Movable Carrier Liquid-Gas Phase Boundary Microfluidic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic systems face challenges in optimally manipulating and examining liquid samples, particularly in point-of-care systems, due to the limitations of small magnetic particles which hinder optimal optical detection of analyte binding and require multiple steps with minimal liquid usage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable carrier having a detection or binding area, designed to move across a liquid-gas phase boundary, allowing for minimal liquid transport and enabling improved optical detection through luminescence or fluorescence measurements, while facilitating parallel examinations under defined conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small magnetic particles are used as carriers, then the system is compact and can be manipulated magnetically, but optimal optical detection of analyte binding is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the carrier particles into two distinct types: small magnetic particles for manipulation and transport, and large plate-shaped carriers for optical detection. This segmentation allows each particle type to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The large plate-shaped carrier acts as an intermediary between the small magnetic particles and the detection system. The plate carrier receives analyte binding from the magnetic particles and provides a stable platform for optical detection, mediating between magnetic manipulation and optical measurement requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple examination steps are performed with minimal liquid usage, then sample consumption is reduced, but the complexity of manipulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses magnetic fields (analogous to pneumatic/hydraulic control) to manipulate carriers through different liquid phases. By applying magnetic forces, carriers can be moved between liquid and gas phases, enabling washing and detection steps without complex mechanical manipulation or large liquid volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits phase transitions between liquid and gas phases to simplify manipulation. Carriers are moved into gas phases for washing steps and detection, and into liquid phases for incubation, using phase transitions to automatically separate and clean components without complex mechanical operations.
3Measurement precision
If a flat plate-shaped carrier is used, then optical detection is improved, but the carrier requires more space compared to spherical particles
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the carrier function into two segments: small magnetic particles for compact transport and large flat plates for detection. This segmentation allows the detection-optimized flat plate to be used only when needed, while small particles handle compact manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-shaped carrier utilizes a two-dimensional surface area for analyte binding and detection, rather than relying on three-dimensional volume like spherical particles. This dimensional change provides ample detection surface area while keeping the overall carrier footprint compact when not in use.
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 enables efficient and defined detection of analytes with reduced liquid usage, allowing for simultaneous examination of multiple parameters in a compact, cost-effective manner, suitable for miniaturized immunoassays and other reactions.
Implementation Method 1
the carrier is movable across a liquid/gaseous phase boundary
Implementation Method 2
for detecting a substance bound in the detection or binding region, in particular optically, in particular by luminescence or fluorescence measurement
Implementation Method 3
for detecting a substance bound in the detection or binding region, in particular optically, in particular by luminescence or fluorescence measurement
Implementation Method 4
The particles are moved in the microfluidic system by magnetic forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) comprises a channel (3) for receiving the liquid (2), and a body (4), which is moved in the channel. The body of the channel is filled more than 60 percentage in the cross-sectional surface, and an intermediate space (6) is formed between the body and the channel wall, such that the liquid is held in the intermediate space by capillary force. An independent claim is also included for a method for manipulating a liquid in a channel.