Parallel Microfluidic PCR Cartridge for Benchtop Sample Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic analyses in the medical diagnostics industry are bottlenecked due to the need for specialized equipment, high costs, and batch processing, which delays sample processing and requires shipping, leading to potential sample loss or mishandling. There is a need for a method to automate sample preparation and PCR for multiple biological samples in parallel with minimal training and high throughput.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic cartridge with a substrate, laminate, and label, featuring multiple sample lanes with independent microfluidic networks for PCR, allowing for simultaneous thermal cycling and detection of nucleotides, enabling rapid and automated sample preparation and analysis on a benchtop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized equipment and batch processing are used for diagnostic analyses, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but productivity is reduced and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic analysis accuracyVSAvoidsample processing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the diagnostic analysis process into multiple independent sample lanes (e.g., 96 lanes) that can process samples simultaneously in parallel, transforming a single-sample sequential process into a multi-sample parallel process, thereby dramatically increasing throughput while maintaining individual sample analysis quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple functions (sample preparation, PCR amplification, and detection) into a single integrated microfluidic cartridge, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each step and enabling high-throughput processing while maintaining diagnostic precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used for diagnostic analyses, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic analysis accuracyVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microfluidic cartridge is designed as a self-contained, self-regulating system that automatically performs sample preparation, thermal cycling, and detection without requiring manual intervention or specialized operator skills, making complex diagnostic analysis as easy as loading a sample into the cartridge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal platform that can process multiple sample types and perform various diagnostic analyses through software configuration rather than requiring different specialized equipment for each test type, simplifying operation while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If batch processing is used for diagnostic analyses, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic analysis accuracyVSAvoidsample processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables continuous processing of samples across 96 lanes simultaneously, eliminating idle time between batches and maintaining constant productive action, while each sample receives the complete diagnostic analysis protocol required for precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Samples are prepared and loaded into the microfluidic cartridge in advance, with reagents pre-loaded into reservoirs, so that when processing begins, all samples can proceed through amplification and detection simultaneously without sequential delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 microfluidic cartridge facilitates high-throughput PCR with rapid thermocycling, allowing for real-time analysis of multiple samples, reducing the need for specialized training and equipment, and enabling efficient sample preparation and detection on a benchtop, thereby addressing the bottlenecks in diagnostic analyses.

Implementation Method 1

PCR-ready samples are transferred to a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to amplify nucleotides in the samples by carrying out PCR thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal cycling:

Data Source

PatentUS12128402B2Microfluidic cartridge

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 HANDYLAB INC

AI summary

The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent.