Patterned Dried Blood Spot Cards for Uniform Plasma Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic devices struggle to produce high-quality, reproducible fluid samples for analysis, particularly in cases where multiple components of a fluid sample need to be separated or distributed uniformly, leading to inefficiencies in sample preparation and analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluidic devices with specific designs, including channels and sample regions arranged for predictable sample distribution, filtration layers to separate components like blood cells from plasma, and layers for lateral fluid distribution, ensuring uniform sample formation and retention in equidistant regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional fluidic devices are used for sample distribution, then device simplicity is maintained, but sample uniformity and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic device is divided into multiple functional layers including a central region layer, lateral distribution layer, and sample collection layer. Each layer performs a specific function in the fluid distribution process, enabling precise control over sample uniformity while maintaining overall device simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces lateral fluid distribution as a new dimension of control beyond traditional vertical flow paths. By implementing lateral distribution channels and regions, the device achieves superior sample uniformity through multi-directional fluid management rather than relying solely on vertical flow dynamics.
2Manufacturing precision
If filtration layers are added to separate blood components, then plasma separation quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration layer is strategically positioned only in regions where plasma separation is required, rather than uniformly across the entire device. This localized approach achieves high plasma separation quality in critical areas while minimizing the overall device complexity and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs porous filtration materials with controlled pore sizes and distributions to achieve efficient plasma-se RBC separation. The porous structure enables selective passage of plasma while retaining red blood cells, delivering high separation quality through material properties rather than complex mechanical structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample regions are created for different analyses, then analytical versatility improves, but sample contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates physically separated sample collection regions through distinct channels and spatial distribution, allowing multiple analyses to be performed on divided portions of the original sample. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different analytical assays while maintaining analytical versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral distribution layer acts as an intermediary between the central fluid input and multiple sample collection regions. It distributes fluid through controlled pathways to different collection zones, enabling versatile sampling while preventing direct cross-contamination between regions through the mediating distribution structure.
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
These designs facilitate the creation of high-quality, reproducible fluid samples that can be easily analyzed without contamination, allowing for efficient and precise testing of plasma components without additional processing.
Implementation Method 1
a layer comprising a porous, absorbent material... flowing a fluid sample from a central region through first and second channels
Implementation Method 2
a second, filtration layer configured to separate blood cells from plasma... retaining at least a portion of cells in the blood sample on a first side of the filtration layer, and transporting at least a portion of plasma
Data Source
AI summary
Articles and methods involving fluidic devices are generally provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic device comprises a first layer comprising a central region in fluidic communication with an environment external to the fluidic device. The first layer may also comprise a first channel and a second channel in fluidic communication with the central region and extending radially outwards therefrom. The first and second channels may comprises first and second sample regions from which first and second samples can be removed from the fluidic device. In some embodiments, a fluidic device comprises a first layer and a second, filtration layer configured to separate blood cells from plasma positioned between the environment external to the fluidic device and the first layer. In some embodiments, a fluidic device comprises a layer configured to distribute fluid from the region in fluidic communication with the environment external to the fluidic device laterally across the layer positioned between two porous, absorbent layers.