Microfluidic Plasma Separation for Small-Volume Blood Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices for blood analysis require large blood volumes and complex antibody immobilization, making them unsuitable for detecting multiple analytes in small blood samples from premature newborns, who are vulnerable to conditions like hyperglycemia, infections, and jaundice.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a plasma separation system that separates plasma from 1 μL to 10 μL of whole blood and uses multiplex analyte detection to analyze for multiple analytes, featuring a sample inlet area, serial sample chambers, reagent chambers, and valves controlled by master valve actuators to facilitate plasma separation and analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional microfluidic devices are used for blood analysis, then analyte detection is achieved, but large blood volumes are required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the blood analysis process into separate functional modules: a plasma separation module that processes whole blood into plasma, and a multiplexed detection module that analyzes multiple analytes simultaneously. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing the overall device complexity while enabling multi-analyte detection from small blood volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The detection module is designed to simultaneously detect multiple analytes (glucose, bilirubin, enzymes, proteins, chemicals) using a universal platform with multiple reagent chambers that can be selectively activated. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each analyte, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analytes are detected simultaneously, then diagnostic capability improves, but blood volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection reactions are merged into a single integrated device with shared plasma separation and sample handling systems. The multiplexed detection module combines multiple analyte detection capabilities in one platform, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes from a single small plasma sample without requiring separate tests that would demand larger blood volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma separation step is performed as a preliminary action before analyte detection, concentrating the analytes in a small plasma volume. This preliminary concentration step enables subsequent multi-analyte detection from minimal sample amounts by pre-processing the sample to remove interfering elements and concentrate the target analytes
3Measurement precision
If plasma separation is performed, then analyte detection accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma separation process replaces traditional mechanical centrifugation with a microfluidic field-based separation system that uses applied forces (such as pressure gradients or field forces) to separate plasma from whole blood. This substitution significantly reduces processing time while maintaining separation accuracy, as the microfluidic system can process samples faster than conventional centrifugation while achieving comparable or superior plasma quality
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 efficient detection of multiple analytes in small blood samples with minimal blood loss, achieving similar results to centrifugation methods while reducing sample processing time and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a filter located between the inlet area and the channel and configured to filter the sample to allow a component of the sample to enter the channel
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum port configured to allow application of a negative pressure to the channel
Data Source
AI summary
This document provides methods, devices, and systems for detecting the presence, absence, or amount of two or more analytes present within a small volume (e.g., less than 10 μL) of a sample (e.g., a blood sample) obtained from a mammal (e.g., a human such as a human neonate). For example, methods and materials for using plasma separation and multiplex analyte detection to detect two or more analytes (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, intact cells, intact viruses, intact microorganisms, and/or chemicals) within a small volume of a blood sample are provided.