Microfluidic Extraction Device Using Phase-Gate Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid extraction methods from biological samples are time-consuming and require multiple washing steps, often involving external pumps or magnets, which can contaminate samples and reduce system throughput.
Innovation Solution
A device with an input zone, phase-gate zone, and output zone, utilizing a force to move a fraction-bound solid phase substrate through channels with converging sidewalls and an isolation buffer, such as oil, to separate nucleic acids from non-desired materials, eliminating the need for external pumps and multiple chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple washing steps are used to separate nucleic acids from cellular debris and extraction reagents, then purification quality is improved, but extraction time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the extraction system into distinct zones (input zone, phase-gate zone, output zone) separated by hydrophobic barriers, allowing simultaneous presence of aqueous and organic phases without mixing. This spatial segmentation enables purification without sequential washing steps, reducing time while maintaining quality.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophobic barrier (immiscible phase) acts as an intermediary between aqueous phases containing nucleic acids and organic extraction reagents. This barrier allows phase separation without direct contact, enabling rapid purification without multiple washing steps while maintaining high purification quality.
2Ease of operation
If external pumps or two-axis magnets are used to move processed sample between chambers, then sample transport is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses magnetic particles with inherent magnetic properties that respond directly to applied magnetic fields without requiring external pumps or complex two-axis magnet systems. The magnetic particles self-propel through fluid channels when subjected to magnetic field gradients, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical pumping systems with magnetic field-based particle manipulation. Magnetic particles transport samples through fluid channels in response to magnetic fields, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps and reducing system complexity while maintaining effective sample transport capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple chambers are used to isolate nucleic acids from biological sample, then separation function is improved, but system throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple separation functions into a single integrated chamber containing distinct zones separated by hydrophobic barriers. The input zone, phase-gate zone, and output zone coexist in one chamber, allowing simultaneous phase separation and nucleic acid isolation, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining separation efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from sequential multi-chamber processing to spatial zoning within a single chamber. By organizing functional zones in different spatial regions of one chamber and using hydrophobic barriers for separation, the system achieves multi-functionality without the throughput limitations of sequential chamber processing.
4Productivity
If magnetic particles are used for sample manipulation, then extraction efficiency is improved, but risk of sample contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts magnetic particles from direct contact with the biological sample by confining them to specific zones separated by hydrophobic barriers. Magnetic particles operate in the phase-gate zone or output zone without mixing with the input zone sample, maintaining extraction efficiency while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrophobic barriers serve as intermediaries that allow magnetic field interaction with magnetic particles while preventing direct contact between particles and biological sample. This enables efficient magnetic manipulation for extraction while eliminating contamination risks associated with particle-sample contact.
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 significantly reduces extraction time, increases throughput, and simplifies the process by using surface tension to isolate nucleic acids without external equipment, minimizing reagent usage and maintaining sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The isolation buffer prevents the non-desired material from passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
A force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the output zone. The force urges the fraction-bound solid phase substrate from the input zone, through the phase-gate zone and into the output zone
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method are provided for facilitating extraction of a fraction from a biological sample. The biological sample includes non-desired material and a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a phase-gate zone for receiving an isolation buffer therein. An output zone receives a reagent therein. A force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the output zone. The force urges the fraction-bound solid phase substrate from the input zone, through the phase-gate zone and into the output zone.