Microfluidic Connector Sealing for Automated Nucleic Acid Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lab-On-Chip (LOC) systems for nucleic acid analysis require complex preliminary treatments and specialized personnel due to the need for pre-treated samples, making them less accessible for simple and automated testing, especially in non-hospital environments.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic cartridge system that automates the extraction and analysis of nucleic acids from biological samples using a disposable cartridge with integrated fluidic circuits and a control machine, employing gravity and suction pressure to move liquids and reagents, and includes a connector group for seamless integration with the machine, simplifying the treatment and analysis process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex preliminary treatments are performed manually, then analysis accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment operations (lysis, purification, concentration) into a single integrated microfluidic cartridge that performs all steps automatically. The cartridge integrates reagent reservoirs, reaction chambers, and fluid transport channels into one unified device that requires no external intervention for sample preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic cartridge is designed to perform sample preparation automatically without requiring specialized personnel. The device self-regulates fluid movement through capillary forces and integrated valves, automatically mixing reagents and processing samples without manual intervention beyond initial sample insertion.
2Reliability
If manual pre-treatment is used, then sample quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge automatically performs all sample preparation steps including lysis, purification, and concentration without requiring user expertise. The device self-regulates through integrated capillary pumps and valves, making operation as simple as inserting the sample and retrieving results.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic cartridge is designed to handle multiple sample types and treatment protocols within a single device. It can process different biological samples (blood, saliva, tissue) using the same basic platform, eliminating the need for specialized training for different sample types.
3Ease of operation
If automated microfluidic system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex analysis system is divided into separate functional modules: a disposable microfluidic cartridge for sample preparation and a reusable main unit for detection. This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to be contained in the cartridge while keeping the main unit simpler and more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable microfluidic cartridges that are pre-filled with reagents and designed for single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and maintenance systems, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining automated operation. The cartridge is discarded after one use, eliminating contamination risks and maintenance requirements.
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
The system simplifies the treatment and analysis of nucleic acids, reducing the need for specialized personnel and enabling fast, automated, and inexpensive testing, making it suitable for non-hospital environments by automating the extraction and analysis process within the microfluidic cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
The gasket 240 is cup-shaped with rectangular base and rounded edges (Figure 27) and comprises a sidewall 243A and a bottom wall 243B
Implementation Method 2
The needle 226, which has a generally cylindrical shape, is similar to hypodermic needles and thus has a smooth lateral surface, with very limited roughness so that it is unlikely to trap harmful agents
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A microfluidic group comprising a female connector (223) and a male needle connector (222). The female connector has a connector chamber (236) in a containment body (235); a duct (244) extending in the containment body (235) to a duct opening (244A) on a first face (236A) of the connector chamber (236); a needle entry hole (242) extending from a lateral face (235A) of the containment body (235) to a second face (236B), not facing the first face (236A) of the connector chamber (236); and a gasket (240) arranged in the connector chamber (236). The gasket has a side wall (243A) internally delimiting a cavity (245) and extending in part adjacent to the second face (235B) of the connector chamber (236). The cavity (245) of the gasket (240) faces the first face (236A) of the connector chamber (236) .