Microfluidic Device for Biological Particle Isolation and Optical Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic technologies lack a device capable of isolating and optically visualizing a specific number of biological particles from liquid biological samples, which is essential for rapid and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostics, particularly for conditions like Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic device with filter channels connected to an optical measurement chamber, allowing for precise filtration and visualization of biological particles, enabling the isolation and measurement of target moieties such as mitochondrial proteins or amyloid precursor protein in unprocessed samples like platelet-rich plasma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional diagnostic technologies are used, then analysis can be performed, but sample preparation is required and the process is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preparation complexityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines filtration and optical measurement functions into a single integrated microfluidic device. The filter channel is directly coupled to the optical measurement chamber, allowing simultaneous filtration and analysis without requiring separate preparation steps. This merging of functions eliminates complex sample preparation while maintaining diagnostic reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device segments the sample processing into distinct functional regions: an optical measurement chamber for analysis and a filter channel for separation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If microfluidic devices with filtration are used, then rapid diagnosis is enabled, but isolation of specific biological particles is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis speedVSAvoidparticle isolation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter channel is designed with specific local properties including controlled pore size, optimized flow path, and strategic positioning relative to the optical measurement chamber. These local quality adjustments enable the filter to effectively isolate specific biological particles (such as platelets or red blood cells) while maintaining rapid processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filter channel acts as an intermediary component between the sample input and the optical measurement chamber. It mediates the separation process by allowing selective passage of particles based on their physical properties, thereby preparing the sample for accurate optical measurement without requiring complex isolation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If integrated isolation process is implemented, then point-of-care diagnostics are improved, but device fabrication precision is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepoint-of-care usabilityVSAvoidmicrofilter fabrication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical filtration systems with a microfluidic filter channel that utilizes controlled fluid dynamics and precise dimensional features fabricated through standard microfabrication techniques. This substitution simplifies the overall device while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established semiconductor fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device design optimizes key parameters such as filter channel dimensions, pore size, and flow rates to achieve effective particle isolation. By carefully selecting and controlling these parameters within manufacturable ranges, the device achieves both point-of-care usability and fabrication feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases by allowing for the measurement of enzyme activities or protein levels in whole, unlysed cells, reducing the need for complex sample preparation and mitochondrial isolation.

Implementation Method 1

A microfluidic device with filter channels connected to an optical measurement chamber, allowing for precise filtration and visualization of biological particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

enabling the isolation and measurement of target moieties such as mitochondrial proteins or amyloid precursor protein in unprocessed samples

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical measurement: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS11280796B2Diagnostic devices and methods of use

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 DIGNITY HEALTH

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing samples as well as various microfluidic, microcentrifuge and microfilter devices. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases using mitochondrial and/or platelet samples. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that selectively captures and analyzes a desired amount of target biological particle.