Optical Analysis Chip Through-Holes Capillary Liquid Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical analysis methods are inadequate for quantitative analysis of small sample volumes, particularly in medical and biochemical applications, due to limitations in sensitivity and accuracy, and are susceptible to external light and individual variations.
Innovation Solution
An optical analysis chip with through-holes that allow liquid samples to form a film by capillary action, enabling transmission light analysis for precise quantification of target components, even with small sample amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical analysis methods using transparent cells are used, then quantitative analysis accuracy is improved, but sample volume requirement increases to 0.1-5 ml
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is divided into multiple through-holes (each with diameter 1-100 μm) instead of using a single large cell. Each through-hole acts as an independent mini-cell, allowing parallel measurement of multiple samples or repeated measurements from a small sample volume. This segmentation enables quantitative analysis with only 1-10 μl of sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface-based colorimetric analysis to a three-dimensional volume-based transmission light analysis by forming liquid films within the through-holes. The liquid film thickness (controlling optical path length) can be precisely adjusted by controlling the filling amount, enabling accurate quantitative analysis with minimal sample volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If visual colorimetric analysis is performed, then qualitative measurement is achieved, but measurement objectivity deteriorates due to individual differences and ambient brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the human visual system (subjective colorimetric analysis) with an optical detection system that measures transmission light intensity or spectrum objectively. The detection unit's liquid film is illuminated and the transmitted light is measured by a detector, converting subjective color evaluation into objective numerical data for quantitative analysis.
3Device complexity
If reflected light analysis is used, then qualitative colorimetric measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to chip surface unevenness and external light susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of analyzing reflected light from the chip surface (which is affected by surface unevenness), the invention analyzes transmitted light through the liquid film in the through-holes. By inverting the measurement approach from reflection to transmission, the method eliminates sensitivity to chip surface conditions and external light interference, achieving high measurement accuracy.
4Quantity of substance
If small sample volume is used, then sample conservation is achieved, but analysis sensitivity deteriorates due to insufficient light interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical path length parameter by precisely controlling the liquid film thickness within the through-holes. By adjusting the filling amount to create an optimal film thickness, sufficient light interaction is achieved even with small sample volumes (1-10 μl), maintaining high analysis sensitivity while conserving samples.
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 chip allows for accurate and sensitive quantitative analysis of target components in small samples, overcoming limitations of existing methods by stabilizing the liquid film and reducing external light interference, thus enhancing measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
The through-holes are formed with a size with which a liquid can be held by surface tension
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of voids that allow a liquid to pass though by capillary action and that communicate with the through-holes
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis tool for use in optical analysis, comprising a detection unit 10 having through-holes 10h penetrating through the surface and the rear side of a base material 11, the detection unit 10 comprising, inside of the base material 11, a plurality of voids 11h that allows a liquid to pass through by capillary action and that communicate with the through-holes 10h, and the through-holes 10h being formed with a size that enables a liquid to be held by surface tension. Therefore, by irradiating the detection unit 10 with light, it is possible to obtain transmitted light L2 that has been transmitted through a liquid film Lf. By analyzing the transmitted light L2, a target component in a sample L can be appropriately quantified.