Microfluidic Cartridge with Integrated Sampling and Valve Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic cartridges face challenges such as limited versatility, susceptibility to cross-contamination, and dead volumes, which hinder accurate and reliable multiplex processing of biological samples, especially when used for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic cartridge with a built-in sampling device and network that forms a microfluidic chamber with a sealing ring for sample support, featuring inlet and outlet distribution networks, reagent reservoirs, and valves for selective reagent delivery, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and dead volumes, and allowing for compact, economical, and versatile operation across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a microfluidic cartridge is designed for specific applications with membrane-based actuation, then small volumes of reagents can be used, but the cartridge cannot receive slides containing samples and has high dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge is designed with a universal sample receiving chamber that can accommodate different sample types including slides, droplets, and other formats. The chamber geometry and sealing mechanism are configured to universally receive various sample formats while maintaining low dead volume through optimized fluid pathways and valve positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a microfluidic device is configured with multiple chambers for cell sorting, then cytometry analysis can be performed, but dead volumes occur in the configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates dead volume regions from the microfluidic pathway by designing direct fluid communication routes between the sample receiving chamber and the microfluidic network. The valve system is positioned to enable complete fluid evacuation from all chambers, preventing reagent retention in dead zones while maintaining the multi-chamber configuration for cytometry analysis.
3Ease of operation
If a microfluidic device is connected to a cartridge manifold for fluid control, then pumping and vacuum functions are provided, but cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge incorporates integrated valve elements that segment the fluid pathway into isolated zones. These valves enable complete closure of individual channels, preventing cross-contamination between different reagent pathways while maintaining ease of operation through automated fluid control. The segmentation allows independent control of each fluid stream without interference from the cartridge manifold.
4Productivity
If a microfluidic cartridge uses flexible membrane for pneumatic actuation, then fluid transport is enabled, but the cartridge is prone to cross-contamination and dead volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary valve mechanism positioned between the flexible membrane actuation system and the fluid pathways. This intermediary valve system provides precise fluid control and complete pathway isolation, preventing cross-contamination and eliminating dead volumes while maintaining the productivity benefits of pneumatic actuation through the flexible membrane.
Data Source
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AI summary
Microfluidic cartridge (10) comprising a sampling device (30) having a sealing ring (32) arranged to form a microfluidic chamber (31 ) when a support containing a biological sample is brought into contact with the sealing ring, and a microfluidic network device (13) configured to supply reagents to the microfluidic chamber. The sampling device further comprises inlet and outlet distribution networks (33a, 33b) in fluid communication with the microfluidic chamber and a slide holder (35) to guide and position said support containing a biological sample on the sampling device. The microfluidic network device comprises a plurality of reagent inlet channels (18) fluidly connectable to reagent sources, at least one reagent outlet channel (22) fluidly connected to the sampling device inlet distribution network (33a), and a plurality of valves (25) operable to selectively connect the inlet channels to the at least one outlet channel. The sampling device (30) and microfluidic network device (13) are formed on a common microfluidic support (12) as a single part..