Microfluidic Fluorescence Detector for Real-Time Nucleotide Detection

The patent combines multiple diagnostic functions (PCR amplification, fluorescence detection, and signal processing) into a single integrated microfluidic device. The microfluidic channel integrates the reaction chamber, heating elements for thermal cycling, and optical detection components, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining detection sensitivity.

The patent uses fluorescence probes that emit light signals as optical copies of the presence and quantity of target nucleotides. This optical signaling approach allows detection without requiring complex mass spectrometry or other highly specialized equipment, achieving comparable measurement precision through a simpler optical detection system.

The microfluidic device is segmented into multiple independent microfluidic channels, each capable of performing PCR and detection simultaneously. This parallel architecture allows multiple samples to be processed at the same time within a single device, dramatically increasing throughput without requiring batch processing of multiple separate devices.

The device enables continuous real-time monitoring of fluorescence signals throughout the PCR amplification process. The photodiode continuously detects emitted light, and the pre-amplifier circuit continuously processes signals, allowing uninterrupted detection and immediate results without waiting for batch completion.

The patent employs simple, inexpensive photodiodes and LED light sources for fluorescence detection instead of complex and expensive specialized detectors. These basic optical components enable real-time detection functionality while keeping the overall device complexity low and the system easy to operate.

The patent introduces a pre-amplifier circuit as an intermediary component between the photodiode and the detection system. This pre-amplifier boosts the weak fluorescence signals in real-time before further processing, enabling sensitive detection without requiring complex signal processing equipment, thus reducing overall device complexity while achieving rapid detection.