Microfluidic Channel and Porous Element Layout for Blood Sample Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for the separation, purification, and concentration of components in fluid media, particularly in life sciences, are complex, labor-intensive, and lack efficient systems for handling smaller volumes, especially for processes like nucleic acid extraction from blood samples.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a fluidic channel system, porous functional elements, and structured components, including fluid reservoirs and interfaces, allows for sequential processing of samples, enabling separation, purification, fractionation, and concentration of components, with integrated valves and reagent reservoirs for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional centrifugation and column techniques are used for separation and purification, then separation and purification can be achieved, but the process becomes complex with extensive handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation and purification functions into a single integrated microfluidic device. The device integrates centrifugal separation, filtration, and concentration functions into one unified system, eliminating the need for separate centrifugation steps, column operations, and manual handling procedures. This merging of functions directly reduces the number of handling steps while maintaining separation and purification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device employs a nested structure where functional elements are embedded within the microfluidic channels. The centrifugal separation elements, filtration membranes, and concentration zones are nested within the same device housing, allowing multiple operations to occur in sequence without removing the sample between steps. This nesting approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices and handling steps.
2Quantity of substance
If microfluidic elements like membranes, filters or frits are used for separation, then smaller volumes can be handled, but the devices are difficult to operate and have limited purification capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple operational functions (centrifugal force generation, filtration, separation, and concentration) into a single integrated system. This combination eliminates the need for complex external equipment and manual manipulation, making the device as easy to operate as conventional microfluidic devices while maintaining the ability to handle small volumes effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal platform that can perform centrifugal separation, filtration, concentration, and purification of various sample types. This universal design simplifies operation by providing a single device that handles all separation and purification tasks, rather than requiring multiple specialized devices with different operating procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If existing microfluidic systems are used for nucleic acid extraction, then small volumes can be processed, but sufficient purification for subsequent processes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines centrifugal separation with integrated filtration and concentration functions in a single microfluidic system. This merging ensures that nucleic acids are not only separated from the sample matrix but also sufficiently purified through the integrated filtration step and concentrated in the final collection chamber, providing purification quality adequate for downstream applications while maintaining small volume processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device enables continuous processing of the sample through integrated steps. The sample flows continuously through centrifugal separation, then through filtration, and finally into concentration, without interruption or manual intervention between steps. This continuous action ensures consistent purification quality throughout the process, reliable for subsequent nucleic acid analysis.
4Productivity
If automated systems are used for purification processes, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple automated functions (centrifugal separation, filtration, concentration) into a single integrated microfluidic device that can be operated with minimal manual intervention. This merging reduces the complexity that would otherwise result from coordinating multiple separate automated devices, while maintaining high productivity through continuous processing and automated fluid handling within the unified system.
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 efficient, automated, and scalable processing of small volumes, allowing for the purification and concentration of nucleic acids, with integrated reaction and detection capabilities, reducing handling steps and improving the reliability of nucleic acid extraction and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a microfluidic device (1) with a fluidic channel system (2) having at least one fluidic interface (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) and with at least one inserted functional element (5), in particular as a porous functional element (5), through which a sample can be passed
Implementation Method 2
facilitates efficient, automated, and scalable processing of small volumes, allowing for the purification and concentration of nucleic acids
Implementation Method 3
the functional element can sequentially perform different tasks in the processing of fluids in a microfluidic system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a microfluidic device and to a method for use thereof for the separation, purification and concentration of components of fluid media. The invention relates in particular to a microfluidic device and a method for processing blood samples. A microfluidic device is provided, comprising: a structured component (1), which is formed as a flat body; a microfluidic channel system (2), which is configured in the structured component (1); at least one component (3) applied to a surface of the structured component (1); at least one porous functional element (5); and at least one fluidic interface (4.1, 4.2, 4.3), which is arranged at the structured component (1), for supplying media into the microfluidic channel system (2).