Two-phase flushing system for flow cell reagent purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic systems for biochemical reactions face inefficiencies in flushing operations, particularly in sequencing-by-synthesis chemistry, where contamination removal and reagent purging are not effectively managed, leading to high reagent consumption and system size, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluidic cartridge with a manifold and valve system that performs two-phase flushing operations, alternatingly flowing gas and buffer reagents through the flow cell to purge and dilute residual reagents, reducing the volume of buffer reagent needed and enhancing flush efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional single-phase flushing is used, then the system can perform biochemical reactions, but the reagent consumption is high and the flushing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic two-phase flushing operations that alternate between gas flow and buffer reagent flow. The gas phase rapidly removes bulk reagent, followed by the liquid buffer phase that cleans residual reagent, creating a periodic cycle that is more efficient than continuous liquid flushing alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the flushing medium by introducing gas phase flow alternately with liquid buffer flow. This parameter change from single-phase liquid to two-phase gas-liquid flushing fundamentally improves the flushing mechanism and reduces reagent consumption.
2Reliability
If larger volumes of buffer reagent are used for flushing, then contamination removal is more effective, but the system size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating gas-liquid flushing cycles allow for effective contamination removal using smaller total volumes of buffer reagent. The gas phase handles bulk removal, reducing the burden on the liquid buffer phase, thus maintaining reliability with reduced reagent volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes gas flow (pneumatic phase) in combination with liquid buffer flow to achieve effective flushing. The gas phase provides rapid bulk reagent removal, reducing the volume of liquid buffer needed while maintaining contamination removal effectiveness.
3Reliability
If larger volumes of buffer reagent are used for flushing, then contamination removal is more effective, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic two-phase flushing reduces the total volume of expensive buffer reagent required while maintaining effective contamination removal. This cost-effective approach alternates between gas and liquid phases to maximize flushing efficiency with minimized reagent consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from single-phase liquid flushing to two-phase gas-liquid flushing, the system reduces buffer reagent consumption, directly lowering operational costs while maintaining or improving contamination removal effectiveness.
4Productivity
If traditional flushing methods are used, then the system can operate, but the reagent thaw time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of gas phase flushing alongside liquid buffer flushing changes the flushing mechanism, reducing the total volume of liquid reagent needed. This reduction in reagent volume directly decreases the thaw time required while maintaining system operation capability.
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 significantly reduces the volume of reagent required for flushing, allowing for smaller, lighter, and less costly fluidic cartridges while maintaining effective contamination removal, with residual concentrations below 0.01%, thereby improving system efficiency and reducing reagent thaw time.
Implementation Method 1
flowing the gas into the flow cell to expel at least a portion of the first reagent from the biochemical reaction from the flow cell
Implementation Method 2
flowing the buffer reagent into the flow cell
Implementation Method 3
dilute residual reagents
Data Source
AI summary
Two-phase flushing systems and methods. An example method includes moving a valve to a first position to fluidly connect a first reagent reservoir containing a first reagent to a flow cell and flowing the first reagent from the first reagent reservoir to the flow cell to perform a biochemical reaction. The method includes moving the valve to a second position to fluidly connect a gas to the flow cell and flowing gas into the flow cell to expel at least a portion of the first reagent from the biochemical reaction from the flow cell. The method includes moving the valve to a third position to fluidly connect a buffer reagent reservoir containing a buffer reagent to the flow cell and flowing the buffer reagent into the flow cell.