Multi-Lane Microfluidic PCR Cartridge for Parallel Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vitro diagnostic analyses are bottlenecked due to the need for specialized equipment and centralized facilities, leading to delays and inefficiencies in sample processing and analysis, particularly in preparing biological samples for PCR and nucleic acid testing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lane microfluidic cartridge system integrated with a diagnostic apparatus that enables automated sample preparation and nucleic acid testing, allowing for parallel processing and high-throughput analysis at the point of care without the need for specialized facilities, using a processor-controlled system with liquid dispensers, heaters, and detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centralized specialized equipment is used for nucleic acid testing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but processing time and accessibility deteriorate due to batch processing and transportation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized testing system is segmented into distributed point-of-care devices, with each device containing integrated PCR chambers and detection systems that can independently process samples, eliminating the need for centralized batch processing and transportation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple testing functions (sample preparation, PCR amplification, and nucleic acid detection) are merged into a single integrated point-of-care device, allowing complete sample processing to occur on-site without external equipment or batch waiting times
2Productivity
If batch processing is used in centralized facilities, then equipment utilization is improved, but productivity and response time deteriorate due to waiting for batch completion
Solution Approach 1:
The batch processing system is segmented into individual parallel processing channels, where multiple samples can be processed simultaneously in separate microfluidic cartridges within the same device, eliminating the sequential batch completion wait time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing of samples through automated sample loading and parallel PCR amplification in multiple chambers, maintaining constant productive operation without idle batch waiting periods
3Productivity
If automated sample preparation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The point-of-care device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single apparatus performs sample preparation, PCR amplification, and nucleic acid detection through integrated microfluidic systems and automated mechanisms, consolidating multiple functions into one unit rather than requiring separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated sample preparation mechanisms that operate without manual intervention, with microfluidic pumps and valves automatically managing reagent delivery and sample processing, reducing the need for complex manual operation systems
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 and efficient analysis of multiple samples in parallel, reducing processing time to less than one hour and increasing throughput, allowing for on-demand diagnostic capabilities without the need for centralized facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the microfluidic cartridge
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect a presence of an amplified nucleic acid in the microfluidic cartridge
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.