Microfluidic Reagent Mixing via Movable Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microfluidic cartridges, detecting low concentrations of biological and inorganic substances is challenging due to sample solution losses and non-specific binding during the transport of samples through chambers, especially with small sample volumes, which affects measurement accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method where reagents are introduced into the sample solution using a movable component within the same chamber, eliminating the need for sample solution transport between chambers, and enhancing mixing through translational, rotary, or oscillating movements of the reagent carrier, which can carry multiple reagents and be immobilized by drying for efficient reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sample solution is transported through multiple chambers containing reagents, then the identification reaction can be carried out, but sample solution losses occur due to inadequate emptying of chambers and channels during capillary transport
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transporting the sample solution through multiple chambers containing reagents, the patent inverts the approach by transporting the reagents to the sample solution in a single chamber. This eliminates the problem of sample loss during transport through multiple chambers and channels, as the sample remains stationary in one chamber throughout the reaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple reagent delivery functions into a single movable component that can carry and deliver multiple reagents to the sample solution in one chamber. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate chambers and transport pathways, thereby preventing sample solution losses while maintaining the ability to perform multi-step reactions.
2Reliability
If sample solution is transported through chambers and channels, then reagents can be delivered to the sample, but non-specific binding or adhesion occurs causing falsification of measuring results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates non-specific binding and adhesion by inverting the transport direction - instead of moving the sample through chambers and channels where adhesion occurs, the reagents are moved to the stationary sample. This prevents analytes from contacting chamber and channel surfaces that could cause non-specific binding or adhesion, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If small sample volumes of less than 10 microliters are used, then the trend towards smaller sample amounts is met, but sample solution losses become particularly critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the use of very small sample volumes (less than 10 microliters) by inverting the transport approach. Since the sample remains stationary in one chamber and reagents are delivered to it, there is no transport loss of the precious sample material. This allows maximum utilization of minimal sample volumes while preventing the critical sample losses that would otherwise occur during capillary transport through multiple chambers.
4Reliability
If reagents are immobilized in separate chambers and sample solution is conveyed sequentially, then the identification reaction can proceed, but measuring time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reagent delivery operations into a single movable component that can deliver multiple reagents to the sample solution in one chamber sequentially or simultaneously. This eliminates the time-consuming sequential transport of sample through multiple chambers, thereby reducing measuring time while ensuring complete identification reactions through controlled reagent delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable component that can dynamically deliver reagents to the sample solution, allowing flexible control over the timing and sequence of reagent addition. This dynamic approach enables faster reaction completion compared to static multi-chamber systems where sample transport time is fixed and prolonged.
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 minimizes sample and analyte losses, improves mixing, and reduces measurement time, enabling reliable detection of analytes with smaller sample volumes while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reagent is supplied to the sample solution and brought into contact therewith by means of at least one movable component
Implementation Method 2
enhancing mixing through translational, rotary, or oscillating movements of the reagent carrier
Implementation Method 3
enhancing mixing through translational, rotary, or oscillating movements of the reagent carrier
Implementation Method 4
the sample solution is moved by capillary forces or an applied force such as for example centrifugal force or an applied pressure differential
Implementation Method 5
the sample solution is moved by capillary forces or an applied force such as for example centrifugal force or an applied pressure differential
Implementation Method 6
the sample solution is moved by capillary forces or an applied force such as for example centrifugal force or an applied pressure differential
Implementation Method 7
The detection of an analyte being sought ultimately takes place in the microfluidic cartridge by means of the specific binding or reaction of the analyte present in the sample solution with a so-called reagent (identification reaction)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for mixing at least one sample solution with at least one reagent in at least one chamber of a microfluidic cartridge such that at least one reagent (R) is supplied to the sample solution (P) and brought into contact therewith by way of at least one movable component. In this way the loss of sample liquid or analyte can be reduced.