Multifunctional Microfluidic Chamber for Mixing and Optical Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic test elements face challenges in achieving homogeneous mixing of liquid samples with reagents, leading to inefficiencies in analyte detection, particularly in compact designs that require multiple parallel channel structures for complex test protocols.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic test element with a multifunctional measuring chamber that integrates mixing and measurement functions, featuring a rounded bottom and additional structural elements for efficient reagent resuspension and distribution, allowing for simultaneous mixing and optical analysis without additional chambers, thus optimizing space and reducing reagent loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate mixing chamber and measurement chamber are used, then homogeneous mixing of reagents with liquid sample is achieved, but device complexity increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mixing chamber and measurement chamber into a single integrated multifunctional chamber. The mixing space is positioned at the bottom of the chamber while the measurement space occupies the upper portion, allowing both mixing and optical measurement to occur in the same chamber without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a mixing chamber for homogenizing reagents with liquid samples and as a measurement chamber for optical analysis. The rounded bottom geometry facilitates mixing while the transparent walls enable optical measurements, making the chamber universally functional for both purposes.
2Productivity
If multiple parallel channel structures are implemented for complex test protocols, then test capacity increases, but reagent loss and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates mixing and measurement functions into a single chamber, eliminating the need for separate mixing chambers and reducing the number of fluidic pathways required. This reduction in channel structures decreases reagent loss while maintaining the capacity to perform complex multi-step tests through careful chamber design.
3Volume of stationary object
If compact design is implemented, then space efficiency increases, but mixing efficiency and measurement accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber features a rounded bottom geometry that creates efficient fluid circulation patterns during mixing. The curved surfaces promote uniform mixing by eliminating dead zones and ensuring complete contact between reagents and liquid sample, achieving homogeneous mixing in a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stratification within the compact chamber, positioning the mixing space at the bottom and the measurement space above it. This vertical arrangement allows sufficient mixing volume while maintaining a compact overall footprint, and the transparent side walls enable optical measurements without requiring additional horizontal space.
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 design ensures reliable and efficient mixing of reagents with the liquid sample within the same chamber used for analysis, reducing reagent and sample loss, enabling compact and efficient parallel processing of multiple tests while maintaining accurate optical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing space (15) is designed with a rounded bottom (39) to facilitate efficient mixing and distribution of the reagent with the liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
light is directed along an optical axis through the measuring space (14) of the measuring chamber (13)
Implementation Method 3
The substrate (12) consists of a plastic material which is preferably transparent or opaque in such a way that an analyte in the liquid sample can be optically detected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a test element (3) for optical analysis of a liquid sample and to an analysis system (1) comprising a test element (3) and an analysis unit (2) with a holder (4) for holding the test element (3), a measurement and evaluation unit (10), an optical receiver (9) for receiving and an optical transmitter (8) for transmitting light. The test element (3) has a substrate (12) and a microfluidic channel structure (11) surrounded by the substrate (12) and a cover layer. The channel structure (11) has a measurement chamber (13) with an inlet orifice (17). The test element (3) has a first level (24) which faces the cover layer and in which the optical analysis is effected. A second level (25) of the test element (3) adjoins the first level (24) in such a way that the first level (24) is arranged between the cover layer and the second level (25). A portion of the measurement chamber (13) which extends through the first level (24) forms a measurement space (14) which is adjoined by a part of the measurement chamber (13) which extends partly into the second level (25) and is a mixing space (15). The optical analysis of the liquid sample is effected by means of light, which is passed through the first level (24) parallel to the cover layer such that the light passes through the measurement space (14) of the measurement chamber (13) along an optical axis (30). The mixing space (15) of the measurement chamber (13) arranged in the second level (25) has a rounded base (39).