Microfluidic Cartridge With Magnetic Separation for Rapid Molecule 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 professionals, leading to delays in identifying pathogens, diseases, and contaminations, which can spread and cause harm before results are available.
Innovation Solution
A portable system comprising a cartridge device with internal barriers and sensors, a reader device with a magnetic field generator and processor, and a sample collection device, enabling rapid detection of molecules in non-clinical settings with minimal technical expertise, using magnetic particles and affinity molecules for sample analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laboratory equipment and expert professionals are used for molecule detection, then detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a portable cartridge containing sample preparation reagents and magnetic separation components, a reader device with magnetic field generator and detection sensors, and a computing device for data processing. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as intermediaries between the sample and detection system. These particles bind to target molecules and can be manipulated by the magnetic field generator, enabling separation and concentration of analytes without requiring complex manual manipulation or expert operation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory procedures are used for molecule detection, then detection precision is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge contains pre-loaded sample preparation reagents and magnetic particles that are ready for immediate use. The system performs automated magnetic separation and sample preparation steps quickly, eliminating time-consuming manual procedures while maintaining detection precision through consistent, reproducible processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation of samples and reagents is replaced by an automated magnetic field generation system. The magnetic field generator rapidly manipulates magnetic particles for separation and concentration, significantly reducing detection time while maintaining or improving precision through automated control.
3Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment is used for molecule detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for self-service operation with automated sample processing, magnetic separation, and detection. The cartridge and reader work together to automatically perform complex procedures, eliminating the need for expert manual manipulation while maintaining detection accuracy through consistent automated protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particles and magnetic field generator serve as intermediaries that simplify operation. Users simply introduce the sample and cartridge, and the magnetic system automatically performs separation, concentration, and delivery of analytes to the detection sensors, making the complex process easy to operate while maintaining accuracy.
4Loss of time
If rapid detection is implemented in non-clinical settings, then response time is improved, but biohazard risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge employs sealed chambers and barriers that contain samples and reagents, preventing exposure and contamination. This enclosed design allows rapid detection in non-clinical settings while minimizing biohazard risks by keeping potentially hazardous materials contained throughout the automated processing procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual handling of samples is replaced by automated magnetic manipulation and fluid transport systems. This eliminates the need for users to directly manipulate potentially hazardous samples, reducing biohazard exposure risks while enabling rapid detection in non-clinical environments.
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 quick and accurate detection of molecules in less than 30 minutes by non-trained consumers, reducing biohazard risks and providing timely results for health assessments in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet aligned with the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a sonication component electrically coupled to the circuit and aligned with a first of the plurality of reservoirs. The sonication component may form a component of the cartridge device or the reader device and can be comprised partially or wholly of a piezoelectric transducer
Implementation Method 3
can be comprised partially or wholly of a piezoelectric transducer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
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. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates 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.