Single Point Detection Microfluidic Isoelectric Focusing Chip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current isoelectric focusing systems require bulky and expensive equipment for fluorescence detection, necessitating complex assays and large form factors, which are unsuitable for point-of-care testing and downsizing.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with first and second electrode portions and a microfluidic channel for isoelectric focusing, using a fluid loading, focusing, mobilization, and detection process that eliminates the need for fluorescent labeling and complex optical equipment, employing contactless conductivity methods for biomolecule detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection-based whole-column imaging system is used, then detection capability is achieved, but equipment size becomes bulky and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from the complex fluorescence imaging system. By using a single point detection electrode at the cathode end to detect conductivity changes caused by protein focusing, the system eliminates the need for bulky fluorescence microscopes, optical scanners, and motorized tables, achieving simplified detection while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical and optical detection system (fluorescence microscope, optical scanner) with an electrical detection system. The single point detection electrode measures conductivity changes in the electrolyte solution, substituting complex optical-mechanical equipment with a simpler electrical measurement approach
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection-based system is used, then detection capability is achieved, but assay procedure becomes complex due to fluorescent labeling requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection capability from the fluorescent labeling process. By detecting conductivity changes in the electrolyte solution caused by protein focusing at the isoelectric point, the system achieves detection without requiring fluorescent labels, thereby simplifying the assay procedure while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the electrolyte solution as an intermediary medium for detection. Instead of directly detecting fluorescently labeled proteins, the system detects conductivity changes in the electrolyte solution caused by protein accumulation, eliminating the need for fluorescent labeling while preserving detection capability
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical equipment is used, then detection capability is maintained, but device size remains large preventing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from the conventional optical equipment. By using a single point detection electrode to measure conductivity changes, the system eliminates bulky optical components, enabling miniaturization and portability while maintaining detection capability for protein analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical optical detection system with an electrical detection system using a single point electrode. This substitution removes the need for heavy optical components, enabling the development of portable microfluidic devices that can perform protein analysis outside the laboratory
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 approach simplifies the protein assay system, reduces equipment size, and facilitates the development of portable point-of-care devices by eliminating the need for expensive optical instruments and complex assays.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing step of separating the biomolecule to an isoelectric point and focusing it by connecting each electrode to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion and applying an electric field thereto
Implementation Method 2
applying an electric field thereto
Implementation Method 3
employing contactless conductivity methods for biomolecule detection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a single point detection type microfluidic chip isoelectric focusing. The single point detection type microfluidic chip isoelectric focusing uses a microfluidic chip including first and second electrode portions storing each electrode solution at both ends and a microfluidic channel between the first and second electrode portions and includes a focusing step of respectively connecting each electrode to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion and applying an electric field thereto to separate a biomolecule to an isoelectric point, a mobilization step of moving the focused biomolecule toward a detection point by removing the electrode solution in the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion, and a detection step of the biomolecule moved toward the detection point.