Parallel Bio-Reaction Well Arrays for High-Throughput Multi-Step Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bio-reaction methods struggle with low sample throughput and inefficiencies in performing multiple steps, leading to batch-to-batch variations and high costs due to serial workflows or the need for increased actuation modules.
Innovation Solution
A parallel multi-step bio-reaction system with a substrate arrangement, well arrangement, and actuators that move either the substrate or well arrangement to align bio-reaction substrates with fluidic wells, allowing for simultaneous exposure to different reagents and temperature control, along with a fluidic replacement system to manage reagents efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods increase sample throughput by directly increasing the number of actuation modules, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bio-reaction process into discrete steps, with each step performed in a separate well of the well arrangement. This segmentation allows multiple substrates to undergo different reaction steps simultaneously in different wells, achieving parallel processing without requiring multiple complete actuation modules for each substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from sequential processing (one substrate at a time through multiple steps) to parallel processing by introducing a spatial dimension - the well arrangement array. Multiple substrates are processed simultaneously across different wells, each well representing a reaction step, thereby increasing throughput without proportionally increasing actuation complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional methods use serial workflow in linear queue fashion, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple reaction steps into a single integrated well arrangement structure. Each well contains reagents for a specific reaction step, and multiple substrates can be processed through these merged steps simultaneously by moving the substrate arrangement relative to the well arrangement, achieving parallel processing with a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic relative movement between the substrate arrangement and well arrangement to enable flexible parallel processing. The actuator can move either arrangement to change alignment, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of which substrates contact which reagents, thereby enabling parallel processing of multiple substrates through the same physical structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple reagents are applied at different temperatures for different amounts of time, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple reagents at different temperatures in advance, with each reagent loaded into a separate well of the well arrangement before processing begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to heat or cool reagents during the processing sequence, as each well is pre-equilibrated to its required temperature, thereby maintaining precise temperature control while reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing by having multiple substrates simultaneously exposed to different reagents at different temperatures in parallel. While one substrate undergoes a reaction at a specific temperature, another substrate can simultaneously undergo a different reaction step at a different temperature in a different well, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the system.
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
Enhances sample throughput by enabling parallel processing of bio-reactions, reducing batch variations, and lowering costs through simultaneous reagent application and temperature control, while minimizing human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that is configured to: (i) move either the substrate arrangement or the well arrangement relative to the other of the substrate arrangement or the well arrangement to change the alignment of the bio-reaction substrates as a group relative to the fluidic wells as a group
Implementation Method 2
The well plate may include several heaters and temperature sensors
Implementation Method 3
The well plate may include several heaters and temperature sensors
Implementation Method 4
a fluidic replacement sub-system configured to replace fluids in the fluidic wells
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel multi-step bio-reaction system(10) comprising: (a) a substrate arrangement(12) comprising a plurality of bio-reaction substrate holders(18) configured to hold a plurality of bio-reaction substrates(20); (b) a well arrangement(14) comprising a plurality of fluidic wells(22), the fluidic wells(22) corresponding to a plurality of steps of a multi-step bio-reaction; (c) an actuator(16) configured to: (i) move either the substrate arrangement(12) or the well arrangement(14) relative to the other of the substrate arrangement(12) or the well arrangement(14) to change the alignment of the bio-reaction substrates(20) as a group relative to the fluidic wells(22) as a group; and (ii) bring the bio-reaction substrates(20) into and out of contact with fluids in the fluidic wells(22).