Microfluidic Sample Segmentation for Active Biological Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the active form of biological species, such as downy mildew, in agriculture and health are unreliable, cumbersome, or environmentally harmful, as they require bulky equipment, complex predictive models, or continuous monitoring, and fail to differentiate between dormant and active forms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the separation of a sample into two parts, gentle and active treatments, and quantitative detection using microfluidic components to distinguish between dormant and active forms by comparing concentrations after specific treatments like chemical, thermal, or mechanical lysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If predictive models are used to calculate the risks of pathogen appearance, then the detection of active form can be achieved, but the implementation takes a long time and may be unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The sample is divided into two distinct parts: a first part subjected to gentle flow treatment and a second part subjected to active flow treatment. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different treatment conditions, reducing implementation time while maintaining reliable detection through comparative analysis of active versus dormant forms
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary concentration of biological species in both sample parts before treatment. This preliminary action prepares the samples in advance, allowing the subsequent active treatment to be completed more quickly without compromising the reliability of the final detection
2Measurement precision
If biomolecular detection is used to detect the presence of biological species, then the quantity of biological species can be detected, but it cannot distinguish between dormant and active forms
Solution Approach 1:
Different local treatments are applied to different parts of the sample: gentle flow treatment to the first part and active flow treatment to the second part. This creates local quality differences that allow the same biomolecular detection method to differentiate between dormant and active forms by comparing results from the two treated parts
Solution Approach 2:
The method applies partial action by treating only a portion of the sample with active treatment while keeping another portion with gentle treatment. This allows quantitative detection of total biological species while simultaneously providing information about the active form through the differential effect of the treatments
3Reliability
If optical detection by fluorescence is used, then the detection can be performed, but the system is particularly cumbersome to set up and requires continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts the detection function from complex continuous monitoring equipment and implements it through simple quantitative detection of biological species concentration in two differently treated sample parts. This extraction eliminates the need for cumbersome optical detection systems while maintaining reliable detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses disposable sample parts that are treated and analyzed separately, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and continuous monitoring equipment. Each sample part can be processed independently with simple equipment, reducing overall system complexity
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 method provides a reliable, easy-to-implement, and environmentally friendly way to detect the active form of biological species, minimizing equipment needs and sample degradation, while accurately differentiating between active and dormant forms.
Implementation Method 1
A filter separating said chamber into two distinct spaces so as to define a first space into which said first injection channel opens and a second space into which said second channel opens, said filter having a porosity adapted to retain the biological species present in the sample
Implementation Method 2
Heat treatment
Implementation Method 3
The optical treatment consists of exposing the second part of the sample to a light signal emitted at a given wavelength and for a determined duration
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for analyzing a sample (ECH) to detect the presence of a biological species in a first form, called the active form (F2), in said sample, said sample containing said biological species in a second form, called the dormant form (F1), distinct from the active form (F2). The method consists of separating said sample (ECH) into two distinct parts (A, B) of identical volumes, called the first part (A) of the sample and the second part (B) of the sample, determining a first quantity (Q1) of biological species in the first part (A) of the sample and a second quantity (Q2) of biological species in the second part of the sample, and comparing the first quantity (Q1) obtained and the second quantity (Q2) obtained, in order to deduce the presence or absence of the active form (F2) of the biological species in the sample.