Microfluidics Cover Cone Interface for Reagent Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital microfluidics systems face challenges in reagent containment and handling, particularly in point-of-care diagnostics, due to contamination risks, instrument size, weight, and cost, as well as limitations in storing and managing sensitive reagents like lyophilized materials and non-polar substances.
Innovation Solution
A cover with a micro-container interface and a micro-container system that allows for secure introduction and withdrawal of liquids through a fluidic access hole, using a cone for sealing form-fit contact, enabling pre-packaged reagents and lyophilized reagents to be re-solubilized, with a manifold for accommodating multiple micro-containers and maintaining specific temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is introduced into the gap using conventional methods, then liquid handling is possible, but contamination risks increase and user intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid handling function into separate components: a reusable digital microfluidics system and disposable cartridges pre-filled with reagents. This segmentation eliminates the need for user intervention in liquid transfer while maintaining sterile conditions, as each cartridge is independently sealed and ready-to-use.
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are pre-loaded into the disposable cartridges before use. The cartridges arrive pre-filled and sealed, eliminating the need for users to manually transfer liquids during operation. This preliminary preparation reduces contamination risk and simplifies operation.
2Ease of operation
If reagents are stored in the gap, then liquid handling is simplified, but temperature control and reagent stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates reagent storage from the digital microfluidics system by using disposable cartridges that can be independently stored and transported. This allows reagents to be kept in appropriate storage conditions until use, while the main system remains contamination-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge acts as an intermediary between reagent storage and the digital microfluidics system. It provides a sealed interface that maintains temperature control during storage while enabling easy loading into the system when needed.
3Volume of moving object
If the system is made compact for point-of-care diagnostics, then portability improves, but reagent containment and management worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides reagent containment into separate disposable cartridges that are pre-filled and sealed. This allows the main instrument to remain compact while each cartridge independently maintains reagent containment through its sealed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable cartridges that are inexpensive and single-use. Each cartridge is pre-filled and sealed to maintain reagent containment, then discarded after use. This eliminates the need for complex reusable containment systems in the compact instrument.
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 solution minimizes contamination risks, reduces user intervention, and allows for precise and efficient reagent handling, enabling automated and compact point-of-care diagnostics with improved reagent management and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a first substrate (18) and a central control unit (20). The first substrate (18) comprises an array of electrodes (24) and the central control unit (20) is in operative connection to these electrodes (24) for controlling the selection of individual electrodes (22) thereof and for providing a number of said electrodes (22) with voltage for manipulating liquid portions or droplets by electrowetting
Implementation Method 2
a working gap (30) with a gap height is located parallel to the array of electrodes (24) and in-between first and second hydrophobic surfaces (26, 28). The two hydrophobic surfaces (26, 28) are facing each other at least during operation of the digital microfluidics system (16)
Implementation Method 3
said at least one micro-container interface (32) comprising at least one cone (34), wherein an inner surface thereof being formed such to provide a sealing form fit contact with an outer surface of an inserted micro-container nozzle (36)
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
Figure 4~9
AI summary
A cover (10) for use in a digital microfluidics system (16) for manipulating samples in liquid portions or droplets is provided. The digital microfluidics system (16) com- prises a first substrate (18) with an array of electrodes (24) and a central control unit (20) for controlling the selection and for providing a number of said electrodes with voltage for manipulating liquid portions or droplets by electrowetting. A working gap (30) with a gap height is located parallel to the array of electrodes (24) and in-between first and second hydrophobic surfaces (26,28) that face each other at least during operation of the digital microfluidics system (16). The cover (10) comprises on one side the second hydrophobic surface (28) and on another side at least one micro-container interface (32), which comprises at least one cone (34). The inner surface of the cone (34) is formed to provide a sealing form fit contact with an outer surface of an inserted micro-container nozzle (36), by which a liquid is transferrable through a fluidic access hole (38) formed into the cover (10) and interconnecting each cone (34) and the gap (30). The cover (10) may be part of a disposable cartridge (14) or may be provided separately.