Microfluidic Chip Fluorescence Detection via Continuous Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic chip fluorescence data collection methods are prone to mechanical position errors, leading to inaccurate measurements, and fail to effectively capture high-speed and low-speed detection requirements, as well as changes in fluorescent signals due to single-point collection and reliance on precise motor rotation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous rotation of the microfluidic chip around a circle formed by reaction cell centers, with an optical path system collecting fluorescence signal values along the rotation direction, and processing these values to determine effective fluorescence data by identifying maximum and sub-maximum values and thresholds, while monitoring for data abnormalities and motor rotation speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a motor drives the microfluidic chip to rotate and stop at a specified position for single-point collection, then the fluorescence signal value can be detected at a fixed position, but mechanical position errors cause deviation between detection position and reaction cell position, leading to inaccurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rotation of the microfluidic chip without stopping, and continuously collects fluorescence data along the rotation direction. This eliminates the need for precise positioning and stopping at specified angles, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability caused by mechanical positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system (motor stopping at precise angles) with an optical scanning system that collects data continuously during rotation. By substituting the mechanical positioning approach with a continuous optical detection approach, the system eliminates sensitivity to mechanical errors while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Speed
If the microfluidic chip is rotated at high speed for centrifuging, then the centrifugal effect is achieved, but the fluorescence detection cannot be performed accurately due to high-speed motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic data collection during chip rotation, where the optical path system continuously scans and collects fluorescence data while the chip is rotating. This dynamic approach allows the system to capture accurate fluorescence signals even during high-speed rotation, resolving the contradiction between rotation speed and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent collects multiple fluorescence data points along the rotation direction before processing. By preliminarily collecting redundant data during rotation, the system can later process this data to extract accurate fluorescence signals corresponding to each reaction cell, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite high-speed motion.
3Device complexity
If single-point collection is used at a specified position, then the detection system is simple, but it cannot capture changes in fluorescent signal values and cannot truly reflect the fluorescence characteristics of the reaction cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence detection process by collecting multiple data points along the rotation direction, with each data point corresponding to a different angular position. This segmentation allows the system to capture the complete fluorescence signal profile of each reaction cell, preserving information about signal changes while maintaining relatively simple detection hardware.
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 approach ensures accurate and continuous fluorescence data collection, avoiding mechanical errors and temperature-related inaccuracies, allowing for evaluation of reagent blending and edge effects, and generating amplification curves from chronological data sorting.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, by an optical path system, a light perpendicular to the microfluidic chip... collecting fluorescence signal values along a rotation direction of the microfluidic chip by using the optical path system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuously collecting fluorescence data of a microfluidic chip is provided. In the method, an optical path system emits a light perpendicular to the microfluidic chip, such that a center of a light spot formed by the optical path system on the microfluidic chip is located on a circle formed by centers of all reaction cells. The microfluidic chip is rotated around a center of the circle formed by centers of all the reaction cells. Fluorescence signal values are collected by using the optical path system along a rotation direction of the microfluidic chip. The collected fluorescence signal values are processed to obtain effective fluorescence data of all the reaction cells.