Microfluidic Device with Ligand-Grafted Microchannel for Multi-Target Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices are inadequate for simultaneously detecting and quantifying multiple targets in a single sample step, particularly at trace levels, which is crucial for handling dangerous or scarce biological and environmental samples.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a microchannel surface featuring distinct areas grafted with different ligands, allowing for the simultaneous extraction and concentration of various targets, followed by quantitative detection using a detection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a microfluidic device uses a single microchannel for detecting multiple targets, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to simultaneously detect and quantify multiple targets at trace levels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The microchannel surface is divided into distinct areas, each grafted with a specific ligand that selectively binds to a particular target. This local differentiation of surface properties enables simultaneous detection of multiple targets while maintaining a simple single-channel device structure that is easy to manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a microfluidic device uses multiple microchannels for detecting multiple targets, then the detection capability for multiple targets is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions that would traditionally require separate microchannels are merged into a single microchannel by creating distinct surface areas with different ligand grafts. This consolidation maintains multi-target detection capability while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
3Productivity
If the microchannel surface is grafted with multiple different ligands in distinct areas, then the ability to extract and concentrate multiple targets simultaneously is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microchannel surface is pre-grafted with different ligands in distinct areas before the actual detection process. This preliminary functionalization allows the device to simultaneously extract and concentrate multiple targets during sample flow, improving productivity while the grafted ligands remain stable and positioned for reliable operation.
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
Enables the detection and quantification of multiple targets in a single step, even at trace levels, facilitating analysis of complex samples, including hazardous or limited-quantity biological and environmental samples.
Implementation Method 1
each ligand is capable of binding to a target, the targets being different from each other
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microfluidic device (2) comprising a support part (21) and a cover part (22) defining together a microchannel (5), said microchannel (5) having a surface, said surface comprising:—a first area (9) which is grafted with a first ligand, and—at least a second area (10) which is distinct from the first area (9) and which is grafted with a second ligand which is different from the first ligand, wherein each ligand is capable of binding to a target, the targets being different from each other. The present invention further relates to a microfluidic detection system comprising the said microfiuidic device, a reservoir adapted for containing a sample to be analysed and a detection device for detecting and quantifying the targets. The present invention relates also to a method for manufacturing such a microfluidic device, as well as a method for analysing a sample containing targets using the said microfluidic device or microfluidic detection system.