Integrated Single Molecule Detection Chip with Micropore Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single molecule and single cell detection technologies require complex and costly microfluidic chips with multiple components, making them expensive and unstable, and there is no patented technology that integrates digital PCR, digital ELISA, and single-cell analysis functions on the same chip architecture.
Innovation Solution
A single molecule/single cell detection chip with a micropore array and integrated detection IC circuit that divides test solutions into droplets, amplifies and detects target molecules, and processes data, simplifying the structure and enhancing stability using mature semiconductor processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate microfluidic chips are used for digital PCR, digital ELISA, and single-cell analysis, then each function can be performed with dedicated optimization, but the overall system complexity increases, production costs rise, and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines digital PCR, digital ELISA, and single-cell analysis functions into a single integrated microfluidic chip. The chip includes a unified structure with micropore arrays that can perform all three detection functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate chips and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple detection tasks. The micropore array structure and fluid control mechanisms are configured to support both nucleic acid detection (digital PCR) and protein/cell detection (digital ELISA and single-cell analysis) within the same device, enabling one chip to replace multiple specialized chips.
2Reliability
If complex optomechanical systems with multiple components are used, then detection functionality is comprehensive, but production costs increase and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates amplification, detection, and data processing functions into a single chip unit. By combining these previously separate components into one integrated device, the manufacturing process is simplified and can leverage mature semiconductor fabrication techniques, reducing production costs and improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable detection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external optomechanical systems with an integrated microfluidic chip that incorporates all necessary functions. The chip uses miniaturized fluid control and detection mechanisms embedded within the chip structure itself, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional solution-based ensemble-averaged detection is used, then the detection system is simpler, but sensitivity to trace biomarkers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test solution into discrete droplets, each containing at most one target molecule, using a micropore array. This segmentation transforms the traditional ensemble-averaged detection into single-molecule/single-cell detection, enabling highly sensitive detection of trace biomarkers while maintaining a relatively simple chip structure through the use of uniform micropore geometry.
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 integrated chip simplifies the detection process, reduces costs, and enhances stability by integrating amplification, detection, and data processing functions, enabling high-throughput and low-cost production of reliable detection instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a micropore array, set on the surface of the single molecule/single cell detection chip, comprising multiple micropores. These micropores are used to divide the test solution into multiple test target droplets
Implementation Method 2
divide the test solution into multiple test target droplets
Implementation Method 3
Detection sub-units, used to identify test droplets in which the target nucleic acid molecule/protein molecule/cell emits light with an intensity greater than a first threshold, obtain raw measurement results
Data Source
AI summary
A single molecule/single cell detection chip, including: a micropore array, comprising multiple micropore arrays for dividing the test solution into test target droplets; a detection IC circuit, located below the micropore array, including: a detection unit: comprising multiple detection subunits set one-to-one correspondence with multiple micropores, multiple detection subunits connected to a main control unit for measuring the fluorescence intensity of target nucleic acid/protein molecule/cell, and sending the raw measurement results to the main control unit; Main control unit: used for power management, controls the detection unit through row and column selection, receiving raw results, and generating final detection results based on the raw measurement results. This present application integrates the functions of target droplet generation, arraying, nucleic acid/protein molecule/cell detection, photoelectric detection, and data processing through the detection chip. It simplifies the overall structure of the chip, improves reaction speed and detection performance, and enhances chip stability.