Microfluidic Device Rotary Vibration Sample Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices face challenges in performing accurate sample preparation and sample volume metering, leading to inconsistent and unreliable results due to the lack of stability and high fabrication costs, which is a barrier for local clinics and workshops lacking advanced laboratory facilities.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a rotary and vibration unit for sample preparation and volume metering, featuring a drive module with a microfluidic platform that includes an injection chamber, metering chamber, and reaction chamber, utilizing centrifugal force and vibration to isolate and transfer samples, reducing manual errors and variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual volume metering is used in LOC devices, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to manmade errors and volume variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical volume metering with an automated microfluidic system that uses centrifugal force and capillary action to control fluid movement. The rotary unit and vibration unit automatically perform sample transfer and mixing, eliminating manual errors while maintaining ease of operation through automated volume metering with precision better than 1% variation.
2Device complexity
If capillary siphoning is used for sample transport, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to unstable and hard-to-fabricate structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotary unit that dynamically rotates to generate centrifugal force for sample transport, replacing static capillary siphoning structures. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable and repeatable sample transport with better than 1% volume variation, while the rotary structure remains simple to fabricate using standard microfluidic techniques.
3Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used for sample preparation, then measurement precision is improved through better sample purification, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centrifugation function directly into the microfluidic chip by integrating a rotary unit with centrifugal force generation capability. This eliminates the need for separate external centrifuges, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the precision benefits of centrifugal sample preparation and purification.
4Measurement precision
If advanced instruments are used for sample preparation and metering, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases creating barriers for local clinics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microfluidic chips with integrated sample preparation and metering functions, eliminating the need for expensive reusable instruments. The chips are manufactured using low-cost techniques and can be discarded after single use, providing high-precision sample analysis at affordable costs suitable for resource-limited settings.
5Ease of operation
If LOC devices are made portable and simple, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to perform proper sample preparation and volume metering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions including sample preparation, volume metering, mixing, and analysis into a single portable microfluidic device. The rotary unit and vibration unit provide universal capabilities for various sample types and assays, maintaining high reliability with better than 1% volume variation while preserving portability and ease of operation for point-of-care testing.
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 microfluidic device provides stable, reliable, and consistent results for assays with small sample volumes, enhancing accuracy and reproducibility, and is cost-effective for fabrication, suitable for various testing fields including medical and environmental testing.
Implementation Method 1
One common sample preparation is centrifugation. Centrifugation provides a fast but low-cost way to purify crude samples. Centrifugation utilizes the centrifugal force and density of substances to isolate subsamples.
Implementation Method 2
The microfluidic platform then vibrates to transfer the sample from the metering chamber into that reaction chamber containing a test strip.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a microfluidic device which comprises a drive module and a microfluidic platform. The drive module further comprises a rotary unit and a vibration unit for driving the microfluidic platform, and the microfluidic platform further comprises multiple microfluidic elements for performing tests. The present invention also provides a method for operating a microfluidic device. The method comprises steps using the rotary unit and steps using the vibration unit to distribute sample in a microfluidic structure.