3D Printed Porous Diagnostic Device for Capillary Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care diagnostic technologies, such as lateral flow tests and passive microfluidics, face challenges in sensitivity and scalability, particularly in developing countries where they require complex manufacturing methods and equipment, leading to unpredictable device performance and limited sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A novel method for 3D printing of porous objects using a single type of particulate material, eliminating the need for laser equipment or UV sources, and allowing for capillary transport of hydrophilic fluids through channels with embedded particles, enhancing interaction between analytes and capturing agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser equipment and UV sources are used for 3D printing microfluidic devices, then manufacturing precision and channel definition are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laser and UV-based 3D printing systems with a simple inkjet printing system that uses binder jets to selectively bind particulate material. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive laser equipment and UV sources while maintaining the ability to define precise microfluidic channels through controlled binder deposition patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental printing mechanism from laser/UV-based material removal or transformation to binder-based material assembly. By using liquid binder that selectively adheres particulate material in desired channel patterns, the system achieves comparable manufacturing precision with significantly reduced equipment complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If multiple porous layers are bonded together to create passive microfluidics, then sensitivity and assay capability are improved, but manufacturing reliability deteriorates due to interlayer contact issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single monolithic particulate structure. Instead of bonding separate porous layers together (which causes interlayer contact issues), the invention creates a unified device where all microfluidic channels and functional zones are formed within one continuous particulate matrix, eliminating interlayer bonding problems while maintaining assay sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the device into distinct functional zones (sample application, reaction, detection) within a single particulate structure. Each zone is created by selective binder deposition in specific regions, allowing complex multi-step assays to be integrated reliably without requiring physical bonding between separate layers.
3Manufacturing precision
If heat treatments are applied to remove sacrificial material, then channel formation is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for sacrificial material and heat treatment steps entirely from the manufacturing process. Instead of depositing sacrificial material that requires thermal removal, the invention directly forms channels through selective binder deposition, eliminating both the sacrificial material step and the subsequent heat treatment step, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining channel formation precision.
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 approach enables the creation of efficient, scalable, and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic devices that improve sensitivity and reliability without requiring heat treatments or reactive groups, making them suitable for low-resource settings.
Implementation Method 1
enabling the capillary transport of hydrophilic fluids
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~2C
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for three dimensional printing of a porous object enabling the capillary transport of hydrophilic fluids, for use as liquid handling device, for example as a point of care diagnostic device. The invention also provides the porous object obtainable or obtained by such methods, and its use in liquid handling or as a point of care diagnostic device.