Microfluidic PCR Cartridge With Parallel Chambers for On-Demand Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic analyses in the medical diagnostics industry face bottlenecks due to the need for specialized equipment, high costs, and batch processing, which delays sample processing and requires shipping, leading to inefficiencies in delivering timely diagnostic results.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system that includes a microfluidic cartridge with PCR reaction chambers for amplifying polynucleotides and a detector for nucleotide detection, controlled by a processor to enable on-demand, high-throughput analysis of multiple samples simultaneously, reducing the need for specialized equipment and enabling rapid diagnostic results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for diagnostic analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diagnostic functions (PCR amplification, thermal cycling, and fluorescence detection) into a single integrated microfluidic cartridge. The cartridge integrates reaction chambers, thermal control elements, and detection components, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through on-cartridge processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic cartridge is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple diagnostic operations including sample preparation, PCR amplification, and nucleotide detection within a single device. This multi-functional design reduces dependency on multiple specialized instruments while preserving measurement precision through integrated control.
2Productivity
If batch processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge is divided into multiple independent reaction chambers, each capable of processing a separate sample simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple samples within a single cartridge, increasing throughput while maintaining individual sample control and reducing total processing time compared to sequential batch methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential batch processing to parallel simultaneous processing by utilizing multiple reaction chambers within the same physical cartridge. This dimensional expansion from single-channel to multi-channel processing increases productivity without requiring additional equipment, effectively processing multiple samples at the same time rather than in sequence.
3Measurement precision
If samples are shipped to centralized locations, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge is designed as a self-contained system that performs all diagnostic operations locally at the point of care. The cartridge includes integrated reagents, thermal control, and detection capabilities, enabling samples to be processed on-site without requiring transportation to centralized laboratories. This self-service approach maintains diagnostic accuracy while eliminating shipping and transportation delays.
4Productivity
If high-throughput parallel processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge employs a nested structure where multiple reaction chambers are integrated within a single cartridge body, which itself is placed within a reader instrument. This nesting allows parallel processing of multiple samples within a compact form factor, increasing productivity while managing complexity through hierarchical organization of components rather than requiring separate systems for each sample.
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 system allows for rapid, high-throughput analysis of multiple biological samples, reducing processing time and eliminating the need for batch processing, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat source thermally coupled to the cartridge and configured to carry out PCR on a microdroplet of polynucleotide-containing sample, in the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect presence of one or more polynucleotides in the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.