Patterned Dried Blood Spot Cards With Layered Plasma Filtration
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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 within the device.
Innovation Solution
The fluidic devices incorporate a central region with radially extending channels and sample regions, a filtration layer to separate components like blood cells from plasma, and a layer to distribute fluid laterally across the device, ensuring uniform distribution and separation of fluid components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a filtration layer is added to separate blood cells from plasma, then the quality and reproducibility of plasma samples are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional layers: a filtration layer for separating blood cells from plasma, and a separate distribution layer for uniform plasma distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently, improving sample quality while keeping the overall device design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
A distribution layer is introduced as an intermediary between the filtration layer and the sample collection point. This intermediate layer ensures uniform plasma distribution before collection, enhancing sample reproducibility without requiring direct modification of the filtration layer, thus managing device complexity through functional decomposition.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple layers are used for fluid distribution and separation, then the uniformity of fluid distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid handling function is segmented across multiple specialized layers: a filtration layer for cell-plasma separation and a distribution layer for uniform plasma distribution. Each layer is optimized for its specific function, achieving superior fluid distribution uniformity while maintaining a clear functional architecture that simplifies design and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are designed with locally optimized properties: the filtration layer has specific porosity and fiber characteristics for effective separation, while the distribution layer has structural features optimized for uniform fluid flow. This local quality optimization achieves superior overall performance without requiring uniform design throughout the entire device.
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 design allows for the formation of high-quality, reproducible samples that can be easily collected and analyzed without contamination, facilitating efficient plasma-based tests by ensuring uniform distribution and separation of fluid components.
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... comprising synthetic fibers and/or glass fibers
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.