Portable Microfluidic Chip Carrier for Integrated Fluorescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices for point-of-care diagnostics are hindered by the need for expensive and bulky fluorescence microscopes, and portable solutions lack the necessary electronics for dielectrophoresis signal generation, making them unsuitable for low-cost, portable, and user-friendly applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable and compact system integrating optical, electrical, mechanical, and computational elements for dielectrophoretic manipulation and fluorescent analyte detection, featuring a microfluidic chip carrier with embedded electrodes, an electronics module for signal generation, and an optical module for fluorescence detection, allowing for user-friendly operation and remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence microscopes are used for analyte detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluorescence detection system with the microfluidic chip and electrode assembly into a single integrated portable device. The optical module, electronic module, and microfluidic chip with electrodes are merged into one compact unit that can perform dielectrophoresis manipulation and fluorescence detection simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate expensive equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device performs multiple functions including dielectrophoretic manipulation of particles, fluorescence excitation and detection, and integrated signal processing. The same device housing and power system support both the electrode array for particle manipulation and the optical components for fluorescence analysis, making the system universally applicable for comprehensive diagnostic assays
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence microscopes with high quality components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but weight and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable microfluidic chip that integrates the electrode array and fluid handling components. This eliminates the need for expensive, heavy, and complex reusable equipment while maintaining measurement precision. The chip is designed for single-use to ensure consistent performance and eliminate calibration requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fluorescence microscope components with miniaturized optical elements and integrated circuits. Instead of using bulky mechanical filters and beam splitters, the system uses compact optical filters and integrated photodetectors that can be embedded within the portable device housing, dramatically reducing weight while maintaining detection capability
3Ease of manufacture
If portable optical measurement devices are used, then cost is reduced, but adaptability to microfluidic chips with electrodes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic system into a reusable portable reader device and a disposable microfluidic chip. The reader provides the optical and electronic infrastructure, while the chip contains the application-specific electrode array and fluid handling. This segmentation allows the expensive optical components to be reused while the inexpensive chip is discarded, reducing overall cost while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized interface between the portable reader and microfluidic chip that includes electrical contacts and optical alignment features. This intermediary connection system enables different chip designs to be compatible with the same reader platform, providing versatility without requiring custom-built equipment for each application
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
The system provides a cost-effective, portable, and energy-efficient solution for dielectrophoretic manipulation and fluorescent detection, enabling efficient point-of-care diagnostics with minimal infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
DEP is particularly interesting because it can generate a force by polarizing a suspended dielectric particle within a non-homogeneous electric field. Particle or cell manipulation via DEP therefore requires creating an electric field gradient
Implementation Method 2
Fluorescence markers require optical detection with very sharp filters for the efficient separation between excitation light and fluorescent emission
Implementation Method 3
an emission radiation detector which detects radiation emitted from the sample through the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for interfacing with a microfluidic chip having at least one microscopic channel configured to receive a liquid sample for analysis. The assembly includes a chip carrier, an electronics module, an optical module, and a mechanical module. The chip carrier includes a base and a cover defining a cavity to receive the microfluidic chip. The electronics module includes a signal generator which applies at least one electrokinetic signal electrode(s) of the chip. The optical module includes an excitation radiation source which causes excitation radiation to impinge on the sample, and an emission radiation detector which detects radiation emitted from the sample. The mechanical module includes a chip-carrier receiving structure, relatable with respect to the optical module for focus and at least one degree of translational freedom.