Microfluidic Cap Analyte Sensor with Dispense Chemistry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological fluids often require individuals to travel to medical facilities for sample analysis, leading to delays and increased costs, especially in remote areas with limited access to testing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a microfluidic cap and dispense chemistry is developed, allowing for onsite analysis of fluid samples using a sensor system that includes an assay chamber, electrode structures, and a controller to identify analytes based on electrical signals generated from interactions between the sample and dispense chemistry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individuals travel to medical facilities for sample analysis, then accurate analyte measurement is achieved, but time loss and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis function is extracted from centralized medical facilities and embedded into a portable sensor system that can be used at the point of need. The sensor package contains all necessary components (electrodes, dispense chemistry, microfluidic cap) to perform analyte measurement locally, eliminating the need for travel to laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system enables individuals to perform their own analyte testing without requiring professional laboratory staff or medical facility resources. The automated operation of the sensor package allows users to collect samples, add dispense chemistry, and obtain results independently at home or in remote locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If centralized laboratory analysis is used, then comprehensive testing capability is maintained, but accessibility deteriorates in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The complex laboratory analysis system is segmented into a compact, self-contained sensor package that can be distributed to remote areas. The sensor system divides the testing function into discrete components (sensor package, controller, display) that can operate independently without requiring full laboratory infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system changes the operational parameters of analyte testing from centralized, resource-intensive laboratory conditions to decentralized, portable conditions. The dispense chemistry and microfluidic design enable reliable measurement with minimal sample volume and without requiring controlled laboratory environments.
3Loss of time
If rapid onsite testing is implemented, then time efficiency improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dispense chemistry is pre-prepared and dried on the sensor electrodes before use. This preliminary preparation allows the chemistry to be instantly activated upon contact with the fluid sample, eliminating preparation time while ensuring consistent, accurate measurements through controlled chemistry application.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic cap utilizes capillary action to automatically draw the fluid sample into contact with the dispense chemistry and electrodes. This passive fluid handling eliminates the need for complex pumping mechanisms while ensuring complete sample interaction with the sensing elements for accurate measurement.
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, cost-effective, and accessible analysis of fluid samples at the point of need, reducing the need for transportation to medical facilities and facilitating self-testing in remote areas.
Implementation Method 1
The microfluidic cap may be configured to draw the fluid sample into contact with the dispense chemistry and/or the electrode structures using capillary action
Implementation Method 2
a sensor system that includes an assay chamber, electrode structures, and a controller to identify analytes based on electrical signals generated from interactions between the sample and dispense chemistry
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes an assay chamber configured to receive a fluid sample. Dispense chemistry disposed within the assay chamber. A first electrode structure includes at least one conductive element and a second electrode structure proximate to the first electrode structure is configured to transmit an electrical signal through the fluid sample. The first electrode structure is configured to receive the electrical signal transmitted through the fluid sample and responsively generate a sense signal. The sense signal being indicative of an interaction of the fluid sample with the dispense chemistry. A controller is electrically coupled to the first electrode structure and configured to identify at least one analyte in the fluid sample based on at least the sense signal generated by the first electrode structure. The first electrode structure is embedded within a base substrate and the second electrode structure is embedded within a microfluidic cap that is coupled to the base substrate.