Microfluidic Channel Rouleaux Plasma Separation for Hemoglobin Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the concentration of analytes in whole blood samples, particularly extracellular or free hemoglobin, are often compromised by hemolysis during blood sample handling, leading to altered plasma composition and potential sample rejection.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a microfluidic channel to generate a cell-free plasma region through rouleaux effect, where the sample is illuminated with light of varying wavelengths to capture images and analyze pixel intensity for determining analyte concentration without additional plasma separation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional plasma separation techniques are used to determine analyte concentration, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of plasma separation by using a simple microfluidic channel geometry to generate rouleaux formation, eliminating the need for complex separation devices while still achieving cell-free plasma region generation for accurate analyte measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channel structure itself performs the separation function through its geometry-induced rouleaux effect, allowing the system to serve its own plasma separation needs without external complex equipment
2Measurement precision
If additional plasma separation techniques are employed, then measurement accuracy may improve, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel geometry is designed to automatically generate rouleaux formation as blood enters the channel, performing the plasma separation action preliminarily and continuously without requiring additional time-consuming processing steps
3Reliability
If hemolysis occurs during sample handling, then sample composition is altered, but this leads to sample rejection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical handling operations that cause hemolysis with a gentle microfluidic flow system that uses controlled flow dynamics to generate rouleaux formation, eliminating the mechanical stress that causes red blood cell rupture
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 accurate determination of analyte concentration, specifically free hemoglobin, in whole blood samples without additional reagents or methods, reducing time and sample rejection due to hemolysis, by leveraging rouleaux formation to create a cell-free plasma region for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
generating a cell-free plasma region in the channel based on rouleaux effect
Implementation Method 2
illuminating the sample with light having one or more varying wavelengths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method and a device for determining a concentration of one or more analytes in a whole blood sample is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the method includes introducing the sample in a channel. The method further includes generating a cell-free plasma region in the channel, wherein the cell-free plasma region is generated in the channel based on rouleaux effect. The method further includes illuminating the sample with light having varying wavelengths. Additionally, the method includes obtaining an image of the illuminated sample at each of the wavelengths. Furthermore, the method includes analyzing the image to determine the concentration of the one or more analytes.