Sample Cartridge with Plunger-Actuated Fluidic Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample processing methods are time-consuming, prone to contamination, and inefficient in reagent usage, generating significant waste, especially when handling multiple samples.
Innovation Solution
The development of sample cartridges with integrated fluidic channels, including sample, lysis, binding, pre-amplification, and amplification regions, along with waste and assay lines, that can interface with plungers to automate and parallelize sample processing, reducing contamination risks and reagent consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual sample processing is used, then flexibility in handling samples is maintained, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample processing system is divided into discrete functional modules integrated into a cartridge format. Each module (lysis, binding, amplification, detection) is separated into distinct chambers and channels, allowing independent optimization and automated sequential processing. This segmentation enables high-speed automated processing while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple processing functions are nested within a compact cartridge structure. The cartridge contains integrated fluidic channels, reaction chambers, and detection systems all housed within a single disposable unit. This nesting approach increases productivity by consolidating multiple steps into one compact system while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate devices.
2Productivity
If multiple samples are processed sequentially, then reagent consumption is reduced per sample, but total processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate fluidic channels and reaction chambers for each sample, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously. This segmentation enables multiple samples to be processed at the same time without reagent cross-contamination, increasing throughput while maintaining efficient reagent usage through dedicated channels for each sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge design incorporates universal fluidic channels and reagent delivery systems that can handle multiple samples through a single integrated platform. The same cartridge structure processes different samples sequentially or in parallel, making the system multi-functional and efficient for high-volume processing without requiring separate reagent sets for each sample type.
3Reliability
If manual sample processing steps are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a self-contained system where reagents, samples, and processing steps are automatically contained and managed within the cartridge structure. The integrated fluidic channels and reaction chambers automatically prevent cross-contamination between samples while the cartridge itself handles all processing steps without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high reliability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary between the operator and the sample processing chemistry. By encapsulating all reagents and processing steps within the cartridge, it mediates the interaction between samples and reagents, preventing contamination while requiring minimal user input. The user simply loads the cartridge and initiates processing, with the cartridge managing all internal operations.
4Loss of substance
If traditional processing methods are used, then reagent usage is higher, but waste generation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments waste collection into dedicated waste channels and chambers within the cartridge, separating waste from valuable reagents and samples. This segmentation allows for efficient waste containment and disposal while minimizing reagent loss. The integrated waste management system handles waste automatically, reducing the complexity of waste management despite the increased functionality.
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 solution enables rapid, efficient, and parallel processing of multiple samples while minimizing waste and contamination risks, improving overall processing efficiency and reducing reagent usage.
Implementation Method 1
A plunger is capable of compressing an elastomeric layer of the sample cartridge to occlude the fluidic channel
Implementation Method 2
The plunger can slide along the fluidic channel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides sample cartridges for processing samples. The sample cartridges comprise at least one fluidic channel. Each fluidic channel comprises a sample chamber, a lysis chamber, a binding chamber, a pre-amplification region, and an amplification region. The sample cartridges also comprise a waste line that is in fluidic connectivity with each fluidic channel. The sample cartridges can interface with a plurality of plungers that are capable of occluding at least one fluidic channel, waste line, and/or optional assay line to limit the transport of fluids into, out of, and/or along at least one fluidic channel by plunging. The invention also provides multi-channel sample cartridges, which are sample cartridges that comprise at least two fluidic channels. In addition, the sample cartridges can house fluids on the cartridge, off the cartridge, or some on the cartridge and some fluids off the cartridge.