Spiral-Path Microfluidic Detection for Bubble-Resistant Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic detection devices require manual processing, are prone to bubble generation, and have complex operations that can lead to erroneous data, reduced performance, and instability in fluid flow, making accurate bio-marker detection challenging.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic detection device with a spiral flow path that utilizes capillary phenomenon to move and couple fluid samples with detection antibodies, forming complexes, and removes uncoupled waste through a spiral path, simplifying operations and enhancing detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual processing and multiple washing processes are used in conventional microfluidic detection devices, then antibody coupling and biomolecule removal can be achieved, but device complexity and worker interference increase leading to erroneous data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (antibody coupling, washing, and detection) into a single integrated microfluidic chip with spiral flow paths. The spiral channel design enables automatic washing and removal of uncoupled biomolecules through continuous fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate manual washing steps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device is designed to perform washing and removal of uncoupled biomolecules automatically through capillary-driven fluid flow in the spiral channels. The system self-regulates the flow and washing processes without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing worker interference and operational complexity while ensuring reliable detection results.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passive microfluidic detection devices are used to eliminate bubble generation, then bubble interference is reduced, but fluid flow stability decreases and pressure increases reducing device performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spiral curved flow paths instead of straight channels. The curved spiral geometry promotes laminar flow and reduces turbulence, thereby stabilizing fluid flow while the continuous curved path naturally guides bubbles away from detection zones, minimizing bubble interference without requiring complex passive elimination structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral flow path design pre-establishes a flow regime that prevents bubble accumulation before bubbles can interfere with detection. The continuous curved flow path ensures bubbles are carried along the spiral trajectory and expelled from the system proactively, maintaining stable fluid flow and preventing pressure buildup.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate processes are used for antibody fixing and biomolecule removal, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates antibody coupling and washing processes into a single continuous operation within the spiral microfluidic channel. As fluid flows through the spiral path, antibody coupling occurs simultaneously with automatic washing, eliminating the need for separate sequential steps and reducing total processing time while maintaining detection precision through the continuous flow mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral flow path enables continuous fluid flow that simultaneously performs multiple functions: transporting reagents, enabling antibody coupling, and washing away uncoupled biomolecules in an uninterrupted sequence. This continuous action eliminates idle time between processes and maintains detection precision through consistent flow conditions throughout the integrated operation.
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 efficiently forms and detects bio-marker complexes by minimizing manual intervention, stabilizing fluid flow, and reducing errors, ensuring accurate and efficient bio-marker detection.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid sample and a detection antibody dAb are moved by a capillary phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a microfluidic detection device which has a spiral flow path and in which microfluid flows by a capillary phenomenon. The microfluidic detection device includes an upper layer configured to receive a fluid sample through a first inlet portion that protrudes on an upper side of a first substrate, the upper layer having a plurality of flow paths which is provided in a lower side of the first substrate and in which a washing solution moves. Furthermore, the microfluidic detection device includes a lower layer provided with a concave hole in an upper side of a second substrate such that the fluid sample is moved therethrough, the lower layer being configured to receive the fluid sample from a second inlet portion connected to the first inlet portion.