Microfluidic Cartridge for Rapid Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies for molecule detection, such as nucleic acids and proteins, require expensive laboratory equipment and expert personnel, leading to delays in identifying pathogens, diseases, and contaminations, which can spread and cause harm before proper tests are conducted.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system comprising a cartridge device with a sample analysis cartridge that includes a reagent shuttle, sensor, and magnetic particles for detecting analytes, allowing for rapid analysis in non-clinical settings with minimal biohazard risk, using sample preparation reagents like magnetic particles and signaling agents to facilitate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laboratory equipment and expert personnel are used for molecule detection, then detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into two separate components: a simple disposable cartridge containing all reagents and sample preparation components, and a reader device that performs detection. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be contained in the reader while the cartridge remains simple and easy to use.
Solution Approach 2:
All sample preparation reagents including magnetic particles, affinity molecules, and amplification reagents are pre-loaded into the cartridge before use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to prepare complex reagent mixes, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable detection.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory procedures are used for molecule detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical laboratory procedures with magnetic field-based manipulation. Magnetic particles are used to automate sample preparation, mixing, and separation processes, eliminating manual operations and reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses isothermal amplification conditions instead of traditional PCR temperature cycling, maintaining a constant temperature of approximately 37°C. This parameter change simplifies the detection process and reduces the time required while preserving detection accuracy.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional laboratory equipment is used for molecule detection, then detection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed to perform sample preparation automatically using magnetic particles and pre-loaded reagents. The system self-manages mixing, separation, and reagent delivery without requiring user intervention, making operation simple while maintaining advanced detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as intermediaries between the user and the complex biochemical processes. Users simply introduce the sample, and the magnetic particles automatically facilitate all subsequent steps including binding, separation, and delivery to the detection zone.
4Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory settings are used for molecule detection, then detection thoroughness is improved, but biohazard risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the sample preparation and initial processing functions into a sealed, disposable cartridge that can be discarded after use. This extraction prevents potential biohazards from being introduced into the laboratory environment while maintaining thorough detection capabilities within the closed cartridge 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
Enables rapid and accurate detection of molecules in various settings, reducing the need for specialized equipment and expertise, thereby minimizing the spread of illnesses and contaminations by providing quick results.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic particles each having surface-bound affinity molecules
Implementation Method 2
surface-bound affinity molecules
Implementation Method 3
The reagent shuttle may be designed to move within the input tunnel when subjected to a force greater than a threshold force
Implementation Method 4
The sensor may be configured to analyze the fluid mixed with the reagent ball and the sample and further configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one of the presence, absence, or quantity of the one or more analytes within the sample
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. The reader component may communicate 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.