Microfluidic Device Single-Cell Detection Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices for blood cell detection are expensive to produce due to their complex structure, which consists of multiple planar layers stacked together.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a substrate featuring a wandering groove and a shielding member forming a flow channel, equipped with electrodes for cell detection, where the groove has a narrowing portion for single-cell passage and a push buffer for enhanced blood flow, allowing for efficient and automated blood cell analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple planar layers are stacked together to form microfluidic devices, then blood cell detection functionality is achieved, but production cost increases due to complicated structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated substrate. The substrate simultaneously provides the flow channel structure, the narrowing portion for cell alignment, and the electrode integration area, eliminating the need for separate stacked layers while maintaining detection functionality and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-layer stacked architecture to a single-layer planar structure with three-dimensional features integrated within the same plane. The groove and narrowing portions are formed as recesses in the substrate rather than requiring separate layers, achieving functional complexity without structural stacking
2Reliability
If multiple planar layers are stacked together to form microfluidic devices, then blood cell detection functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated substrate structure. The flow channel, narrowing portion, and electrode mounting area are all formed in one substrate rather than requiring separate stacked layers, significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the flow channel geometry, creates the narrowing portion for cell alignment, provides the platform for electrode integration, and maintains fluid flow. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces overall device complexity
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 device reduces production costs while enabling efficient blood cell detection and analysis, such as counting red and white blood cells, with minimal blood sample consumption and improved automation.
Implementation Method 1
At least a pair of electrodes are disposed between the entry and the exit to detect the cells of the blood
Data Source
AI summary
An microfluidic device includes a substrate (1) having a wandering groove (12) formed on a first surface (11) thereof; a shielding member (2) abutting on the first surface and covering the groove to form a flow channel (101) to deliver blood; an inlet (14) at one end of the flow channel for introducing the blood into the flow channel; and an outlet (16) at another end of the flow channel for discharging the blood. The flow channel (101) has a detecting region (102) for the blood passing through separately, the detecting region includes an entry (1021) for a single cell entering into at a time and an exit (1022) for a single cell exiting out at a time. A pair of electrodes (211) are disposed between the entry (1021) and the exit (1022) to detect the cells (200) of the blood.