Microfluidic Chip Nested Reactors for Biomolecule Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and monitoring biological samples, particularly in clinical and environmental settings, face challenges in accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency, especially when dealing with complex biomolecules like nucleic acids and proteins.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip is designed with a first storage for accommodating samples containing target materials, multiple second storages with reactants for these materials, and well arrays where enzyme reactions occur, along with an optical unit for measuring optical signals and a processor for detecting biomolecules based on these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional biochemical treatment processes are used for analyzing clinical or environmental samples, then the analysis can be performed with standard equipment, but the accuracy and sensitivity for detecting biomolecules are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where microfluidic channels are integrated within a chip substrate, and multiple functional components (reaction chambers, detection zones, fluid control elements) are embedded within each other. This nesting approach enables high-precision biomolecule detection by confining samples to micro-scale reaction zones while keeping the overall device compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microfluidic channels as intermediary structures that mediate between sample introduction and detection systems. These channels serve as controlled transport pathways that enable precise delivery of samples and reagents to reaction zones, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring complex external handling equipment.
2Measurement precision
If molecular diagnosis based on nucleic acid is used for diagnosis of infectious diseases or cancer, then excellent accuracy and sensitivity are achieved, but the complexity of biochemical treatment processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple biochemical treatment steps (sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection) into a single integrated microfluidic chip. This consolidation maintains the excellent accuracy and sensitivity of molecular diagnosis while reducing process complexity by eliminating the need for separate equipment and manual transfer steps between different apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving as a universal platform that can perform various biochemical operations including sample lysis, nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification, and fluorescent detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high diagnostic accuracy while simplifying the overall process by replacing multiple specialized devices with a single versatile chip.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reactants are used for different target materials in sample analysis, then comprehensive detection capability is improved, but the number of storage units and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple specialized reaction chambers within the microfluidic chip, with each chamber dedicated to detecting specific target materials using appropriate reactants. This segmentation enables comprehensive detection capability by allowing simultaneous analysis of different biomolecules while maintaining a manageable device structure through modular organization of functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension within the microfluidic chip to accommodate multiple reactant storage zones and reaction chambers. By organizing components in three-dimensional space rather than requiring linear expansion, the system achieves comprehensive detection capability for multiple target materials without proportionally increasing device complexity or footprint.
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 solution enables precise and sensitive detection of biomolecules by facilitating enzyme reactions within the microfluidic chip, allowing for accurate analysis of nucleic acids and proteins, and improving the efficiency of sample processing and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
emit first light onto the solution of the sample in the plurality of well arrays and configured to measure an optical signal reflected from the solution of the sample
Implementation Method 2
configured to accommodate a solution of the sample, in which the reactants for the target materials are dissolved
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a microfluidic chip, and an apparatus and a method for detecting biomolecules by using the microfluidic chip. According to an example embodiment, the microfluidic chip includes: a first storage configured to accommodate a sample, the sample including target materials; a plurality of second storages connected to the first storage, the plurality of second storages including reactants for the target materials; and a plurality of well arrays connected to the plurality of second storages, respectively, and configured to accommodate a solution of the sample, in which the reactants for the target materials are dissolved.