Microplate Filling Apparatus via Capillary Flood Fill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genomic analysis methods face challenges in efficiently analyzing the complexity of the human genome and interrelated functions of genes, particularly in developing diagnostics, medicines, and therapies, due to the complexity of biological and pharmaceutical research.
Innovation Solution
A high-density sequence detection system incorporating a microplate with pressure relief bores, thermally isolated portions, and a filling apparatus that utilizes microfluidic channels and capillary action to accurately dispense and retain assay components, enabling efficient polynucleotide amplification and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-density array formats are used to increase assay throughput, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulties in accurately filling small wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure relief bores connected to vacuum sources and fluid delivery systems with pressure control to enable precise fluid dispensing into high-density microplate wells. The pneumatic-hydraulic system allows accurate control of fluid flow and pressure management during the filling process, resolving the contradiction between high throughput and manufacturing precision.
2Productivity
If microplate density is increased to analyze more genes simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural components needed for pressure relief and thermal isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The microplate is segmented into multiple functional zones including pressure relief bores, thermally isolated portions, and fluid delivery channels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling high-density assay formats while managing the complexity through modular functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The microplate structure integrates multiple functions into a single device: pressure relief for fluid management, thermal isolation for temperature control, and high-density well arrays for multiplexed assays. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices, managing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If pressure relief bores are added to microplate wells to improve fluid handling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief bores are designed to automatically regulate fluid pressure and prevent over-pressurization during filling operations. The system self-regulates through the bore structure and connected vacuum/pressure sources, improving fluid handling reliability without requiring complex external control mechanisms for each well.
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
The system enhances the throughput of genotyping and gene expression assays by providing precise and consistent temperature control and fluid handling, improving the accuracy and efficiency of genomic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a filling apparatus that utilizes microfluidic channels and capillary action to accurately dispense and retain assay components
Data Source
AI summary
A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an assay input layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The assay input layer can comprise an assay input port extending from the first surface to the second surface and at least one pressure nodule extending from the second surface. An output layer can comprise a plurality of staging capillaries each having an inlet and an outlet. The output layer can further comprise a capillary plane disposed above the plurality of staging capillaries in fluid communication with the assay input port. The capillary plane can be sized to draw the assay from the assay input port to generally flood fill the plurality of staging capillaries.