Microfluidic Diagnostic Chip with Secondary Pump for Particle Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic diagnostic chips require trained professionals to prepare samples and can fail to accurately count cells in fluids containing multiple types of particles due to their inability to distinguish between different cell types.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic diagnostic chip system with a cassette and electronic device interface that allows untrained users to analyze fluids, featuring pumps and sensors that separate particles by size using microfluidic channels and secondary channels with impedance sensors, enabling accurate counting of specific cell types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microfluidic device is used to analyze an analyte, then the analysis can be performed on a chip scale, but the device cannot distinguish between different cell types in fluids containing multiple types of particles
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device is divided into multiple parallel channels, each dedicated to counting specific cell types. This segmentation allows the device to distinguish between different cell types by routing them through separate channels with appropriate sensors, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining a manageable device structure through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of differentiation by creating parallel channels that operate simultaneously. Instead of using a single channel with complex discrimination mechanisms, the system uses multiple channels arranged in parallel, each optimized for specific cell type detection, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
2Reliability
If trained professionals prepare samples for analysis, then accurate results can be obtained, but the skill set requirement increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device incorporates automated sample preparation and analysis functions that perform tasks previously requiring trained professionals. The integrated system automatically handles sample processing, cell separation, and counting through programmed fluid flow and sensor activation, enabling untrained users to obtain accurate results while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines sample preparation, cell separation, and analysis capabilities in a single platform. This universality allows the device to perform multiple operations that previously required different skilled procedures, thereby reducing the skill requirement while maintaining accuracy
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 and precise particle counting in fluids, reducing the skill set required for analysis and lowering costs by allowing non-professionals to conduct tests, while providing micron-level analysis precision.
Implementation Method 1
a microfluidic pump to move the fluid through the microfluidic channel
Implementation Method 2
secondary microfluidic channels, each having an impedance sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A microfluidic diagnostic chip may comprise a main fluid channel comprising a main pump, a secondary fluid channel branching off from the main fluid channel, and a secondary pump within the secondary fluid channel wherein the secondary pump is to pull a particle of analyte of a first size from a fluid passing through the main channel, the fluid comprising particles of analyte of the first size and of a number of larger sizes. A method of analyzing an analyte on a microfluidic chip may comprise pumping, with a main microfluidic pump, a fluid comprising an analyte particle through a main microfluidic channel fluidly coupled to a fluid slot and sorting the analyte particle within the fluid through a secondary microfluidic channel by pulling the analyte particle into the secondary microfluidic channel with a secondary microfluidic pump.