Multilane Flow Cell for Parallel Nucleic Acid Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid sequencing technologies are limited by high costs, long run times, and the need for extensive assay preparation, which restricts their widespread application in biological and medical research.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising a die with an array of sensors and wells, integrated with a flow cell that defines separate volumes or lanes, allowing for controlled reagent flow and isolation of specific wells, enhancing the efficiency and precision of nucleic acid sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sequencing systems are used, then sequencing capability is provided, but run time is long and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into multiple lanes (e.g., 4 lanes) that can operate simultaneously or independently. Each lane can process different samples or sequencing reactions in parallel, thereby increasing overall throughput while maintaining manageable run times for each individual lane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-volume flow cells to multi-lane flow cells with separate volumes, adding a spatial dimension to the sequencing process. This allows multiple sequencing reactions to occur simultaneously in different lanes, effectively increasing throughput without proportionally increasing run time.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional flow cells are used, then reagent flow is simple, but reagent consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell volume is segmented into multiple separate lanes, each with its own inlet and outlet. This segmentation allows reagents to be delivered efficiently to each lane independently, reducing overall reagent consumption compared to a single large-volume flow cell while managing the complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lane in the multi-lane flow cell can have customized reagent delivery and flow characteristics optimized for its specific sequencing reactions. This local optimization reduces wasted reagents in areas where they are not needed, while the overall structure remains manageable through standardized lane modules.
3Ease of operation
If dividers are added to create separate volumes, then reagent flow control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dividers creating separate volumes in the flow cell are implemented as thin film structures that can be integrated during standard microfabrication processes. These thin film dividers provide effective flow separation and control while minimizing manufacturing complexity compared to thick partition walls, allowing for easier fabrication and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a substrate having a die attached to the substrate. The die includes an array of sensors and an array of wells cooperatively disposed over the array of sensors. The array of wells is exposed by the substrate. The sensor device further includes a flow cell secured to the substrate and defining a flow space disposed over the die and accessible to the array of wells. The flow cell defines a plurality of separate volumes. Each separate volume of the plurality of separate volumes has an inlet and an outlet. The plurality of separate volumes are separated by dividers. The dividers cover a set of wells of the array of wells.