Microfluidic PCR Chamber with Valve-Timed Nucleic Acid Trapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current PCR systems face challenges in efficiently amplifying nucleic acids due to limitations in controlling the movement of reagents and samples within microfluidic reaction chambers, which affects the accuracy and speed of the amplification process.

Innovation Solution

The development of a microfluidic PCR system that incorporates a microfluidic reaction chamber with a reaction-chamber circuit, capillaries, valves, and a valve control system to selectively move reagents and samples through the chamber, ensuring precise control over the amplification process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional PCR systems are used, then nucleic acid amplification can be performed, but temperature control efficiency and sample handling precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidnucleic acid amplification efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction chamber is divided into multiple heating zones with independent temperature control, allowing different regions to be optimized for specific PCR steps (denaturation, annealing, extension) simultaneously, thereby improving both temperature control precision and amplification efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements rapid periodic temperature cycling through optimized heating/cooling cycles, enabling fast thermal transitions that improve amplification efficiency while maintaining precise temperature control at each phase of the PCR process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If microfluidic reaction chambers are used, then sample handling can be improved, but fluid manipulation precision and temperature control are challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample handling efficiencyVSAvoidfluid manipulation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Thermal coupling elements and heat transfer mediators are introduced between the heating elements and the microfluidic channels to ensure uniform and precise temperature distribution throughout the reaction chamber, addressing the temperature control challenge in microfluidic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual or mechanical fluid handling with electronically controlled pumps and valves that provide precise fluid manipulation through electronic signaling, improving both precision and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If rapid PCR processing is implemented, then detection speed can be increased, but temperature control stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCR processing timeVSAvoidtemperature control stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Temperature sensors are integrated into each heating zone with real-time feedback control that continuously monitors and adjusts heating power to maintain stable temperatures during rapid cycling, preventing thermal runaway or insufficient heating despite fast cycle times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters (power, duration, timing) based on the specific PCR protocol requirements and real-time temperature measurements, enabling rapid processing while maintaining the stability needed for each specific temperature phase

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

This system enables efficient and controlled amplification of nucleic acids, reducing the time required for PCR and improving the accuracy of nucleic acid detection, while also allowing for real-time monitoring of amplification.

Implementation Method 1

a reaction-chamber circuit to process a reagent and a biologic sample for amplification of nucleic acids included in the biologic sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal cycling:

Implementation Method 2

a trapping region disposed in the microfluidic reaction chamber secures the nucleic acids in the microfluidic reaction chamber for amplification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic trapping: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

thermal inkjet pumps for precise fluid manipulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal inkjet actuation:

Data Source

PatentUS12233415B2Microfluidic reaction chamber for amplification of nucleic acids

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Examples herein involve amplification and detection of nucleic acids using a microfluidic reaction chamber. An example apparatus includes a reaction-chamber circuit to process a reagent and a biologic sample for amplification of nucleic acids. The apparatus further includes a plurality of capillaries to pass the reagent and the biologic sample through the microfluidic reaction chamber. A valve control system may selectively control each of a plurality of valves to cause the reagent and the biologic sample to selectively move through the microfluidic reaction chamber for the amplification of the nucleic acids according to a particular timing sequence. In various examples, a trapping region disposed in the microfluidic reaction chamber secures the nucleic acids in the microfluidic reaction chamber for amplification using the reaction-chamber circuit.