Multiplexed Bioanalysis Fluidic Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analytical systems face challenges in increasing complexity, sensitivity, and the number of operations without a corresponding increase in processing time and cost, especially when analyzing large numbers of analytes.

Innovation Solution

The system employs multiple independent fluidic systems and improved resource management to deliver reagents efficiently, allowing for simultaneous operations and optimized staging of resource utilization across multiple flowcell units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of analytes and operations is increased to improve analysis scope and sensitivity, then the system complexity and processing time increase proportionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis scopeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the flowcell device into multiple independent flowcell units (first flowcell unit, second flowcell unit, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple analytes simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual unit, resolving the contradiction between analysis scope and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple fluidic systems are designed to perform multiple functions - they can deliver different reagents (first reagent, second reagent, third reagent) to different flowcell units simultaneously, and can switch between interrogation and washing operations. This multi-functionality increases analysis scope without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple reagents are delivered to multiple flowcell units simultaneously, then throughput increases, but fluidic system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidfluidic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidic delivery system is segmented into multiple independent fluidic systems (first fluidic system, second fluidic system, third fluidic system), each responsible for delivering specific reagents to specific flowcell units. This segmentation enables simultaneous multi-reagent delivery while keeping each fluidic subsystem relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reagents are pre-positioned in separate reservoirs and fluidic systems are prepared in advance to deliver them to appropriate flowcell units at the right time. This preliminary preparation allows coordinated simultaneous delivery of multiple reagents without requiring complex real-time decision-making in the fluidic control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If interrogation and washing operations are performed sequentially, then system simplicity is maintained, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments operations into different flowcell units - some units perform interrogation while others perform washing simultaneously. This spatial segmentation of operations allows parallel execution of interrogation and washing, reducing total processing time while maintaining operational clarity in each unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

While one flowcell unit undergoes interrogation, another flowcell unit simultaneously undergoes washing. This continuous parallel operation eliminates idle time between operations and maximizes system productivity without requiring overly complex coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of operation

If duplicate independent resources are added to improve accessibility and reduce interference, then resource availability increases, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource accessibilityVSAvoidresource multiplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Independent detection systems are assigned to different flowcell units (first detection system for first flowcell unit, second detection system for second flowcell unit). This segmentation provides redundant detection capabilities that can operate independently, improving system robustness and reducing interference while keeping each detection subsystem relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250067765A1Systems and methods for carrying out highly multiplexed bioanalyses

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 NAUTILUS SUBSIDIARY INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for analysis of large numbers of analytes using large numbers of reagents and processes using multiplexed, independent systems and subsystems for efficient processing and increased throughput of biological analyses.