate or sheet member with an adhesive-free flow path, where a valve mechanism is inflated or deflated to control the flow path, allowing for reusable components and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reaction chambers and valve mechanisms are precisely constructed on a microchip, then biochemical reaction control is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a disposable microchip containing reaction chambers and magnetic beads, and a reusable valve mechanism. This segmentation allows the expensive precision components (reaction chambers) to be mass-produced as disposable units while the costly valve mechanism is reused across multiple experiments, resolving the contradiction between reliable control and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The microchip with reaction chambers and magnetic beads is designed as a disposable component that can be mass-produced at low cost. After use, it is discarded, eliminating the need for expensive cleaning and sterilization processes. This disposable approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining reliable biochemical reaction control during each use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic beads are enclosed in the microchip for biochemical reactions, then reaction functionality is improved, but the microchip becomes disposable after use
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic beads are extracted from the reusable valve mechanism and placed in the disposable microchip. This extraction allows the magnetic beads to be contained in a single-use environment where they can be freely used for various biochemical reactions without concern for cross-contamination, while the valve mechanism remains clean and reusable for subsequent experiments.
3Manufacturing precision
If a valve mechanism is integrated on the microchip for flow path control, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is merged with the microchip structure through direct integration of the elastic sheet valve onto the microchip flow path. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex valve assemblies and reduces the number of components. The valve is fabricated using the same soft lithography process as the microchip, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise flow control.
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 configuration reduces the production cost of microchips by allowing only disposable elastic sheets and enabling the reuse of the valve mechanism, thus lowering the overall cost of the microchip system while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a microchip controlling apparatus comprising a valve mechanism which is inflated or deflated so as to control the flow path to be opened or closed
Data Source
AI summary
A microchip controlling system comprises a microchip which is configured by adhesion of an elastic sheet and a plate/sheet member, and on which a flow path is provided as an inadhesive section between the elastic sheet and the plate/sheet member; and a microchip controlling apparatus comprising a valve mechanism which is inflated or deflated so as to control the flow path to be opened or closed.