Reagent Cartridge Plug Interface for Stable Microfluidic Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized in-vitro devices, such as microfluidic cartridges, face challenges in storing and releasing reagents due to incompatibility with storage conditions and packaging processes, requiring on-demand release of reagents for specific assays.
Innovation Solution
The development of reagent cartridges that can be stored separately from microfluidic devices, featuring a universal plug-based interface for easy engagement with microfluidic devices, allowing for the storage and transfer of multiple reagents with precise volume control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If reagents are stored in miniaturized in-vitro devices, then space requirements are reduced, but storage conditions become incompatible with reagent stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a microfluidic device for analysis and a reagent cartridge for storage and dispensing. The reagent cartridge contains multiple reservoirs with different reagents, each maintained under appropriate storage conditions. This segmentation allows the microfluidic device to remain small while reagents are stored separately under compatible conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent cartridge acts as an intermediary between reagent storage and the microfluidic device. It provides on-demand dispensing of reagents through a plug-based interface, allowing reagents to be stored separately and delivered only when needed for specific assays, thus maintaining both small device size and reagent stability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple reagents are preloaded into microfluidic devices, then operator training requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent cartridge is designed as a universal platform that can store and dispense multiple different reagents through a standardized plug-based interface. The same cartridge structure can accommodate various reagent types and volumes, making the system versatile while maintaining simple operation. The cartridge can be engaged with the microfluidic device through a single mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are preloaded into the reagent cartridge under controlled manufacturing conditions with precise volume measurements. The cartridge is prepared in advance with all necessary reagents for multiple assays, eliminating the need for operators to manually load reagents. This preliminary action simplifies operation while the modular cartridge design keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If reagents are stored separately from microfluidic devices, then reagent stability is improved, but integration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent cartridge is pre-assembled with all necessary reagents, seals, and dispensing mechanisms before use. This preliminary preparation allows the cartridge to be quickly engaged with the microfluidic device through a simple mechanical interface, minimizing integration time while maintaining separate storage benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized plug-based interface acts as an intermediary that enables rapid connection between the reagent cartridge and microfluidic device. The mechanical actuation system allows for quick engagement and disengagement, reducing the time penalty of separate storage while maintaining reagent stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for displacing fluid from a reagent cartridge (310) into a microfluidic device (320) and for loading the fluid into the reagent cartridge (310). The reagent cartridge (310) may include a cartridge body and a pipette array with pipette tips (315) to engage inlets of a microfluidics or other cartridge, wherein the pipette tips (315) correspond in position to the plurality of inlets (325) of the microfluidic device (320). Fluid may be loaded into or displaced from the microfluidic device (320) by a system of plungers (615). The reagent cartridge may alternatively include blisters (925) having fluid reservoirs and dispensing tips (930), each dispensing tip (930) including a pathway (927) that is fluidly coupled to a blister (925). The fluid may be displaced from or loaded into the blister (925) via the dispensing tip (930). A deformable seal (910) may be overlaid on the blisters (925) to seal the volumes of fluid within the blisters (925), and may be deformed to displace the fluid.