Slip Chip Device for Contamination-Free Multi-Reaction Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for carrying out chemical reactions are limited in minimizing cross-contamination and require re-loading of substances for multiple reactions, making the process time-consuming and prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device and method involving a base and plate configuration where areas on the surfaces are designed to move relative to each other, forming a closed system to expose substances for reaction while minimizing external contamination, allowing for efficient and controlled exposure of substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chambers are individually filled and exposed for each reaction, then reactions can be performed with specific substances, but cross-contamination risk increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a base plate and a reaction plate that can be separated into multiple independent chambers. Each chamber can be independently filled with substances and then sealed when brought together, allowing parallel processing of multiple reactions without cross-contamination while eliminating the need to re-load substances between reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chambers are designed as nested structures where the reaction plate fits into the base plate with complementary grooves and protrusions. This nesting arrangement allows multiple chambers to be compactly organized and enables automatic alignment when the plates are joined, facilitating efficient multi-reaction processing in a single loading cycle
2Adaptability or versatility
If chambers are re-loaded with additional substances for multiple reactions, then different reactions can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chambers are pre-filled with different substances before the reaction begins. The base plate and reaction plate are prepared separately with their respective reagents already in place, then joined together to initiate all reactions simultaneously. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming re-loading operations between reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different reaction types within a single device. Each chamber can be configured for different reactions, and the entire array of chambers functions together as an integrated system, allowing the device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate loading operations for each reaction type
Data Source
AI summary
A device is described having a first surface having a plurality of first areas and a second surface having a plurality of second areas. The first surface and the second surface are opposed to one another and can move relative to each other from at least a first position where none of the plurality of first areas, having a first substance, are exposed to plurality of second areas, having a second substance, to a second position. When in the second position, the plurality of first and second areas, and therefore the first and second substances, are exposed to one another. The device may further include a series of ducts in communication with a plurality of first second areas to allow for a substance to be disposed in, or upon, the plurality of second areas when in the first position.