Rotating Microfluidic Device for Simultaneous Assays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disk-type microfluidic devices require skilled clinical pathologists and are inefficient in performing multiple pathological tests simultaneously, especially in emergency situations where rapid test results are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A disc-shaped microfluidic device with rotating platform, featuring immunoassay and biochemical analysis units, utilizing phase transition valves with heat-generating particles to control fluid flow, allowing for simultaneous and rapid conductance of multiple assays without interfering operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If multiple pathological tests are performed using conventional methods, then test accuracy can be maintained, but test time increases and skilled operators are required for each test

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest timeVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent assay units (immunoassay unit, biochemical analysis unit, microbiological culture unit) into a single integrated microfluidic device. These units share common infrastructure including fluid reservoirs, centrifugal separation systems, and detection mechanisms, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple pathological tests without requiring separate skilled operators for each test type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic device is designed with multi-functional capability to perform diverse pathological tests including immunoassays, biochemical analyses, and microbiological cultures. The system uses a universal centrifugal force-based fluid handling mechanism and shared detection systems that can accommodate different assay types, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and operators for each test.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple assay units are integrated in one device, then operational efficiency improves, but interference between units may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidassay independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional units (immunoassay unit, biochemical analysis unit, microbiological culture unit) that operate independently within the integrated system. Each unit has its own microfluidic channels, reaction chambers, and control mechanisms, ensuring that assays are physically separated and do not interfere with each other while maintaining high operational efficiency through shared infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If rapid test results are needed for emergency patients, then test speed must increase, but conventional methods require skilled pathologists and multiple equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest speedVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microfluidic device incorporates automated fluid handling using centrifugal force to drive sample and reagent flow through the various assay units. The system performs self-service functions including sample distribution, reagent mixing, and result detection without requiring skilled clinical pathologists to manually operate multiple pieces of equipment. This automation enables rapid emergency testing while simplifying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 quick and accurate performance of various pathological tests on a single device, reducing the need for multiple skilled operators and enhancing emergency patient diagnosis by providing rapid test results.

Implementation Method 1

heat-generating particles are dispersed in a phase transition material that is in a solid state at a room temperature and in a liquefied state at a temperature higher than the melting point of the phase transition material, and the valve material changing into a molten state, when energy is applied to the heat-generating particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy to thermal energy conversion: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

phase transition material that is in a solid state at a room temperature and in a liquefied state at a temperature higher than the melting point of the phase transition material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

the valve material changing into a molten state, when energy is applied to the heat-generating particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 4

a disk type microfluidic device in which a microfluidic structure is disposed on a disk-shaped platform to transport a fluid using centrifugal force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS10252267B2Microfluidic device for simultaneously conducting multiple analyses

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 PRECISIONBIOSENSOR INC

AI summary

Provided is a rotatable microfluidic device for conducting simultaneously two or more assays. The device includes a platform which can be rotated, a first unit which is disposed at one portion of the platform and detects a target material from a sample using surface on which a capture probe selectively binds to the target material is attached, and a second unit which is disposed at another portion of the platform and detects a target material included in the sample by a different reaction from the reaction conducted in the first unit.