Microfluidic Delay Structure for Cross-Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices face challenges with cross-contamination between reaction chambers, which affects the reliability of sample testing results, and increasing the distance between chambers to mitigate this issue leads to an increase in device size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a delay structure between reaction chambers and the distribution channel, with a larger cross-sectional area than the inlet channel, to slow down the flow of contents and prevent cross-contamination, while maintaining a compact device design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between reaction chambers is increased to reduce cross-contamination, then cross-contamination is reduced, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
A delay structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the reaction chamber and the distribution channel. This delay structure serves as a buffer zone that prevents direct communication between adjacent reaction chambers, thereby reducing cross-contamination without requiring increased spacing between chambers. The delay structure acts as a mediator that isolates the reaction chamber contents from the distribution channel while maintaining compact device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is segmented into distinct sections: the reaction chamber, the delay structure, and the distribution channel. This segmentation creates physical barriers and flow separation zones that prevent cross-contamination. The delay structure represents a separate segment that interrupts the direct flow path between reaction chambers, allowing for effective isolation without expanding the overall device footprint.
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the inlet channel is increased to improve flow, then flow rate increases, but cross-contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delay structure serves as an intermediary buffer zone between the inlet channel and the reaction chamber. This intermediary structure allows for higher flow rates in the inlet channel while preventing direct cross-contamination, as the delay structure acts as a flow stabilization zone that dissipates turbulent flow patterns before fluid enters the reaction chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay structure performs preliminary action by pre-stabilizing the fluid flow before it enters the reaction chamber. This preliminary flow stabilization occurs in the delay structure, where turbulent or high-velocity flow is converted to laminar flow, preventing cross-contamination at the chamber entrance while allowing high flow rates in the inlet channel.
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 delay structure effectively reduces cross-contamination between reaction chambers, enhancing the reliability of sample testing results without increasing the device size, allowing for efficient and accurate analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A delay structure may be located between the at least one reaction chamber and the distribution channel in order to delay movement of a contents of the at least one reaction chamber toward the distribution channel. The delay structure may include a chamber having an inlet and an outlet connected with the inlet channel, respectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic device having a delay structure and a sample testing apparatus including the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes: a reaction chamber which contains a reagent capable of reacting with a sample; a distribution channel through which the sample is provided to the reaction chamber; an inlet channel through which the at least one reaction chamber is connected with the distribution channel; and a delay structure which is located between the at least one reaction chamber and the distribution channel, and delays movement of contents of the reaction chamber to the distribution channel.