Microfluidic Microplate Beam Detection Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current immunoassay techniques in microfluidic microplates face challenges in optimizing detection signals due to variations in flow rates and read times, leading to increased coefficient of variance (CV) and imprecision in chemi-fluorescence assays.
Innovation Solution
The method involves directing a beam perpendicular to the microfluidic microplate at deviated target locations, using a spiral microfluidic channel configuration with an absorbent pad system to control liquid flow and compensate for read time delays, and employing offset read locations to minimize variance in signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a beam is directed at the center of each cell for reading, then the reading process is simple and straightforward, but the signal detection precision deteriorates due to flow rate variations and read time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by deviating the beam target location from the center of the cell. Specifically, the method determines target locations that are offset from the geometric center of each cell, creating an asymmetric reading configuration that compensates for flow rate variations and read time delays, thereby improving signal detection precision without significantly complicating the reading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by directing the beam at specific deviated locations within each cell rather than uniformly at the center. This localized adjustment optimizes the detection region to account for variations in liquid flow and signal development, ensuring that the beam interrogates the most representative area for accurate measurement while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the beam diameter is increased to cover the entire cell, then all signal variations are captured, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inclusion of non-representative areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by defining a specific detection region within the cell that is optimized for accurate measurement. The method determines target locations and uses a beam with a predetermined diameter that covers only the essential detection area, excluding non-representative regions. This localized approach ensures that signal variations are captured effectively while maintaining measurement precision by avoiding inclusion of areas that do not contribute meaningfully to the assay signal.
3Productivity
If reading is performed at fixed time intervals, then the reading process is efficient and quick, but the assay precision deteriorates due to variations in signal development across cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by compensating for read time delays in the signal processing stage. The method includes determining compensation values based on the actual read times of different cells and applying these compensations to the detected signals. This feedback mechanism allows for efficient reading at fixed time intervals while correcting for variations in signal development, thereby maintaining assay precision without sacrificing reading efficiency.
4Device complexity
If the microfluidic channel uses a straight configuration, then the device complexity is low, but the liquid flow consistency deteriorates leading to increased CV
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by using a spiral microfluidic channel configuration instead of a straight channel. The spiral design creates a more controlled and consistent liquid flow pattern through the cell, reducing variations in flow rates that would otherwise increase the coefficient of variance. This curved configuration improves measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device fabrication.
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 approach reduces assay imprecision and CV by ensuring consistent liquid flow and signal development across microplate cells, improving the accuracy and reliability of immunoassay results.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of cells includes a well structure including a side wall for a loading well, a through hole at a center of a base of the well structure, and a microfluidic channel formed in a spiral pattern configured to start from a first end of the microfluidic channel and end with a second end of the microfluidic channel at the base of the well structure
Implementation Method 2
The reporter agent is intended to be detectable by one of many detection techniques such as optical (fluorescence or chemiluminescence or large-area imaging), electrical, magnetic or other means
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reading a microfluidic microplate having a plurality of cells is provided. The method includes determining target locations on the microfluidic microplate, each of the target locations being deviated from a center of each of the cells, and directing a beam centered at each of the target locations perpendicular to the microfluidic microplate, the beam having a predetermined diameter. Each of the plurality of cells includes a well structure including a side wall for a loading well, a through hole at a center of a base of the well structure, and a microfluidic channel formed in a spiral pattern configured to start from a first end of the microfluidic channel and end with a second end of the microfluidic channel at the base of the well structure, wherein the first end of the microfluidic channel is connected to the through hole, and the second end of the microfluidic channel includes an outlet hole.