Reusable Biosensor Cartridge for Onsite Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biosensors for detecting biological compounds and chemical agents are often large, costly, and require sample transportation to laboratories, leading to potential quality issues due to long distances and complex manual processes, necessitating the development of portable, onsite detection solutions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a reusable and replaceable cartridge system employing Real-time Electrochemical Profiling (REP) technology, featuring a microfluidic mechanism, integrated biosensor chip, RFID label, and automatic protocol execution, allowing for on-site, quantitative analysis of analytes without user calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional biosensors are used for detecting biological compounds and chemical agents, then detection capability is achieved, but device size becomes large and requires transportation to laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a permanent housing containing electronics, power supply, and control systems, and a replaceable cartridge containing the biosensor and microfluidic components. This segmentation allows the bulky electronic components to remain stationary while only the compact sensor cartridge needs to be transported or used portably.
Solution Approach 2:
A microfluidic cartridge acts as an intermediary between the sample and the electronic detection systems. The cartridge contains the biosensor and reagents, bringing the detection capability to the sample location without requiring transportation of the entire laboratory-scale device.
2Measurement precision
If sample transportation to laboratories is required, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but measurement quality deteriorates due to long distances and inadequate conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated biosensor, reagents, and microfluidic channels that performs the complete analysis locally at the sample location. This eliminates the need for sample transportation and associated delays while maintaining measurement quality through controlled, automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-loaded with reagents and biosensors before use, allowing immediate analysis upon sample introduction. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex laboratory procedures and transportation, enabling rapid on-site measurement with maintained precision.
3Reliability
If complex manual processes are used for biosensor detection, then thorough analysis is achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operations such as pipetting, mixing, and sample handling are replaced by an automated microfluidic system within the cartridge. Motors and pumps integrated into the cartridge automatically control fluid movement and reagent mixing, maintaining thorough analysis while eliminating complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge integrates multiple functions including sample introduction, reagent mixing, biosensor detection, and waste disposal into a single replaceable unit. This multi-functionality allows thorough analysis through automated sequential operations while presenting a simple uniform interface to the user.
4Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment is used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor cartridge is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be manufactured at low cost using standardized microfluidic and sensor technologies. By concentrating the expensive electronic systems in a permanent housing and using inexpensive disposable cartridges, the overall cost per measurement is reduced while maintaining laboratory-grade accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge system allows the expensive electronic detection systems to be recovered and reused, while only the consumable cartridge is discarded after a single use. This approach reduces long-term costs by separating capital equipment from consumables, maintaining detection accuracy through reusable calibrated electronics.
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
Enables cost-effective, high-quality, and convenient onsite detection of biological compounds and chemical agents, reducing the need for complex laboratory procedures and ensuring consistent measurement quality through automatic sample processing and waste management.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochemical biosensor causes a change in an electrical signal using a specific binding material, such as protein, deoxyribonucleic acid ('DNA'), viruses, bacteria, cells, and tissues, and a sensor surface, thereby quantitatively or qualitatively analyzing and testing biomolecules.
Implementation Method 2
The fluidics from the syringes, the reaction and waste chamber is connected with microfluidic channels. The fluids are routed from the syringes to the flow cell where the electrodes are housed and then finally end up in the waste chamber.
Implementation Method 3
RFID reader for cartridge detection
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a handheld mobile device which can analyze and measure whole blood, serum, urine or analytes which contain target agents such as mycotoxin, aflatoxin or cholera etc. with a easy to use reusable cartridge consisting of a cartridge head and cartridge body. The cartridge comprises four syringes, one of which being detachable. A waste reservoir is integrated with the syringes.