Microtray with Thermal Drop-on-Demand Ejection for Biosubstance Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high throughput screening and liquid handling systems are cumbersome, prone to errors, and inefficient due to the need for multiple devices and large volumes of biological materials, leading to wasted resources and reduced precision.
Innovation Solution
A microtray system that integrates fluid holding and ejection structures, enabling precise dispensing of microvolumes of biosubstances onto target media with thermal drop-on-demand technology, allowing for non-contact dispensing and processing within a single device, mimicking the form factor of conventional microplates but offering increased density and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for filling, holding, and dispensing biosubstances, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the system becomes bulky and complex with multiple subsystems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices (filling device, holding device, dispensing device) into a single integrated microtray system. The microtray includes an array of wells for holding biosubstances and integrated dispensing structures that can directly dispense from the wells, eliminating the need for separate micropipette systems, quill pin systems, and other standalone devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The microtray is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform filling, holding, and dispensing operations within a single structure. The tray can receive biosubstances in the wells and then dispense them directly to target locations, making it a universal platform that replaces multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for liquid handling operations, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall system size increases and handling becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple liquid handling operations into a single microtray device. The tray integrates storage wells, dispensing structures, and can incorporate mixing or processing functions, allowing all operations to be performed with one device rather than multiple separate pieces of equipment.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional liquid dispensing devices are used, then larger volumes of biological materials must be handled, but this increases resource consumption and reduces precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical dispensing mechanisms with thermal drop-on-demand technology. Heaters are integrated into the microtray to evaporate liquid from specific wells on demand, creating precise droplets that are dispensed to target locations. This thermal approach enables precise control of droplet formation and dispensing timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions (evaporation) to control liquid dispensing. Heaters applied to specific wells cause the liquid to evaporate and form droplets that can be precisely controlled in terms of size, timing, and location, enabling high-precision dispensing of microvolumes.
4Shape
If conventional microplate formats are used, then standard form factors are maintained, but the density and precision of biosubstance deposition are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the conventional microplate format by adding vertical dimensionality with integrated heaters and dispensing structures. The microtray maintains the standard microplate form factor for compatibility but adds height and three-dimensional functionality with heaters positioned above or within the wells, enabling precise droplet formation and dispensing that goes beyond flat two-dimensional deposition.
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 microtray system simplifies liquid handling, increases precision and accuracy in dispensing biosubstances, reduces errors, and conserves resources by enabling precise, high-density microarray deposition and processing within a single device, overcoming limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
thermal drop-on-demand technology, allowing for non-contact dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
A microtray for handling biosubstances comprises a fluid holding structure and a fluid ejection structure. The fluid holding structure includes an array of wells with each well configured to contain at least one biosubstance. The fluid ejection structure is in communication with the fluid holding structure and configured to dispense the at least one biosubstance onto a target media.