Parallel Microfluidic Channels with Scanning Light for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measuring devices for fine particles, such as cell sorters, face challenges in achieving high measurement processing speed and accuracy, particularly in isolating rare cells for regenerative medicine applications, due to limitations in existing configurations that lead to interference and reduced accuracy from crosstalk in detection target light.
Innovation Solution
The optical measuring device features multiple microfluidic channels arranged in parallel with a scanning section that irradiates measuring light beams in a specific pattern, ensuring that each microfluidic channel is illuminated independently, with the light beams spaced to prevent overlap and crosstalk, allowing for superior measurement speed and accuracy by optimizing the arrangement distances and irradiation zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple measuring light beams are irradiated simultaneously on multiple microfluidic channels, then measurement processing speed is improved, but crosstalk between channels occurs reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent microfluidic channels, each capable of being measured separately. By segmenting the measurement process spatially across multiple channels while maintaining temporal separation through scanning, the system achieves both high throughput and accurate measurements without crosstalk interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning of measuring light beams across microfluidic channels in a systematic sequence. Instead of simultaneous irradiation, the system uses periodic action to irradiate different channels at different time periods, eliminating crosstalk while maintaining high measurement processing speed through parallel channel architecture.
2Measurement precision
If measuring light beams are spaced to prevent overlap and crosstalk, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task across multiple microfluidic channels, allowing independent measurement of each channel. This segmentation enables the system to maintain accurate measurements through spaced light beams while compensating for reduced speed through parallel processing across multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional sequential measurement approach to a multi-dimensional approach by introducing multiple microfluidic channels in parallel. This dimensional expansion allows the system to measure multiple samples simultaneously at spaced intervals, maintaining accuracy while improving overall processing throughput.
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 configuration enables faster measurement processing and higher accuracy by preventing crosstalk, allowing for the detection of target light from a single microfluidic channel without interference, thus enhancing the optical measurement of fine particles and improving the efficiency of cell sorting processes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring light beams are scanned in a scanning direction... to optically measure fine particles introduced into the microfluidic channels
Implementation Method 2
detect scattered light or fluorescent light generated from the fine particles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an optical measuring device, including: a plurality of microfluidic channels extending in parallel to each other; and a scanning section configured to scan a plurality of measuring light beams in a scanning direction in which the microfluidic channels are juxtaposed to optically measure fine particles introduced into the microfluidic channels.