Microfluidic Apparatus for Circulating Tumor Cell Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are labor-intensive, expensive, and lack accuracy and reliability, failing to provide early detection of cancer and metastasis effectively.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus utilizing micro-devices integrated onto a substrate for analyzing biological samples, capable of detecting CTCs with enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and speed, employing advanced fabrication technologies to measure various properties of cells, including electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (density gradient separation, immunomagnetic separation) are used to detect CTCs, then separation and identification can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive, expensive, and lacks accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical separation methods (density gradient centrifugation, immunomagnetic separation) with an automated microfluidic system that uses controlled fluid flow, pressure gradients, and integrated sensors to separate and detect CTCs automatically, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microfluidic channels and intermediate processing stages as mediators between the blood sample and detection systems. These microfluidic intermediaries enable automated cell separation, concentration, and analysis, transforming the complex multi-step manual process into an integrated automated workflow that improves reliability while reducing operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods (x-ray, NMR) are used for tumor detection, then imaging can be performed, but early-stage cancer and metastasis cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple specialized microfluidic stages: sample introduction, cell separation based on size and density differences, CTC concentration in micro-chambers, and individual cell analysis. This segmentation enables highly sensitive detection of rare CTCs in small blood volumes by systematically isolating and analyzing cells at each stage rather than requiring large volumes for bulk analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional bulk tissue imaging in three dimensions to analyzing individual cells in controlled two-dimensional microfluidic channels. This dimensional change allows for precise manipulation and analysis of single CTCs, dramatically improving detection sensitivity for early-stage cancer while requiring only minimal blood sample volumes
3Productivity
If manual identification of filtered cells is performed, then cell analysis can be conducted, but the process requires hard work and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the microfluidic system automatically performs cell separation, concentration, and delivery to detection zones without manual intervention. Integrated sensors and control systems automatically monitor and adjust parameters, enabling high-speed CTC detection while eliminating the need for manual cell identification and analysis, thereby improving both productivity and ease of operation
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 early-stage cancer detection with improved sensitivity and specificity, reducing costs and equipment size, while effectively predicting treatment efficacy and survival data.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at the microscopic level an electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, fluorescent emission, radiation, acoustical, biological, chemical, electro-mechanical, electro-chemical, electro-optical, electro-thermal, electro-chemical-mechanical, bio-chemical, bio-mechanical, bio-optical, bio-thermal, bio-physical, bio-electro-mechanical, bio-electro-chemical, bio-electro-optical, bio-electro-thermal, bio-mechanical-optical, bio-mechanical thermal, bio-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-optical, bio-electro-mechanical-optical, bio-electro-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-mechanical, physical or mechanical property
Implementation Method 2
measuring at the microscopic level an electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, fluorescent emission, radiation, acoustical, biological, chemical, electro-mechanical, electro-chemical, electro-optical, electro-thermal, electro-chemical-mechanical, bio-chemical, bio-mechanical, bio-optical, bio-thermal, bio-physical, bio-electro-mechanical, bio-electro-chemical, bio-electro-optical, bio-electro-thermal, bio-mechanical-optical, bio-mechanical thermal, bio-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-optical, bio-electro-mechanical-optical, bio-electro-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-mechanical, physical or mechanical property
Implementation Method 3
measuring at the microscopic level an electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, fluorescent emission, radiation, acoustical, biological, chemical, electro-mechanical, electro-chemical, electro-optical, electro-thermal, electro-chemical-mechanical, bio-chemical, bio-mechanical, bio-optical, bio-thermal, bio-physical, bio-electro-mechanical, bio-electro-chemical, bio-electro-optical, bio-electro-thermal, bio-mechanical-optical, bio-mechanical thermal, bio-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-optical, bio-electro-mechanical-optical, bio-electro-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-mechanical, physical or mechanical property
Data Source
AI summary
Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for interacting with a biological subject to detect circulating tumor cells therein, comprising one device for sending a signal to the biological subject and optionally receiving a response to the signal from the biological entity.