Sensor Substrate Bead Loading via Evaporation and Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for analyzing biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, face challenges in efficiently loading and retaining samples onto surfaces, including arrays, due to issues with sample deposition and retention.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a bead suspension to a flow cell over a sensor substrate with wells, followed by liquid removal, evaporation, and application of a hydrating solution, to effectively load beads into the wells, which can be conjugated with biomolecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a bead suspension is applied to a flow cell to load beads onto a sensor substrate, then the beads can be deposited into the wells, but the liquid remaining in the flow cell causes noise and reduces signal quality in subsequent analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful liquid component from the flow cell after bead deposition is complete. The system separates the useful function (bead loading) from the harmful residue (liquid), allowing the liquid to be removed through evaporation or suction while retaining the deposited beads on the sensor substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary bead deposition into the wells before removing the liquid. By establishing the bead array first, the system ensures that the functional elements are in place before eliminating the harmful liquid residue that would interfere with subsequent detection and analysis.
2Productivity
If liquid is not removed from the flow cell after bead application, then the process is simpler and faster, but the signal quality deteriorates due to liquid interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous process where bead deposition and liquid removal are performed in sequence without interrupting the overall workflow. The system maintains continuous operation by immediately following bead application with liquid elimination, ensuring both high productivity and signal quality without requiring separate processing stages.
3Measurement precision
If evaporation is used to remove liquid from the flow cell, then liquid residue is eliminated improving signal quality, but the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accelerates the evaporation process by applying controlled heating or reduced pressure conditions that speed up liquid removal. The system rushes through the evaporation stage by optimizing parameters to achieve rapid vaporization, minimizing the time penalty while ensuring complete liquid elimination for optimal signal quality.
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 method enhances the loading and retention of biomolecule-conjugated beads within the wells of the sensor substrate, improving signal quality and reducing noise in subsequent analysis, such as sequencing.
Implementation Method 1
The beads at least partially deposit into the plurality of wells
Implementation Method 2
The beads at least partially deposit into the plurality of wells
Implementation Method 3
evaporating liquid from the flow cell
Implementation Method 4
applying a hydrating solution to the flow cell
Data Source
AI summary
A method of loading beads on a sensor substrate includes applying a suspension including beads to a flow cell defined over a sensor substrate. The sensor substrate includes a plurality of wells. The beads at least partially deposit into the plurality of wells. The method also includes removing liquid from the flow cell, evaporating liquid from the flow cell, for example, by drawing air through the flow cell; and applying a hydrating solution to the flow cell.