V-Shaped Microfluidic Cartridge for Centrifugal-Gravitational Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care diagnostic assay systems using centrifugal microfluidic technology face challenges in efficiently moving fluids radially inward, limiting the performance of sequential assays and being cost-prohibitive, with manual processing prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system with a cartridge featuring a chevron or V-shaped reaction chamber and a motor-driven combination of centrifugal and gravitational forces to move fluid samples between zones, eliminating the need for reagent dilution, aliquoting, and metering, and enabling sequential optical measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal microfluidic technology is used for automated sample processing, then productivity and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into distinct functional zones (reaction chamber with multiple zones, detection chamber, reservoirs) that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each zone performs a specific function in the assay sequence, allowing modular manufacturing and simplifying production while maintaining automated processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chamber is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a mixing chamber and a separation chamber, and also functions as the detection chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high productivity through automated sequential processing
2Extent of automation
If centrifugal force is used as the primary means of fluid movement, then automation is improved, but the ability to move fluids radially inward is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge rotation speed is dynamically controlled to switch between centrifugal dominance (for outward radial movement) and gravitational dominance (for inward radial movement). By varying the rotation speed, the system can adaptively move fluids in different directions as needed for the sequential assay steps, maintaining both automation and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of rotation speed to alter the dominant force regime. At high rotation speeds, centrifugal force dominates for outward fluid movement; at low rotation speeds, gravitational force dominates for inward fluid movement. This parameter change enables versatile fluid manipulation while maintaining automated operation
3Device complexity
If manual processing is used for biochemical assays, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated reagent mixing, sample separation, and assay execution without manual intervention. The centrifugal microfluidic system automatically manages fluid transfer between chambers, reagent mixing, and sample processing, eliminating human error while maintaining a relatively simple cartridge-based device structure
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are pre-loaded into the cartridge in dried or concentrated form in specific zones. The system automatically rehydrates and mixes reagents with samples during the assay sequence, ensuring precise measurements without requiring manual preparation steps that could introduce errors
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 solution simplifies operations, improves test precision, allows for homogenous mixing and optical measurement, and reduces errors by using a combination of centrifugal and gravitational forces to manage fluid movement within the cartridge, making it suitable for immunoturbidimetric and enzyme-based clinical chemistry assays.
Implementation Method 1
the motor and a control module is configured to provide a combination of centrifugal force and gravitational force to move said fluid sample between the at least three zones
Implementation Method 2
the motor and a control module is configured to provide a combination of centrifugal force and gravitational force to move said fluid sample between the at least three zones
Implementation Method 3
the cartridge is configured to rotate on an inclined plane with respect to a horizontal plane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a microfluidic system comprising a cartridge coupled to a motor and adapted to move a fluid sample to a plurality of locations on the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a chevron shaped or substantially V shaped reaction chamber having at least three zones, a first zone positioned near the apex of the V shaped reaction chamber to define a detection zone, a second zone positioned near a first end of the V shaped reaction chamber and a third zone positioned near a second end of the V shaped reaction chamber. The motor and a control module is configured to provide a combination of centrifugal force and gravitational force to move said fluid sample between at least three zones.