Microfluidic DNA Gelling System for Somatic Cell Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for quantifying somatic cells in biological samples, such as milk, are prone to imprecision due to manual handling and require expensive equipment, making them unsuitable for cow-side testing, and face challenges in microfluidic device implementation due to viscosity changes and clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a DNA gelling system in dry form is used, where the system is integrated into the device's conduit system, allowing for measurement of viscosity changes to determine somatic cell levels by comparing samples with and without DNA gelling agent, compensating for variations in milk viscosity and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used for quantifying somatic cells, then equipment cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to manual handling imprecision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated microfluidic system that uses capillary forces and integrated pumping mechanisms to transport fluids through channels, eliminating manual pipetting and mixing operations that cause imprecision while maintaining simplicity through chip-scale integration
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the testing process into distinct functional zones within the microfluidic chip: sample introduction region, reagent mixing channel, incubation chamber, and detection zone. This segmentation enables automated precise handling of each step while keeping the overall device compact and suitable for point-of-care use
2Measurement precision
If DNA gelling agent is added to form gel for measuring somatic cell count, then measurement capability is improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to clogging from gel formation in micro conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DNA gelling agent from the main fluid stream and places it in a separate storage reservoir. The agent is released only when needed and mixed with the sample in a controlled manner within the microfluidic channel, preventing premature gel formation that would cause clogging while enabling detection when required
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-prepares the sample and gelling agent in separate compartments before the actual measurement. The sample is collected and held in a storage region, and the gelling agent is pre-loaded in a separate reservoir, allowing both to be mixed at the optimal moment without causing clogging issues during transport
3Ease of operation
If microfluidic device is used for mastitis testing, then ease of operation is improved for cow-side testing, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to challenges in integrating chemical agents in micro scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the DNA gelling agent from liquid to dry powder form. This parameter change allows the agent to be stored as a stable solid in the microfluidic device, simplifying manufacturing and storage while maintaining functionality when reconstituted with the liquid sample at the point of use
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
This method provides a simple, precise, and robust test system for cow-side mastitis detection, offering rapid results with visual read-out stability for at least 30 minutes, independent of complex valve operations, and reduces the need for expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the DNA gelling system with a first portion of the sample, thereby generating DNA gel
Implementation Method 2
measuring a parameter correlated with the viscosity of the first portion of the sample during and/or after contacting the first portion with the DNA gelling system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention pertains to a method of determining the level of DNA-containing cells in a biological sample and devices for the implementation of the method. The present invention is particularly useful for quantification of somatic cells in milk samples, which is used as an indicator for the presence of mastitis in the udder of the cow that has produced the milk.