Microfluid Chip Hydrophobic Barrier Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluid chip systems face challenges in maintaining clean and reproducible measurement regions due to liquid mixing between adjacent regions, especially when wetted multiple times with different reagents, and struggle with complete removal of reagents without residue, leading to defects and reduced reproducibility in chemical and biological detection reactions.
Innovation Solution
A chip with a hydrophobic structure formed by a three-dimensional layer on the surface, created through a method involving application, partial curing, and selective removal of a coating composition, which defines measurement regions as separate vessels, allowing precise spotting and repeated wetting without mixing or residue issues, using photolithographic processes and suitable materials like silicon nitride and gold electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical barriers (small walls) are provided between measurement regions to prevent liquid mixing, then liquid separation is improved, but the barriers cannot prevent liquid from passing over due to small region size and high surface tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the barrier regions by applying a hydrophobic coating (perfluoroalkylsilane monolayer), transforming the barrier mechanism from relying on mechanical height to relying on surface energy differences that prevent water-based liquid mixing while allowing vapor permeability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the mechanical barrier (small wall) with a chemical coating (hydrophobic monolayer), creating a hybrid barrier system that leverages both physical and chemical properties to achieve effective liquid separation
2Manufacturing precision
If a hydrophobic monolayer coating is applied to prevent liquid mixing, then spotting process is improved, but complete removal of reagents without residue becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydrophobic coating only to the barrier regions between measurement regions, while keeping the measurement regions themselves hydrophilic or neutral, allowing different local properties: barrier regions prevent mixing while measurement regions allow complete wetting and reagent removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the chip surface into distinct functional zones: hydrophobic barrier regions for preventing liquid mixing and non-hydrophobic measurement regions for allowing complete reagent contact and removal, enabling both spotting precision and reagent clearance
3Ease of manufacture
If measurement regions are formed hydrophilically using water as solvent, then functionalization is improved, but liquid mixing between regions occurs due to high surface tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the barrier regions by applying a hydrophobic coating, creating a surface energy gradient that prevents water-based liquid mixing while allowing the measurement regions to remain hydrophilic for easy functionalization with aqueous solutions
4Adaptability or versatility
If the chip is wetted multiple times with different reagents for detection, then measurement capability is improved, but complete removal of previous reagents without residue becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local hydrophobic barriers that contain liquids within specific measurement regions during repeated wetting cycles, preventing cross-contamination while allowing complete wetting and drying of individual regions, ensuring reproducible measurements across multiple reagent applications
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
The solution enables defect-free functionalization and repeated use of measurement regions with different reagents, ensuring high reproducibility and efficient removal of solutions, improving the fluid properties of the chip for enhanced chemical and biological detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic structure, in particular a hydrophobic layer, defining the measurement regions is provided on the chip surface
Implementation Method 2
created through a method involving application, partial curing, and selective removal of a coating composition, which defines measurement regions as separate vessels, allowing precise spotting and repeated wetting without mixing or residue issues, using photolithographic processes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a plurality of measurement regions on a chip, and to a chip having a plurality of measurement regions which is obtainable by the method.