Microfluidic Chip for CTC Separation via Particle Size and Raman Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating and detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are inefficient, requiring complex operations, expensive reagents, and often result in inaccurate results due to the inability to distinguish cells with similar particle diameters, and lack integration for automated processing.
Innovation Solution
A sample preliminary screening chip with a channel structure that separates CTCs based on particle size, combined with a microfluidic chip and Raman spectroscopy for precise detection, allowing for automated processing and accurate separation of CTCs without the need for specific antibodies or manual operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to separate and detect circulating tumor cells, then detection can be performed, but the process requires complex operations, expensive reagents, and manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines preliminary screening, separation, and detection functions into an integrated microfluidic chip system. The chip integrates a preliminary screening channel with enlarged cross-section, separation channel, and detection chamber into a single automated device, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and manual handling steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed to automatically perform sequential operations including sample loading, preliminary screening, separation based on particle diameter, and Raman spectroscopy detection. The system uses automated fluid control and integrated detectors to eliminate manual intervention throughout the workflow.
2Measurement precision
If conventional separation methods are used, then cells can be separated, but accuracy is reduced due to inability to distinguish cells with similar particle diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The preliminary screening channel features a locally enlarged cross-sectional area that creates specific flow dynamics for particles of different sizes. This localized structural modification enables differential migration of cells based on particle diameter, achieving high separation accuracy for cells with similar sizes without requiring complex external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation methods with Raman spectroscopy-based detection. Instead of relying solely on physical separation techniques that struggle with similar-sized cells, the system uses optical detection to identify and distinguish cells based on their spectral fingerprints, achieving superior accuracy.
3Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used, then cell detection can be performed, but costs increase due to expensive reagents and manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from conventional reagent-based methods and implements it through integrated Raman spectroscopy detection within the microfluidic chip. This eliminates the need for expensive fluorescent labels, antibodies, or other consumable reagents, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining high detection reliability.
4Productivity
If manual operations are used for sample processing, then processing can be performed, but productivity is reduced and automation is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip enables continuous automated processing of samples through integrated channels that sequentially perform screening, separation, and detection without interruption. The system maintains continuous fluid flow and automated operation throughout the workflow, maximizing productivity and eliminating manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a sample preliminary screening chip, a specimen detecting method and a screening device. A data processor may be configured to control a sample solution containing a specimen to be added into a preliminary screening inlet of the sample preliminary screening chip, and control the sample solution in the preliminary screening inlet to enter a channel, successively to flow through a first preliminary screening area and a second preliminary screening area, and to flow out from a preliminary screening outlet so as to store a liquid with the specimen in a first preliminary screening area. In this way, the liquid containing the specimen may be screened preliminarily.