Sealed Microfluidic Bioassay Chip for Cross-Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic chip technologies suffer from low integration, limited versatility, poor feasibility, and compromised detection performance, requiring manual operations and prone to cross-contamination, especially with complex biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A whole-process biological detection device integrating sample-loading, extraction, purification, amplification, and detection units through flow channels, utilizing centrifugal force and surface tension for automated, sealed operations, with pre-stored reagents and controlled liquid flow to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operations are used for sample processing and reagent addition, then device complexity is reduced, but cross-contamination risk increases and detection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional units (lysis unit, purification unit, amplification unit, detection unit) into a single integrated microfluidic chip system. Reagents are pre-stored in dedicated storage units on the chip, and all operations are automated through a control system, eliminating manual interventions that cause cross-contamination while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated sample processing where the control system automatically controls the liquid discharge control unit to add reagents, the liquid transfer unit to transfer samples between units, and the liquid flow control unit to regulate fluid movement. This self-service automation eliminates manual operations and prevents cross-contamination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple microfluidic chip structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but integration of extraction, purification, and amplification functions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip is designed as a universal platform that integrates multiple functions: the lysis unit for sample preparation, the purification unit for nucleic acid extraction, the amplification unit for PCR reactions, and the detection unit for result analysis. Reagent storage units provide multi-functionality by storing different reagents for various detection protocols, making the system adaptable to different detection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple functional units are integrated within a single chip substrate. The lysis unit, purification unit, amplification unit, and detection unit are arranged in a nested configuration with flow channels connecting them sequentially. Reagent storage units are embedded within the chip structure, creating a compact integrated system that achieves high functional integration without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If automated liquid transfer and flow control systems are implemented, then cross-contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dedicated liquid transfer units and liquid flow control units as intermediary components between the functional units. These intermediaries automatically transfer samples and reagents through sealed flow channels, preventing direct exposure and cross-contamination. The liquid discharge control unit acts as an intermediary for precise reagent addition, and the liquid flow control unit regulates fluid movement between units, maintaining contamination control while managing the complexity through specialized control mechanisms.
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
The device achieves high integration, simple operation, and reliable detection with automated processes, reducing cross-contamination risks and enhancing detection performance for complex samples.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing centrifugal force and surface tension for automated, sealed operations
Implementation Method 2
utilizing centrifugal force and surface tension for automated, sealed operations
Data Source
AI summary
A whole-process biological detection device is provided. The whole-process biological detection device belongs to the technical field of biological detection, and includes at least one reactor, where the reactor includes at least one sample-loading unit, at least one liquid release-control unit, at least one extraction unit, at least one liquid switch-control unit, at least one liquid collection unit, at least one liquid transfer unit, at least one liquid flow-control unit, at least one liquid quantitative dispersion unit and multiple reaction cells. The product of the solution has the characteristics of high integration, no need for additional reagents, simple operation, stable and reliable, etc., thereby achieving the goal of sealing the whole process of biological detection and effectively avoiding cross-contamination between samples and equipment.