Microfluidic Cell Capture Array with Electrophoresis Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell sorting technologies face limitations in allowing multiple analyses of the same cell, arbitrary cell subpopulation sorting, and maintaining cell viability during capture and removal, while also being prone to clogging and lacking specificity in identifying and isolating individual cells.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system with an array of pores that captures and retains cells at addressable locations, utilizing electrophoresis channels and electrodes for analysis, and an encapsulation module to maintain cell viability and prevent clogging, allowing for real-time tracking and selective removal of cells without the need for antibody-coated chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microfluidic devices use cell-specific antibodies for cell selection, then cell identification specificity is improved, but the system cannot capture non-expressing cells and requires complex antibody coating procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cell capture function into multiple independent pores, each capable of capturing cells based on size rather than specific antigen expression. This allows non-expressing cells to be captured while maintaining identification capability through the array architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary separation mechanism based on cell size and physical dimensions rather than direct antibody-cell binding. The pores act as intermediaries that separate cells from the fluid stream based on physical characteristics, enabling capture of cells without specific antigen expression.
2Measurement precision
If conventional microfluidic devices capture cells using antibody binding, then cell selection is improved, but cell removal causes cell damage and viability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts cells from the fluid stream through size-based physical separation at the pores, rather than extracting them through antibody binding. This extraction method allows cells to be removed from the stream without the damaging effects of antibody-mediated capture and subsequent release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biochemical mechanism of antibody binding with a physical mechanism of size-based separation. This substitution eliminates the need for antibody coating and the associated cell damage, while maintaining effective cell capture and selection.
3Reliability
If cellular filters separate sample components based on size, then cell capture without damage is improved, but clogging occurs and specific cell identification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality differentiation through an array of pores with specific size characteristics that are optimized for capturing cells of particular sizes. Each pore location and dimension is designed to selectively capture cells while maintaining identification capability through the organized array structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials and pore structures that enable size-based separation without causing clogging. The porous architecture allows continuous flow and cell capture while maintaining open pathways that prevent blockage, combining size selection with sustained operational capability.
4Productivity
If flow cytometry is used for cell sorting, then rapid cell analysis is improved, but multiple analyses of the same cell are not allowed and arbitrary subpopulation sorting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cell analysis process into multiple parallel processing channels through the array of pores. This segmentation enables simultaneous capture and subsequent individual analysis of multiple cells, providing both rapid processing and flexible subpopulation sorting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control over cell capture and analysis through programmable sorting capabilities. The system can dynamically sort cells into different subpopulations based on size and other characteristics, enabling flexible multi-step analysis while maintaining high throughput.
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 efficient capture, analysis, and selective removal of cells with minimal damage, facilitating multiplex assays and maintaining cell viability, while minimizing clogging and improving specificity in cell identification and isolation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electrophoresis channels and electrodes for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for capturing and analyzing a set of cells, comprising: an array including a set of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber including a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, and configured to hold a single cell, and a pore channel fluidly connected to the chamber outlet; an inlet channel fluidly connected to each chamber inlet of the set of parallel pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to each pore channel of the set of parallel pores; a set of electrophoresis channels fluidly coupled to the outlet channel, configured to receive a sieving matrix for electrophoretic separation; and a set of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the set of electrodes is configured to provide an electric field that facilitates electrophoretic analysis of the set of cells.