Microfluidic Analyte Cartridge for Rapid Accurate Home Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molecule detection technologies require expensive equipment and expert personnel, making them inaccessible for timely and convenient use outside laboratory settings, leading to delayed identification of pathogens and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system comprising a cartridge device with internal barriers and sensors, a reader device with a magnetic field generator and processor, and a sample collection device, enabling rapid molecule detection with minimal technical expertise, suitable for non-clinical settings like homes and pharmacies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional molecule detection technologies are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a cartridge containing sample preparation and reaction chambers, a reader device for detection, and a processor for result generation. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve laboratory-grade detection accuracy while maintaining simplicity and affordability in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex detection system. It pre-prepares the sample and contains all necessary reagents and reaction chambers, eliminating the need for users to perform complex sample preparation or understand intricate detection protocols, thus maintaining accuracy while simplifying operation.
2Reliability
If conventional molecule detection technologies are used, then reliable detection results are obtained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-loaded with all necessary reagents, buffers, and reaction chambers in their proper positions. Sample preparation steps are pre-configured within the cartridge, allowing the detection process to begin immediately upon sample insertion without time-consuming setup or preparation steps, thereby reducing wait time while maintaining reliable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing through automated sample preparation and detection within the cartridge. Once a sample is inserted, the system continuously performs mixing, incubation, and detection without requiring user intervention or waiting for separate steps to complete, significantly reducing overall detection time while ensuring reliable results through consistent processing.
3Measurement precision
If conventional molecule detection technologies are used, then accurate analysis is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with all reagents, buffers, and reaction chambers pre-positioned. The system automatically performs sample preparation, mixing, and detection without requiring user expertise in laboratory techniques. Users simply insert the sample and receive results, achieving accurate analysis without needing technical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex aspects of molecule detection—sample preparation, reagent handling, and data interpretation—are extracted from the user's responsibilities and embedded within the cartridge and processor. This allows users to perform only the simple act of sample insertion while the system handles all complex operations, making the process easy to operate while maintaining high analysis accuracy.
4Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented, then response time is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on the specific analyte and sample type. The cartridge contains pre-configured reaction conditions optimized for rapid yet accurate detection of different molecules. The reader device automatically adjusts detection parameters to balance speed and precision, ensuring rapid results without sacrificing accuracy through adaptive, dynamic control of the detection process.
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
Facilitates quick and accurate detection of molecules, reducing wait times and biohazard risks, allowing for immediate action against illnesses and contaminations in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a sonication component electrically coupled to the circuit and aligned with a first of the plurality of reservoirs. The sonication component may form a component of the cartridge device or the reader device and can be comprised partially or wholly of a piezoelectric transducer.
Implementation Method 2
a magnet aligned with the sensor; a circuit electrically coupled to the sensor; and a processor having memory with instructions stored thereon.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.