Optofluidic Droplet Fluorescence Measurement Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital PCR devices are hindered by the need for multiple equipment types, expensive micro well chip fabrication, and complex procedures, making them inconvenient and costly for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a fluorescence excitation unit that reflects and outputs fluorescence-exciting light in an upward direction, coupled with a measurement unit to accurately measure optofluidic droplet fluorescence, utilizing etched substrate channels and optical fibers to align and position the excitation and measurement units, enabling precise fluorescence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple equipment types and expensive micro well chip fabrication are used for digital PCR, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluorescence excitation unit and measurement unit into a single integrated device with a unified substrate structure. The excitation channel and measurement channel are merged at the channel level, allowing both functions to operate within one device rather than requiring separate equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs both fluorescence excitation and fluorescence measurement functions within a single apparatus. The substrate structure supports multiple channels that can handle different optical paths and fluidic operations, enabling one device to replace multiple specialized equipment types
2Measurement precision
If multiple equipment types and complex procedures are used for digital PCR, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging excitation and measurement functions into one device with integrated channels, the patent eliminates the need for operators to manually transfer samples between multiple equipment types. The unified structure allows continuous operation through a single device, significantly improving ease of operation while preserving measurement precision
3Manufacturing precision
If expensive micro well chip fabrication is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from expensive micro well chip fabrication to a substrate-based structure with etched channels. This parameter change in the manufacturing method allows for achieving the required channel precision through standard semiconductor fabrication techniques, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the necessary manufacturing precision
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 allows for precise and accurate measurement of fluorescence properties in digital PCR optofluidic droplets, facilitating the detection of biomaterials like DNA or RNA, thereby improving the accuracy and reducing the complexity and cost of digital PCR testing.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence-exciting light that is input from downward direction... receives fluorescence and measures fluorescence of the optofluidic droplet when fluorescence is generated from an optofluidic droplet by the fluorescence-exciting light
Implementation Method 2
a reflection means that is formed at an end of the excitation channel and reflects the fluorescence-exciting light in an upward direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein an device for measuring optofluidic droplet fluorescence and manufacturing method thereof. The device includes: a fluorescence excitation unit configured to reflect and output a fluorescence-exciting light, which is applied in a horizontal direction, in an upward direction; and a fluorescence measurement unit that is physically coupled with the fluorescence excitation unit and receives the fluorescence and measures fluorescence of the optofluidic droplet when fluorescence is generated from an optofluidic droplet by the fluorescence-exciting light that is input from downward direction.