Microfluidic Connector Cartridge for Automated Nucleic Acid Prep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) systems for nucleic acid analysis require complex preliminary treatments, often performed by skilled personnel, due to the need for pre-treated samples, which complicates the analysis process and limits their use in non-hospital environments for fast and inexpensive testing.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic connector group and manufacturing process for a disposable cartridge that automates the extraction and analysis of nucleic acids from biological samples, using a system that integrates sample handling, reagent management, and thermal control to simplify the treatment and analysis process, allowing for automated extraction and detection within the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex preliminary treatments are performed manually by skilled personnel, then sample analysis accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into multiple functional chambers (reaction chamber, waste chamber, collector) that perform different treatment steps independently. Each chamber handles a specific aspect of sample preparation, allowing complex treatments to be broken down into manageable segments that occur automatically within the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated sample processing where the cartridge itself performs the preliminary treatments through integrated magnetic bead-based separation and automated fluid handling. The device uses internal magnetic elements and fluidic channels to automatically conduct lysis, purification, and concentration steps without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If automated extraction and analysis systems are implemented, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated cartridge structure. The reaction chamber, waste chamber, collector, magnetic separation elements, and fluidic channels are combined into one disposable unit that performs extraction, purification, and preparation functions simultaneously, achieving automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a disposable single-use device that contains all necessary reagents, magnetic elements, and structural components. This approach allows complex automated functionality to be achieved in each unit while keeping individual cartridge manufacturing simple and low-cost, as each cartridge is discarded after one use rather than requiring durable, complex, reusable components.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual sample pre-treatment is required, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation and accessibility to non-hospital environments decrease
Solution Approach 1:
All necessary sample pre-treatment steps (lysis, magnetic bead separation, purification, concentration) are pre-programmed into the cartridge structure and reagent arrangement. When the user simply adds the sample and inserts the cartridge into the reader, the automated system executes the pre-planned treatment sequence, eliminating the need for users to perform complex manual procedures while keeping the cartridge manufacturing process relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic group includes a female connector and a male needle connector. The female connector has a connector chamber in a containment body; a duct extending in the containment body to a duct opening on a first face of the connector chamber; a needle entry hole extending from a lateral face of the containment body to a second face, not facing the first face of the connector chamber; and a gasket arranged in the connector chamber. The gasket has a side wall internally delimiting a cavity and extending in part adjacent to the second face of the connector chamber. The cavity of the gasket faces the first face of the connector chamber.