Microfluidic Thermalization Chip with Bypass Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for rapid DNA sequence detection using PCR are limited by slow and non-reproducible temperature control, high energy consumption, and bulkiness, failing to achieve rapid, precise, and homogeneous temperature changes necessary for efficient PCR reactions.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic thermalization chip with a cavity and microfluidic channels, featuring a heat exchange zone with a surface thermalization zone, a single fluid inlet, and a bypass channel system that allows for rapid and precise temperature control using two heat transfer liquids at different temperatures, ensuring efficient heat transfer and minimizing temperature drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat transfer fluid is circulated through microfluidic channels to thermalize samples, then temperature homogeneity and thermalization speed are improved, but the system becomes bulky and energy-consuming due to large liquid volumes and high flow rates required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow path switching that allows the heat transfer fluid to alternately flow through thermalization channels and bypass channels. This dynamic configuration enables the system to achieve rapid thermalization when needed while reducing energy consumption during maintenance phases, resolving the contradiction between temperature control effectiveness and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The thermalization system is segmented into multiple independent channels including thermalization channels, bypass channels, and injection channels. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the necessary channels during operation, reducing the volume of heat transfer fluid required and thereby decreasing energy consumption while maintaining temperature homogeneity in the sample
2Reliability
If large volumes of heat transfer liquid are used to ensure good temperature stability, then temperature control stability is improved, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between thermalization and bypass flow paths, allowing small volumes of heat transfer liquid to achieve the required temperature stability through repeated circulation and thermal equilibration. This eliminates the need for large static liquid volumes, making the system portable while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass channels enable continuous circulation and thermal equilibration of the heat transfer liquid without requiring large volumes. The liquid continuously exchanges heat with the channels and sample, maintaining temperature stability through sustained thermal contact rather than relying on large thermal mass
3Speed
If high flow rates are used to rapidly thermalize samples, then thermalization speed is improved, but the system becomes bulky and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic flow path switching to concentrate the heat transfer fluid flow through the thermalization channels when rapid thermalization is required, achieving high thermalization speed without requiring continuously high flow rates throughout the entire system. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining rapid thermalization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is segmented into thermalization channels and bypass channels, allowing the heat transfer fluid to be directed preferentially through the thermalization channels during rapid thermalization phases. This segmentation enables high local flow rates where needed while reducing overall system flow rate and energy consumption
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, precise, and reproducible temperature control of samples, reducing PCR cycle time and energy consumption, while allowing for miniaturization and portability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The invention also relates, according to this first aspect, to a system using such a thermalization chip for the rapid change of heat exchange temperature with a sample containing DNA
Implementation Method 2
The use of a heat transfer fluid makes it possible to obtain a very homogeneous thermalization temperature of the sample, because convection limits the appearance of temperature gradients in the liquid
Implementation Method 3
The use of a heat transfer fluid also allows a very efficient heat transfer to the sample because it only depends on the thermal proximity of the sample with the heat transfer fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermalizing microfluidic chip, to a system using such a chip and to a PCR method for detecting DNA sequences. The chip consists of a block of material in which a cavity that is able to contain at least one fluid is located, this cavity including at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice, the inlet orifice for fluid being connected to at least one and preferably at least two fluid-injecting channels. According to the invention, the chip furthermore includes at least one microfluidic channel for bypassing the cavity, said channel being connected by a first end to at least one of the fluid-injecting channels, the junction between the bypassing channel and the fluid-injecting channel being located at a distance L from the inlet orifice of the fluid-injecting channel, said distance preferably being smaller than 2 cm.