Systems and methods relating to portable microfluidic devices for processing biomolecules
Inventors
BAISCH, David • HOLMES, Hallie Ray • Bohringer, Karl F.
Assignees
University of Washington • National Science Foundation NSF • Conservation X Labs PBC
Publication Number
US-11311883-B2
Publication Date
2022-04-26
Expiration Date
2038-10-23
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Abstract
Aniosotropic Ratchet Conveyor (“ARC”)-based biomolecule processing devices and related methods are described. The ARC-based biomolecule processing devices include (i) a substrate having an ARC track defined on or within the substrate and including a biomolecule receiving area, which is designed to receive biomolecule, and a reconstituting area, which is designed to contain dry reagents and is designed to receive a transport solution such that at the reconstituting area, dry reagents are reconstituted with transport solution; and (ii) a microheater area disposed at or near the biomolecule receiving area, fitted with a microheater, which is designed to heat biomolecule that is received through the biomolecule receiving area and designed to process heated biomolecule and dry reagents reconstituted with transport solution. The ARC track includes an arrangement of a plurality of hydrophilic rungs disposed on a hydrophobic region such that between consecutive hydrophobic rungs, a portion of the hydrophobic region is exposed.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to anisotropic ratchet conveyor (ARC)-based biomolecule processing devices and methods. These devices include a substrate with multiple ARC tracks patterned thereon, featuring biomolecule receiving areas, reconstituting areas containing dry reagents for reconstitution with transport solutions, and microheater areas microfabricated with microheaters designed to heat and process biomolecules and reconstituted reagents. The ARC tracks consist of hydrophilic rungs disposed on hydrophobic regions with exposed hydrophobic areas between consecutive rungs, enabling controlled microfluidic transport via vibration-driven droplet movement.
Conventional species identification and screening techniques suffer from various shortcomings. Visual taxonomic methods lack necessary specificity and require expert personnel, while chemical and DNA analysis methods often need expensive equipment, trained operators, and are not field-portable. Inexpensive paper microfluidic devices lack sensitivity and adaptability. This invention addresses the need for portable, inexpensive, efficient, and user-friendly systems capable of accurate biomolecule screening and identification, especially for applications like species validation in wildlife trade, invasive species monitoring, and food inspection.
The invention provides a modular system combining ARC track-based microfluidics with microheaters to carry out thermal processing steps such as cellular lysis and isothermal DNA amplification (e.g., loop-mediated isothermal amplification, LAMP). The devices enable localized heating while protecting temperature-sensitive reagents lyophilized on the substrate. The microscale architecture facilitates precise delivery and mixing of transport fluids, biomolecules, and reagents on ARC tracks, using vibration-induced droplet manipulation. The design supports point-of-use applications, enhances ease of use for non-technical operators, and reduces the need for complex laboratory steps.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three independent claims covering biomolecule processing devices, systems, and methods, each introducing key inventive features regarding ARC tracks, microheaters, vibration-driven droplet transport, and related biomolecule processing steps.
Multi-track biomolecule processing device with intersecting ARC tracks and integrated microheater
A biomolecule processing device comprising three ARC tracks defined on or within a substrate: a first ARC track with a biomolecule receiving area and a microheater area; a second ARC track with a transport solution receiving area and a reconstituting area configured for dry reagent reconstitution; and a third ARC track intersecting the first and second tracks, configured to convey reconstituted reagent solutions to the microheater area. Each ARC track includes hydrophilic rungs on hydrophobic regions exposing hydrophobic portions between rungs.
Two-substrate biomolecule processing device with aligned ARC track and dual microheaters
A biomolecule processing device with a first substrate having an ARC track including biomolecule receiving and reconstituting areas and a first microheater area configured for heating and processing biomolecules with reconstituted reagents. A gasket defines an aperture receiving reagent solutions or suspensions. A second substrate includes a track and a second microheater area with a microheater larger in surface area than the first microheater. The substrates are assembled with the ARC track facing the second substrate track and the microheaters aligned.
Vibration-driven system and method for controlled microfluidic biomolecule processing
A biomolecule processing system comprising a vibration-driving subsystem delivering orthogonal vibration waves to a substrate with an ARC-based biomolecule processing device. A method comprising receiving biomolecules and transport solutions at designated ARC areas, conveying these via respective ARC tracks using vibration to a heating area with a microheater, reconstituting dry reagents with transport solution, delivering reconstituted reagents through a delivery junction, and processing the biomolecules with the reagents at the heating area, with variable vibration frequencies facilitating conveyance and delivery steps.
The independent claims collectively cover the key inventive features of ARC track configurations on substrates for biomolecule and reagent handling, integration of microheaters for thermal processing, the use of vibration-driven orthogonal waves for droplet transport and delivery, and methods implementing these structural and operational features for efficient biomolecule processing and species identification.
Stated Advantages
Provides an inexpensive and efficient system for biomolecule screening and processing, suitable for field use by non-technically trained users.
Enables localized heating through microheaters to process biomolecules while protecting temperature-sensitive materials elsewhere on the substrate.
Facilitates precise microfluidic transport of droplets via ARC tracks using vibration, including selective pausing and delivery between tracks.
Supports isothermal DNA amplification methods such as LAMP for rapid species identification without complex thermocycling.
Two-plated device configurations reduce droplet evaporation and condensation during high-temperature processing steps.
Modular design supports easy integration with portable driving units providing automated control, sensing, and user interface for in-field deployment.
Documented Applications
Screening and sampling of plant, marine, and animal species for species identification and validation.
On-site investigations such as border control checkpoints to identify illegal wildlife, timber, and seafood products.
Detection and monitoring of invasive species in field settings.
Isothermal DNA amplification for quick molecular species identification using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
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