Wafer-Level Flow Cell with Integrated Semiconductor Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent-detection protocols and solid-state imaging systems for biological and chemical reactions are often expensive and have a large footprint, with flow cells being designed as single-use consumables, necessitating a reduction in size and cost to enhance efficiency and usability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact flow cell system with a socket configuration that houses a wafer-level flow cell, featuring a semiconductor light detection device and a lid forming a flow channel, allowing for multiple reaction sites and efficient light detection without the need for a large optical assembly, enabling parallel reactions and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescent-detection protocols with optical systems are used, then light detection capability is maintained, but system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light detection function from the conventional optical system and integrates it directly into the flow cell substrate. The semiconductor light detector device is positioned in direct contact with or adjacent to the reaction chamber, eliminating the need for separate optical assemblies with lenses, filters, and light sources that would increase system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light detection device with the flow cell structure itself. The detector is integrated into the substrate or positioned in direct contact with the reaction chamber, combining the functions of fluid containment and light detection into a single compact unit, thereby reducing overall system size.
2Area of stationary object
If solid-state imaging systems are used, then system size is reduced, but flow cells become single-use consumables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow cell system into a reusable substrate portion (containing the reaction chamber and integrated detector) and a disposable lid portion. This allows the expensive light detection device to be preserved and reused while only the consumable lid needs to be replaced, enhancing versatility without compromising size reduction.
3Ease of manufacture
If flow cells are designed as single-use consumables, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but system functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow cell into reusable and disposable components, allowing the light detection device to be manufactured once and reused multiple times. This segmentation enables cost-effective manufacturing of the consumable portions while preserving the investment in the detection technology through reusability.
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 configuration reduces the size and cost of the flow cell system while maintaining efficient light detection capabilities, enabling parallel reactions and potential reusability, thus improving the cost-effectiveness and usability in biological and chemical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The flow cell includes an electronic solid-state light detector device or imager (e.g., a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) light detector device or a charged-coupled device (CCD) light detector device) positioned adjacent (e.g., beneath) the support surfaces/chambers to detect light emissions from the reactions
Data Source
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AI summary
Flow cells systems and corresponding methods are provided. The flow cells systems may include a socket comprising a base portion, a plurality of electrical contacts and a cover portion that includes a first port. The flow cells systems may also include a flow cell device secured within an enclosure of the socket. The flow cell device may comprise a frameless light detection device comprising a base wafer portion, a plurality of dielectric layers, a reaction structure, a plurality of light guides, a plurality of light sensors, and device circuitry electrically coupled to the light sensors. The flow cell device may also comprise a lid forming a flow channel over the reaction structure that includes a second port in communication with the flow channel and the first port of the socket. The device circuity of the light detection device may be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts of the socket.