Microfluidic Container with Integrated Conductive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for thermal cycling of liquids in microtiter plates or sealed tubes require an intervening material for heat transfer, which is problematic for miniaturization and scaling due to design constraints of sealing and heating/cooling large volumes of liquids.
Innovation Solution
A container system with conductive members for direct heating and temperature control of microfluidic arrays, allowing for efficient thermal cycling of multiple samples without the need for intervening materials, using conductive members and electrical contacts to manage heat transfer and temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external temperature-controlled liquid or solid is used to transfer heat into or extract heat from the liquid PCR reagents, then heat transfer can be achieved, but the requirement for an intervening material between the energy source and the heated or cooled liquid limits miniaturization and scaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intervening material (external heat transfer medium) by integrating the heating element directly into the container wall. The conductive member is incorporated into the container structure itself, eliminating the need for separate heat transfer fluids or solids between the energy source and the sample liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function is merged with the container structure by incorporating a conductive member directly into the container wall. This integration combines the functions of containment and heating into a single unified structure, allowing direct electrical heating of the sample without requiring separate heat transfer media.
2Reliability
If large volumes of liquids are contained in the well of a thermoplastic microtiter well plate, then sealing can be achieved, but heating and cooling of large volumes becomes problematic for miniaturization and scaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a thermoplastic material for the container body that provides reliable sealing, while incorporating a conductive member (such as a metal layer or coating) in the specific region where heating is required. This allows the container to have different thermal properties in different locations - good sealing throughout and efficient heating at the sample contact point.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is constructed as a composite structure combining thermoplastic material for sealing and containment with a conductive material for efficient heating. This composite construction allows the container to simultaneously achieve reliable sealing of large volumes and efficient thermal cycling of the samples within.
3Productivity
If conductive members are used for direct heating of microfluidic arrays, then heating efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the container structure by incorporating the conductive member directly into the container wall during manufacturing. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating components and reduces assembly complexity, as the heating capability is built-in rather than added as a separate module.
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 rapid and efficient thermal cycling of multiple samples, achieving high heating and cooling rates while maintaining optical access and minimizing evaporation, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive member for heating the interior volume
Implementation Method 2
The conductive member can be in communication with one or more electrically-conductive contacts located on an exterior surface of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a conductive member for heating the interior volume. Another aspect of the invention provides container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a plurality of conductive members for heating an interior volume. Another aspect of the invention provides a container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a first conductive member located in the interior volume and adapted to contact a first end of the microfluidic array.