Multi-channel Flowcell with Elastic Valve Walls for Biosensor Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensor systems, such as those using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), are limited in the number of detection spots they can efficiently handle, necessitating a solution for increased throughput and capacity in molecular interaction studies.
Innovation Solution
A new flow cell unit and fluidic system design that allows for a greater number of detector spots by creating a two-dimensional detection spot array through a flow cell arrangement with elongated channels and controlled fluid flow, enabling robust, efficient, and cost-effective interaction studies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional single-channel flow cell is used, then the system structure is simple, but the number of detection spots is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into multiple independent channels (first channel, second channel, third channel, fourth channel) that are arranged in parallel. Each channel can independently transport sample or buffer solution to different detection spots, enabling simultaneous multi-point detection while maintaining relatively simple individual channel structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-channel linear arrangement to a multi-channel two-dimensional array configuration. The channels are arranged both横向 (horizontally) and纵向 (vertically) to create a grid-like detection spot array, increasing the number of detection spots from a single line to a two-dimensional plane
2Productivity
If more detection spots are added to increase capacity, then the throughput increases, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple channels are merged into a single integrated flow cell structure that shares common components such as the sensor chip surface, buffer reservoir, and control system. This allows the system to achieve multi-point detection capability while avoiding the need for completely separate systems for each detection spot
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell design allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple detection spots simultaneously. The buffer solution and sample solutions are distributed through a universal fluidic network that can address any combination of detection spots, making the system versatile for different experimental configurations
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 design significantly increases the number of detection spots, enhancing the biosensor system's capacity for molecular interaction studies while maintaining simplicity and reducing costs, allowing for faster and more comprehensive data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a flow cell arrangement with elongated channels and controlled fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell unit to be docked against a flat lid surface to form a closed flow cell arrangement, the flow cell unit comprising a top surface with protruding walls of elastic material defining three or more adjacent elongated flow channels, each flow channel comprises a first fluid port and a second fluid port, wherein the walls separating adjacent flow channels comprises a valve section of reduced height, thereby allowing selective opening and closing of a flow path transverse to the elongated flow channels by controlling the docking force between flow cell and the lid surface to an open docking state and a closed docking state respectively.