Microfluidic Cartridge for Biological Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing biological samples are not comprehensive, efficient, rapid, reliable, hygienic, robust, or cost-effective, and often require complex designs for cartridges used in point-of-care systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cartridge with a fluid system that conveys and processes a sample by pumping it through multiple channels and cavities, using a sensor arrangement for analyte detection, and dividing the sample into portions for sequential testing, while preventing contamination and allowing for easy flushing and emptying of channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-use cartridge with microfluidic system is used for point-of-care testing, then portability and autonomous operation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a reusable analysis device and a disposable single-use cartridge. The cartridge contains the microfluidic system with pre-filled reagents and sample processing components, while the analysis device houses the sensor apparatus and control electronics. This segmentation allows the complex microfluidic functionality to be contained in a throwaway component, reducing the complexity burden on the permanent device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single-use cartridge that is discarded after one test. This disposable approach transfers the complexity and potential contamination risks to a low-cost, temporary component rather than the expensive, reusable analysis device. The cartridge includes pre-measured reagents and a microfluidic system that is factory-sealed and single-use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance systems in the permanent device.
2Productivity
If multiple testing functions are integrated into one cartridge, then testing efficiency and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-use cartridge is designed to perform multiple testing functions within a single integrated system. It includes separate reaction chambers for different chemical reactions, storage chambers for multiple reagents, and a microfluidic network that can route samples through different processing paths. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive diagnostic testing to be performed in one cartridge without requiring multiple separate devices or repeated sample collection.
3Measurement precision
If sample is divided into multiple portions for sequential testing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic system in the cartridge is designed to continuously transport the sample through multiple reaction chambers and testing zones without interruption. After the initial sample division, each portion flows sequentially through predetermined channels that perform different analytical functions. This continuous flow eliminates the need to manually transfer or reposition sample portions between testing stages, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing time loss through automated, uninterrupted processing.
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
This approach enables comprehensive, efficient, and reliable testing of biological samples with a compact and cost-effective cartridge design, minimizing contamination and measurement errors, and allowing for autonomous operation of point-of-care systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sample is conveyed or pumped through a fluid system having a plurality of channels and cavities in a cartridge, in particular by means of a pump apparatus of the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
analytes of the sample being identified or detected by means of a sensor arrangement and/or sensor apparatus, in particular electrochemically and/or by redox cycling
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for testing a biological sample is proposed, wherein the sample is divided into a plurality of sample portions, is fed to a sensor arrangement in a first conveying direction and is carried away in a second conveying direction which is opposite to the first conveying direction, and/or a sensor cover is lowered onto a sensor apparatus multiple times. Furthermore, a cartridge for testing a biological sample is proposed, wherein different fluidic circuits can be formed by actuating valves in the cartridge, and the sample or another fluid can be conveyed in the fluidic circuits by means of a pump apparatus.