Stretchable Biomolecule Sensor With Integrated Blood Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomolecule detection technologies require multiple subdivided processes, are complex to operate, and are not suitable for non-experts or emergency situations, posing risks of contamination and sample damage, and lack convenience and portability.
Innovation Solution
A biomolecule detection device using a stretchable substrate with integrated blood collection, plasma separation, and detection capabilities, utilizing negative pressure to continuously extract and analyze biomolecules through a patterned concave valleys and hydrophilic gelation reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microfluidic detection devices are used with multiple subdivided processes for blood collection and plasma separation, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines blood collection, plasma separation, and biomolecule detection into a single integrated microfluidic device. The device includes an integrated microfluidic channel system that performs all three functions sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate procedures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform blood collection through microneedles, plasma separation using a microfluidic separator, and biomolecule detection simultaneously. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices or procedures.
2Reliability
If blood collection and plasma separation are performed as separate processes, then each process can be optimized, but the time required increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated microfluidic device enables continuous processing where blood collection and plasma separation occur simultaneously in a single workflow. The microfluidic channels are designed to allow continuous flow of blood through the separation module, eliminating idle time between separate procedures and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs plasma separation as a preliminary action before biomolecule detection, preparing the sample in advance. The microfluidic separator pre-separates plasma from blood cells, so that when detection begins, the sample is already prepared, reducing overall detection time.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection devices are used, then detection capability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automatic sample processing features where the microfluidic system automatically performs blood collection, plasma separation, and sample transport without manual intervention. The system self-regulates fluid flow through pressure-driven microfluidic channels, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually perform complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated microfluidic control systems. Instead of requiring manual blood collection and separation techniques, the device uses integrated microneedles for automatic blood extraction and microfluidic channels for automated plasma separation, simplifying operation while maintaining detection capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid conventional microfluidic device is used, then structural stability is maintained, but portability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device is constructed using flexible thin-film materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that can be bent and conform to body surfaces. These flexible substrates maintain structural integrity for device function while enabling portability and adaptability for various application scenarios including wearable health monitoring.
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
Enables rapid, accurate, and portable biomolecule detection by simplifying the process, reducing contamination risks, and allowing use in emergency situations without external pumps, with integration to external devices for real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing region in which liquid inside a first pouch part is transferred to a flow path connected to the first pouch part by a user's operation; a moving region having a plurality of flow paths so that the liquid moves; a blood collection region in which blood is inhaled; and a sensing region in which biomolecules included in the blood are sensed
Implementation Method 2
the pressing region may include a second pouch part which is filled with hydrophilic powder, and forms a negative pressure by performing a gelation reaction in combination of the hydrophilic powder with the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a biomolecule detection device including a substrate made of a stretchable material so as to be attachable to a body. The biomolecule detection device includes a pattern of a concave valley, which is formed on the substrate of the stretchable material, wherein the pattern includes: a pressing region in which liquid inside a first pouch part is transferred to a flow path connected to the first pouch part by a user's operation; a moving region having a plurality of flow paths so that the liquid moves; a blood collection region in which blood is inhaled; and a sensing region in which biomolecules included in the blood are sensed.