Microfluidic Device for Biomarker Detection in Small Samples
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry systems require large sample sizes, making them impractical for point-of-care diagnostics and other applications that need analysis of small-volume biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a fluid channel and nozzles is used to separate and detect biomarkers in small biological samples, allowing for the detection of multiple biomarkers in samples as small as 50 microliters or less, utilizing a separation medium and a mass spectrometer for signal generation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry systems are used for biomarker detection, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but sample volume requirement increases making the system impractical for point-of-care applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sample introduction process by using multiple nozzles that can be independently controlled, allowing selective introduction of sample into the microfluidic channel. This enables precise control over the amount of sample reaching the detection zone while maintaining high sensitivity through the mass spectrometer.
Solution Approach 2:
A microfluidic device with separation medium acts as an intermediary between the sample source and the mass spectrometer. The separation medium (such as porous beads or monolithic structures) pre-concentrates and separates biomarkers from the bulk sample, enabling the mass spectrometer to analyze smaller sample volumes with maintained sensitivity.
2Productivity
If multiple biomarkers are detected simultaneously, then productivity and throughput are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for separation media and multiple nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device is designed as a multi-functional platform that can detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously using a single integrated separation medium. The separation medium is configured to separate different biomarker classes (proteins, peptides, metabolites) based on their physical or chemical properties, allowing one device to perform multiple detection functions without requiring separate analysis systems for each biomarker.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the sample introduction function (multiple nozzles) with the separation function (microfluidic channel containing separation medium) and the detection function (mass spectrometer) into a single integrated platform. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while enabling simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers through coordinated operation of the merged components.
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 rapid and sensitive detection of biomarkers in small samples, facilitating disease diagnosis and monitoring with high specificity and throughput, suitable for point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid channel includes a separation medium that is adapted to separate the plurality of biomarkers into subsets of biomarkers along the fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
Mass spectrometry (MS) measures the mass-to-charge ratio of charged species and may be an enabling technology for proteomics
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provided methods and systems for diagnosing diseases and monitoring their progression and therapeutic responses by detecting a presence or absence, or an increase or decrease, of one or more substances in a sample.