Portable Molecular Reader with Movable Pin Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting chemicals and biological molecules are time-consuming and require expensive laboratory equipment, limiting their use outside traditional laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable, mechanically robust system that includes a support apparatus for detachably receiving a microfluidic chip, a compact optical system for imaging, and an electronic processor for analyzing radiation and controlling temperature, enabling detection of molecules with minimal training and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but the equipment becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into a portable reader device and a separate microfluidic chip. The reader contains the optical detection system while the chip contains the sample preparation and reaction chambers. This segmentation allows the detection accuracy to be maintained in the reader while the chip provides a simple, low-cost sample handling platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip acts as an intermediary between the sample and the detection system. It prepares the sample through controlled fluid flow and delivers it to the detection zone, enabling accurate detection without requiring complex sample preparation equipment in the portable reader.
2Reliability
If conventional laboratory equipment is used, then reliable detection can be achieved, but the analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip performs preliminary sample preparation actions including mixing, incubation, and concentration in controlled chambers before detection. This preliminary action ensures reliable detection conditions are achieved while reducing the time required during the actual detection phase in the portable reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing where sample preparation, reaction, and detection occur in sequence without interruption. The microfluidic chip maintains continuous fluid flow through its channels, allowing multiple samples to be processed concurrently and reducing overall analysis time while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If portable devices are developed, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip is designed to be self-contained with integrated fluid channels, chambers, and sample preparation zones. Once the chip is loaded with sample and inserted into the portable reader, the system automatically performs detection without requiring user intervention for complex operations, making it easy to operate despite the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable reader is designed with universal compatibility to work with different microfluidic chip types and detection modalities. The optical detection system can accommodate various fluorescent markers and probe configurations, allowing a single device to perform multiple detection functions without increasing operational complexity for the user.
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 allows for rapid analysis of various biological molecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, outside traditional laboratories, reducing time and costs while maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging detector; optics for imaging radiation emitted, reflected, scattered, or otherwise altered by the object in response to the radiation source to the imaging detector
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical filters which prevent >90% of the radiation from the radiation source from being detected by the detector, while allowing the radiation emitted, reflected, scattered, or otherwise altered by the object to be detected by the detector
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of movable pins extendible from a first position to a second position, where (i) in the first position, the movable pins do not contact the chip when the chip is positioned on the support apparatus, and (ii) in the second position, the movable pins contact electrical terminals of one or more heating elements within the chip
Implementation Method 4
an electronic processor in electrical communication with the plurality of movable pins and the detector, where the electronic processor is configured to detect molecules in a sample positioned within the chip by analyzing the detected radiation, and to determine a temperature of the chip by measuring an electrical resistance between two of the multiple pins connected to the electrical terminals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods disclosed include: a support apparatus configured to detachably receive a chip; movable pins extendible from a first position to a second position, where, in the first position, the movable pins do not contact a chip positioned on the support apparatus, and in the second position, the movable pins contact electrical terminals of a heating element within a chip positioned on the support apparatus; a radiation source configured to direct radiation to be incident on a chip positioned on the support apparatus; a detector; and an electronic processor, the electronic processor being configured to detect molecules in a sample positioned within the chip, and to determine a temperature of the chip by measuring an electrical resistance between two of the multiple pins connected to the electrical terminals.