Radial Micro-Flow Analysis Chip for Rapid Multi-Item Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analysis chips and sample analysis devices face challenges in rapidly and accurately analyzing multiple components in a small amount of target liquid, particularly due to issues with nonuniform reaction times and longer measurement times, which can lead to measurement errors when using the ELISA process with micro-flow paths.
Innovation Solution
The analysis chip features a radial pattern of flow paths extending to the outer edge of the substrate with reactants fixed as circular spots at given intervals, surrounded by a housing with a moisture-retaining absorber and an air communication opening to facilitate rapid and controlled liquid discharge, allowing for efficient analysis of multiple items using a small amount of target liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of reactants are stored in separate storage parts to analyze tens of types of items, then the analysis capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the analysis system into multiple independent flow paths, each containing specific reactants. This segmentation allows simultaneous analysis of multiple items (high adaptability) while keeping each flow path relatively simple and manageable (controlled complexity). The micro-flow path structure enables parallel processing without requiring a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention embeds multiple reactant storage regions within a single chip substrate, with each flow path nested within the overall chip structure. This nesting approach consolidates multiple analysis functions into one integrated device, improving versatility while avoiding the complexity of separate external storage systems for each reactant type.
2Measurement precision
If liquid is discharged from the micro-flow path during ELISA process, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-positions multiple reactants within the micro-flow path before the actual measurement begins. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for repeated liquid discharge and re-introduction during the ELISA process, maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly reducing total measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-flow path design enables continuous flow and reaction processes without interruption. Reactants are delivered continuously through the micro-flow path, allowing the ELISA process to proceed without stopping for liquid discharge, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing measurement time through uninterrupted continuous operation.
3Quantity of substance
If a small amount of target liquid is used to reduce burden on biological body, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the analysis of multiple items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the small volume of target liquid into multiple parallel flow paths, each utilizing a different reactant for analyzing different items. This segmentation enables multi-item analysis from a minimal liquid sample, simultaneously achieving reduced invasiveness and maintained versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from analyzing multiple items sequentially (one dimension) to simultaneously (multiple dimensions/parallel paths). By arranging multiple flow paths in parallel, the system can process different analytes concurrently from a single small liquid sample, enabling multi-item analysis with minimal liquid volume.
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 rapid and accurate analysis of multiple items in a single measurement, reducing measurement time and preventing liquid discharge errors, while minimizing the amount of target liquid required.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-flow path (23) having one end communicating with the injection port (22) and an opposite end penetrating the substrate (20) to reach as far as an outer edge of the substrate (20) in a radial direction, and allowing introduction of the target liquid into the micro-flow path (23) by means of capillary action
Implementation Method 2
a radial pattern of flow paths extending to the outer edge of the substrate with reactants fixed as circular spots at given intervals
Implementation Method 3
a housing with a moisture-retaining absorber and an air communication opening to facilitate rapid and controlled liquid discharge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Provided are an analysis chip and a sample analysis device by which it is possible to perform analysis rapidly and accurately on a plurality of items simultaneously using a small amount of liquid for measurement. An analysis chip (10) is provided with: a substrate (20) formed in a substantially disc shape; an insertion hole (22) formed in the center of the substrate (20), a liquid to be measured being inserted into the insertion hole (22); and micro-flow paths (23) into which the liquid to be measured can be guided from the insertion hole (22) by capillary action, each of the micro-flow paths (23) having therein a plurality of types of antigens (30) that are fixed in place with gaps therebetween, the antigens (30) selectively reacting to components in the liquid to be measured.