US20210170396A1

US20210170396A1 - Fluid testing

Info

Publication number: US20210170396A1
Application number: US16/769,783
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael W. Cumbie; Hilary ELY; Chien-Hua Chen
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2018-01-16
Filing date: 2018-01-16
Publication date: 2021-06-10
Also published as: WO2019143392A1; EP3700673A4; EP3704266A4; EP3704266A1; WO2019143319A1; EP3700673A1; US20200368750A1

Abstract

A fluid testing device may include a fluid interaction element and a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be sensed by the fluid interaction element. The fluid chamber may form a first gap through which fluid is to be wicked to a second gap that is opposite the fluid interaction element and less than the first gap.

Description

BACKGROUND

Fluid testing is used in a variety of fields including healthcare, life sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, and food safety, among others. Examples of fields where testing is employed include biomedical testing, molecular testing, industrial testing, food testing and lab testing. Such testing is often performed by sensing the characteristics of small fluid samples taken from or derived from the subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of portions of an example fluid testing device in the form of a fluid testing tool.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example fluid testing method.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 13 is an end view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is an end view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 18 is a top view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19.

FIG. 20 is a front view of an example fluid testing stick.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example lid of the fluid testing stick of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the fluid testing stick of FIG. 20 is inserted within an example receptacle.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick inserted within the example receptacle with the receptacle also containing a sample fluid.

FIG. 24 is a front view illustrating an example electronic device for communicating with the fluid testing stick of FIG. 20.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Disclosed herein are fluid testing devices in the form of fluid testing tools, fluid testing methods and fluid testing devices in the form of fluid testing sticks that facilitate testing or diagnostics using small fluid samples. The disclosed fluid testing tools, testing methods and testing fluid interaction sticks facilitate precise fluid manipulation, interaction and/or property sensing on a microfluidic strip or chip. Such testing tools facilitate the preparation of a fluid sample and/or the sensing of the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low degree of complexity.
The disclosed fluid testing tools, testing methods and fluid testing sticks utilize wicking or capillary forces to draw or pull a sample fluid into a first gap of a fluid chamber and then draw the sample fluid into a second smaller gap that extends adjacent a fluid interaction element. The larger dimension of the first gap facilitates faster wicking of the fluid into the fluid testing tool or testing fluid interaction stick. The smaller dimension of the second gap results in a smaller volume of the fluid sample being positioned directly adjacent the fluid interaction element such that the fluid sample may be more precisely manipulated and more quickly interacted upon for enhanced diagnosis.
In some implementations, the smaller dimensions of the second gap may provide enhanced thermal control of fluid in close contact with the fluid interaction element or elements. The large amount of surface area of the fluid interaction element relative to the small fluid volume provides more direct fluid contact to provide enhanced “zonal” control of fluid temperature, fluid dynamics and/or property sensing. In some implementations, the fluid testing tools, methods and fluid testing sticks facilitate parallel or serial processing of fluids with a single microchip or multiple microchips integrated into a single microfluidics consumable.
Disclosed herein is an example fluid testing tool that includes a fluid interaction element; and a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be sensed by the fluid interaction element. The fluid chamber forms a first gap through which fluid is to be wicked to a second gap that is opposite the fluid interaction element and less than the first gap.
Disclosed herein is an example fluid testing method that includes wicking fluid into a first gap in a chamber and interacting with the fluid with a fluid interaction element while the fluid is in a second gap that is adjacent the first gap in the chamber and less than the first gap.
Disclosed herein is an example fluid testing stick comprising a first end supporting a controller and a second end forming a fluid interactor. The fluid interactor includes a fluid interaction element under control of the controller and a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be sensed by the fluid interaction element. The fluid chamber forms a first gap through which fluid is to be wicked to a second gap that is opposite the fluid interaction element and less than the first gap.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example fluid testing tool 20. Testing tool 20 facilitates precise fluid manipulation, interaction and/or property sensing on a microfluidic strip or chip. Testing tool 20 facilitates the preparation of a fluid sample and/or the sensing of the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low degree of complexity. Testing tool 20 includes fluid interaction element 24 and fluid chamber 28.
Fluid interaction element (FIE) 24 includes at least one element that interacts with portions of a fluid sample introduced into chamber 28. In one implementation, fluid interaction element 24 thermally interacts with adjacent portions of an introduced fluid sample. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may apply heat to the adjacent portions of the fluid sample. In some implementations, fluid interaction element 24 may thermally cycle the fluid sample, such as in nucleic acid testing or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure. In such an implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise a thermal resistor which outputs heat in response to the application of electrical current.
In other implementations, fluid interaction element 24 may interact with the adjacent portions of the fluid sample in other fashions. For example, in other implementations, fluid action element 24 may comprise at least one light emitter. In one implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise a surface that interacts with the fluid sample to facilitate sensing of the fluid sample. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise a plasmonic surface that facilitates surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In one implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise an array of flexible nano pillars or nano fingers having plasmonic tips.
In another implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise an optical sensor, a sensor that senses light. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise a photodiode or photodiode array. A fluid interaction element 24 in the form of the fluid diode may be utilized to sense or detect various light reflected, generated or otherwise emitted from a sample. In yet other implementations, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise a fluid presence sensor which may indicate the presence or movement of fluid.
Fluid chamber 28 includes a body forming an internal volume extending about and adjacent to fluid interaction element 24. Fluid chamber 28 contains fluid to be interacted upon by fluid interaction element 24. As shown by FIG. 1, fluid chamber 28 forms a first gap 30 through which fluid is wicked to a second gap 32 that is opposite the fluid interaction element 24 and less than the first gap 30. Although gap 32 is illustrated as having a uniform size or dimension across fluid interaction element 24, in other implementations, gap 32 may have a varying dimension, a dimension that changes with respect to different portions of fluid interaction element 24. Likewise, gap 30 may be non-uniform. As will be described hereafter, such as with respect to FIGS. 4-12, the gaps 30 and 32 may be formed by various structures or surfaces that form or define the interior volume of chamber 28.
Testing tool 20 operates by pulling or drawing a sample fluid into gap 30 of a fluid chamber 28 and then drawing the sample fluid into the second smaller gap 32 that extends adjacent fluid interaction element 24. In one implementation, gap 32 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 30 is at least 50% larger than gap 32. In one implementation, gap 30 is at least 1.5 mm. The larger dimension of the gap 30 facilitates faster wicking of the fluid into chamber 28. The smaller dimension of gap 32 results in a smaller volume of the fluid sample being positioned directly adjacent the fluid interaction element 28 such that the fluid sample may be more precisely manipulated and more quickly interacted upon for enhanced diagnosis.
In some implementations, the smaller dimensions of gap 32 may provide enhanced thermal control of fluid interactor close contact with the fluid interaction 24. The high surface area of the fluid interaction element 24 provides more direct fluid contact to provide enhanced “zonal” control of fluid temperature, fluid dynamics and/or property sensing. In some implementations, fluid testing tool 20 facilitates parallel or serial processing of fluids with a single microchip or multiple microchips integrated into a single microfluidics consumable.
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example fluid testing method 100. Method 100 facilitates the preparation of a fluid sample and/or the sensing of the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low degree of complexity. As indicated by block 104, fluid is wicked into a first gap, such as gap 30 in a fluid chamber, such as fluid chamber 28 described above. As indicated by block 108, the fluid is interacted upon with a fluid interactor, such as fluid interaction element 24, while the fluid is in a second gap, such as gap 32, that is adjacent the first gap in the chamber and that is less than the first gap. In one implementation, gap 32 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 30 is at least 50% larger than gap 32. In one implementation, gap 30 is at least 1.5 mm.
The larger first gap facilitates faster wicking of the fluid into the chamber. The smaller dimension of the second gap results in a smaller volume of the fluid sample being positioned directly adjacent the fluid interaction element 28 such that the ratio of the surface area of fluid interaction element 24 to the volume adjacent the fluid interaction element (the surface to volume ratio) is larger such that the fluid sample may be more precisely manipulated and more quickly interacted upon for enhanced results.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example fluid testing tool in the form of an example fluid testing stick 220. Fluid testing stick 220 facilitates the preparation of a fluid sample and/or the sensing of the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low degree of complexity. Fluid testing stick 220 includes upper body 224, controller 228, communication interface 232, lower body 234, partition 236, lid 238, fluid interactor substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244.
Upper body 224 extends on one side of partition 236 and supports controller 228 and communication interface 232. In one implementation, upper body 224 serves as a handle for stick 220.
Controller 228 includes circuitry, such as an application-specific integrated circuit, that controls fluid interaction elements 244. In one implementation, controller 228 may comprise hardware in the form of a processing unit that follows instructions contained in software supported by upper body 224 or communicated to controller 228 through communication interface 232. In some implementations, controller 228 may be omitted, wherein fluid interaction elements 244 are controlled by signals received through communication interface 232 from a remote controller or remote electronic device.
Communication interface 232 facilitates communication with controller 228. In one implementation, communication interface 232 facilitates a wired connection. For example, in one implementation, communication interface 232 may comprise an electrical interconnect or contact pad or pads. In one implementation, communication interface 232 may comprise a male or female port or plug for connection to a separate device, directly or through at least one cable or adapter.
In yet another implementation, communication interface 232 may facilitate wireless communication. For example, in one implementation, communication interface 232 may comprise a communication antenna serving as a one-way or two-way wireless transponder. In one implementation, communication interface 232 may comprise an active radio frequency tag. In yet another implementation, communication interface 232 may comprise a passive radio frequency tag. In still other implementations, communication interface 232 may communicate via Bluetooth or in other wireless communication manners.
In some implementations, communication interface 232 may be omitted such as where controller 228 carries out analysis and testing and directly indicates results on stick 220. For example, in one implementation, stick 220 may additionally comprise an indicator 245 (shown in broken lines) supported by upper body 224 and in communication with controller 228. In one implementation, the indicator 245 may comprise at least one light emitting diode which is illuminated by controller 228 based upon the testing results. In such an implementation, indicator 245 may also indicate a current status of the testing process or test being carried out.
Lower body 234 extends on a second opposite side of partition 236. Lower body 234 supports fluid interactor substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244. Lower body 234 further cooperates with lid 238 to form a fluid chamber 250 extending adjacent to fluid interaction elements 244. In the example illustrated, lower body 234 is formed as a single integral unitary body with upper body 224, wherein partition 236 wraps about a junction of upper body 224 and lower body 234. In other implementations, lower body 234 and upper body 224 may comprise separate structures which are mounted, welded, fastened or otherwise joined to one another.
In the example illustrated, lower body 234 includes an elongate recess 252 in which fluid interactor substrate 240 is located. As shown by FIG. 4, recess 252 includes a floor 254 and sidewalls 256. Sidewalls 256 project from floor 254 and support lid 238. Sidewalls 256 space portions of lid 238 above floor 254 to form fluid chamber 250.
Partition 236 extends between upper body 224 and lower body 234. Partition 236 separates controller 228 and communication interface 232 from lower portions of stick 220 which may come into contact with a fluid sample being diagnosed. In the example illustrated, partition 236 includes a seal 260 in the form of a rubber or elastomeric gasket which is sized and shaped to interact with a surrounding adjacent structure. In some implementations, the seal 260 is sized and shaped to abut and seal against the interior surfaces of a test tube or other receptacle which may be used to contain the fluid sample and/or which may form a sufficient seal about chamber 250 and fluid interaction elements 244 to inhibit contamination of such components prior to use of stick 220. In yet other implementations, partition 236 may be omitted.
Lid 238 includes structure that cooperates with lower body 234 to form chamber 250. In the example illustrated, lid 250 includes a flat panel supported by sidewalls to 56 of lower body 234. In other implementations, lid 238 may itself comprise downwardly projecting sidewalls that space a ceiling or roof 264 of lid 238 further from floor 254. In one implementation, lid 238 may be formed from a transparent material to form an at least partially transparent chamber to facilitate viewing of the fluid sample within an along a length of channel 250, to facilitate use with an off-tool/off-chip optical sensor, or to serve as a light transmitting light pipe. In one implementation, lid 238 may be formed from a transparent material such as glass or a transparent polymer. In other implementations, lid 238 may be formed from other materials or may be opaque. For example, electrical detection may benefit from an opaque lid or opaque chamber.
As shown by FIG. 3, lid 238 terminates prior to reaching end wall 262 of recess 252, forming an opening or inlet 264 into the space between lower body 234 and lid 238 that forms chamber 250. The edge of inlet 264 may be angled or straight. As shown by FIG. 4, chamber 250 forms a first gap 270 extending from inlet 264 along the length of substrate 240 and the series of interaction elements 244 and a second smaller gap 272 between an upper surface of substrate 240 and interaction elements 244. In one implementation, gap 272 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 270 is at least 50% larger than gap 272. In one implementation, gap 270 is at least 1.5 mm.
In one implementation, the gap 270 is adjacent to interior surfaces 271 formed from a material that is completely wetted with the fluid being drawn up. In other words, the gap 270 has surfaces formed from a material that is fluid philic with respect to the fluid that is being drawn up. In one implementation, the surfaces defining gap 270 comprise a material such as polyetherimide (PEI), or liquid-crystal-polymer (LCP). In some implementations, the surfaces 271 adjacent gap 270 may be formed by an over molded material. For example, in some implementations, material forming lower body 234 may be formed from a first material, wherein the interior surfaces 271 adjacent gap 270 of chamber 250 may be formed from a second different material, coated upon the first material. In some implementations, the interior surfaces 271 may be coated with a metal such as gold. In one implementation, the lower body 234 may be fabricated out of an injectable moldable plastic, wherein a layer of metal (hydrophilic relative to plastic such as polypropylene) is electrolitically plated over the plastic. In another implementation the lower body 234 may be fabricated out of an injectable moldable plastic, wherein a layer of metal (hydrophilic relative to plastic such as polypropylene) is electrolytically plated over the plastic. In some implementations, the interior surface 271 of chamber 250 may be formed from other less hydrophilic materials such as polypropylene.
The mouth or inlet 264 may have a diameter of less than or equal to the capillary length of the fluid to be drawn up through capillary action. In one implementation, inlet 264 may have an opening dimension of less than or equal to 6 mm (based upon the capillary length of water).
In other implementations, the size of inlet 264 is one that provides for capillary rise (pursuant to Jurin's law) within and along the chamber 250, from inlet 264 to all of the fluid interaction elements 244 of lower body 234. In other implementations, inlet 264 may be larger where pumps may be utilized to draw fluid from to assist the flow of the fluid, initially drawn up through capillary forces.
Fluid interactor substrate 240 includes at least one structure upon which fluid interaction elements 244 are provided or supported. In one implementation, fluid interactor substrate 240 includes a series of microchips upon which electrical wiring or electrical traces are formed for connection of controller 228 and/or communication interface 232 to the individual interaction elements 244. In one implementation, substrate 240 includes an elongate bar, strip or sliver that supports the individual interaction elements and which further supports or encloses electrical wiring or electrical traces for connection of controller 228 and/or communication interface 232 to the individual interaction elements 244.
In one implementation, each microchip or the elongate microchip sliver is formed from silicon. In other implementations, substrate 240 may be formed from other materials, such as glass, ceramics or other dielectric or semi-conductive materials. In the example illustrated, substrate 240 is welded, bonded or fastened to floor 254 of lower body 234. In yet other implementations, substrate 240 may be integrally formed as a single unitary body out of the same material as lower body 234.
Fluid interaction elements 244 comprise elements similar to fluid interaction elements 24 described above. Fluid interaction elements 244 interact with fluid that extends within gap 272. Fluid interaction elements 244 are supported by substrate 240 opposite to gap 272. In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 extend along an exterior face of substrate 240. In other implementations, fluid interaction elements 24 or may be recessed or embedded within substrate 240, below a face of substrate 240 that faces lid 238. Each fluid interaction element 244 is electrically connected to controller 228 and/or communication interface 232 using wiring or traces extending on the surface or embedded within substrate 240.
Although stick 220 is illustrated as comprising nine equidistantly and serially spaced fluid interaction elements 244, in other implementations, stick 220 may include a greater or fewer of such fluid interaction elements 244. Fluid interaction elements 244 may have uniform or nonuniform spacings along the length of lower body 234. In some implementations, fluid interaction elements 244 may be arranged in multiple parallel rows or columns of fluid interaction elements that extend along the length of lower body 234.
In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 thermally interact with the fluid within gap 272 by altering a temperature of the fluid within gap 272. In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 comprise thermal resistors which generate heat in response to an applied electrical current. In such an implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may facilitate thermal cycling, such as in a nucleic acid testing or PCR process.
In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may interact with the adjacent portions of the fluid sample in other fashions. For example, in other implementations, fluid interaction element 244 may each comprise at least one light emitter. In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may each comprise a surface that interacts with the fluid sample to facilitate sensing of the fluid sample. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may each comprise a plasmonic surface that facilitates surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may each comprise an array of flexible nano pillars or nano fingers having plasmonic tips.
In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may comprise multiple types of fluid interaction elements. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may comprise a first set of thermal fluid interaction elements that heat and/or cool the adjacent fluid and a second set light emitters. In one implementation, fluid interaction element 244 may comprise a first set of such thermal fluid interaction elements and a second set of temperature sensing fluid interaction elements, optical sensing fluid interaction elements and/or fluid presence sensing fluid interaction elements. In yet another implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may comprise a first set of thermal fluid interaction elements, a set of temperature sensing fluid interaction elements, optical sensing fluid interaction elements and/or fluid presence sensing fluid interaction elements, and a third set of light-emitting fluid interaction elements. The different types of fluid interaction elements may be interspersed with one another, the different types arranged in a side-by side fashion or in an alternating serial fashion along a length of lower body 234.
As shown by FIG. 3, in the example illustrated, fluid interaction elements 244 are serially spaced along a length of a single sliver substrate 240. The different fluid interaction elements 244 may each form a different “zone” for control and/or sensing. For example, the different fluid interaction elements 244 may form a column or row of zones extending parallel to the length (major dimension) of lower body 234 and substrate 240.
In one implementation, controller 228 (or a remote controller in communication with stick 220 via interface 232) may utilize each of a combination of different fluid interaction elements 244 to carry out a fluid interaction process. In one implementation, inlet 264 may be submersed within or may otherwise receive a fluid sample to be diagnosed such that fluid is wicked through capillary action along chamber 250 towards upper body 224. As the fluid progresses within chamber 250 towards upper body 224 along the length of lower body 234, the fluid may be brought into contact with different fluid presence sensors spaced along the length of lower body 234, wherein the fluid presence sensors (such as spaced electrodes for which an electrical circuit is completed by the presence of the intervening fluid) indicate to controller 228 (or a remote controller) the extent of fluid wicking and what fluid interaction elements 244 are submersed within the sample fluid.
In response to receiving signals from such fluid presence sensors indicating that a particular fluid interaction element 244 is submersed in the fluid, the controller 228 (or remote controller) may output control signals activating thermal fluid interaction elements that are submersed. In one implementation, the fluid interaction elements may also include temperature sensors, wherein signals from the temperature sensors are communicated to controller 228 (or the remote controller) and wherein the controller 228 (or remote controller) adjusts and controls the operation of the thermal fluid interaction elements based upon the sensed temperatures received from the individual temperature sensing fluid interaction elements. In one implementation, controller 228 (or the remote controller) may utilize signals from the temperature sensing fluid interaction elements to selectively activate the thermal heater fluid interaction elements so as to thermal cycle the sample fluid, such as for a PCR process. In one implementation, controller 228 (or the remote controller) may differently heat the fluid in the different zones provided by the independently controllable and activatable thermal fluid interaction elements.
FIGS. 5-12 are sectional views illustrating portions of example testing sticks 320-1020. Each of the example testing sticks 320-1020 is similar to testing stick 220 except that testing sticks 320-1020 has a different elongate lower body and lid forming a chamber. The illustrated lower bodies, lids and substrate 240 of the various sticks uniformly extend along the length of their respective lower bodies towards partition 236 and upper body 224 (shown in FIG. 3). Those portions of testing sticks 320-1020 which are not shown in FIGS. 5-12, upper body 224, controller 228, communication interface 232, indicator 245 and partition 236, are shown in FIG. 3. Similar to testing stick 220, each of testing sticks 320-1020 forms an elongate chamber that has an open lower and with an inlet through which fluid may be wicked up and along the length of the lower body of the testing stick towards upper body 224. FIGS. 5-12 are sectional views with each view taken along a line similar to line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an example testing stick 320. Testing stick 320 is similar to testing stick 220 except that testing stick 320 includes lower body 334 in lieu of lower body 234. Lower body 334 is similar to lower body 234 except a lower body 234 additionally includes pedestal 374 which projects from floor 254 to elevate substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 above floor 254. As a result, the chamber 350 formed by lower body 334 and lid 238 forms a first gap 370 and a second gap 372. Gap 370 may be greater than the thickness of substrate 240 for enhanced fluid wicking. At the same time, pedestal 374 may reduce the size of gap 372 for a larger fluid interaction element surface area to fluid volume ratio.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an example testing stick 420. Testing stick 420 is similar to testing stick 320 except that substrate 240 and it supported fluid interaction elements 244 are supported by lid 238 opposite pedestal 374. In the example illustrated, substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 are embedded in the ceiling 264 of lid 238 such that fluid interaction elements 244 are flush with the ceiling 268. In other implementations, substrate 240 may project below ceiling 268 or may be recessed within ceiling 268 such that fluid interaction element 244 also project below ceiling 268 or are recessed within ceiling 268. In one implementation, gap 372 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 370 is at least 50% larger than this gap 372. In one implementation, gap 370 is at least 1.5 mm.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an example testing stick 520. Testing stick 520 is similar to testing stick 220 except that testing stick 520 includes lower body 534 and ceiling 538. Lower body 534 includes a generally flat panel supporting substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244. In the example illustrated, substrate 240 is embedded within lower body 534 such that fluid interaction elements 244 are flush or level floor 254. In other implementations, substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 may project above floor 254 or be recessed below 254.
Lid 538 cooperates with lower body 534 to form cavity 550. Lid 538 includes ceiling 564, sidewalls 566 and protuberance 568. Ceiling 564 extends opposite to floor 254 forming gap 570 through which fluid is with into and along channel 550. Ceiling 564 terminates at a lower end of lower body 234 forming an inlet 264 through which fluid may enter gap 570. Sidewalls 566 extend between floor 254 of lower body 534 and ceiling 5642 support in space ceiling 564 opposite to floor 254. Protuberance 568, structurally similar to a stalagmite, projects from ceiling 564 towards floor 254 opposite to substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244. The lower surface of protuberance 568 is spaced from fluid interaction elements 244 so as to form the smaller gap 572 that extends opposite to fluid interaction elements 244. In one implementation, gap 572 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 570 is at least 50% larger than this gap 572. In one implementation, gap 570 is at least 1.5 mm.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an example testing stick 620. Testing stick 620 is similar to testing stick 520 except that substrate 240 and the supported fluid interaction elements 244 are supported by protuberance 568 of lid 538 opposite fluid interaction elements 244. In the example illustrated, substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 are embedded in the protuberance 568 of lid 238 such that fluid interaction elements 244 are flush with the bottom of protuberance 568. In other implementations, substrate 240 may project below the bottom protuberance 568 or may be recessed within protuberance 568 such that fluid interaction element 244 also project below protuberance 568 or are recessed within protuberance 568.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an example testing stick 720. Testing stick 720 is similar to testing stick 520 described above except that testing 720 includes lower body portion 334. As described above, lower body portion 334 includes pedestal 374 which elevates and supports substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244. As shown by FIG. 9, sidewalls 256 and 566, together, space ceiling 564 from floor 254 to form gap 770 through which fluid is whipped into and along chamber 750. Pedestal 374 supports fluid interaction elements 244 below and opposite to the lower surface of protuberance 568 opposite to the formed gap 772 which is smaller than gap 770. In one implementation, gap 772 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 770 is at least 50% larger than this gap 772. In one implementation, gap 770 is at least 1.5 mm.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example testing stick 820. Testing stick 820 is similar to testing stick 720 except that substrate 240 and the supported fluid interaction elements 244 are supported by protuberance 568 of lid 538 opposite fluid interaction elements 244. In the example illustrated, substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 are embedded in the protuberance 568 of lid 238 such that fluid interaction elements 244 are flush with the bottom of protuberance 568. In other implementations, substrate 240 may project below the bottom protuberance 568 or may be recessed within protuberance 568 such that fluid interaction element 244 also project below protuberance 568 or are recessed within protuberance 568.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example testing stick 920. Testing stick 920 is similar to is similar to testing stick 720 described above except that testing stick 9220 additionally includes a fluid interactor substrate 940 and fluid interaction elements 944. Those remaining components of stick 920 which correspond to components of stick 720 are numbered similarly.
Fluid interactor substrate 940 is similar to fluid interactor substrate 240 described above. Likewise, fluid interaction elements 944 are similar to fluid interaction elements 244 described above. Fluid interactor substrate 940 is similar to fluid interactor substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 of testing stick 820 in that substrate 944 and fluid interaction elements 944 are supported by protuberance 568 opposite to pedestal 374. However, as shown by FIG. 11, pedestal 374 also supports fluid interactor substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 opposite to fluid interactor substrate 940 and fluid interaction elements 944. As a result, fluid within gap 772 may be interacted upon from both above and below gap 772.
In one implementation, the fluid interaction elements 244, 944 directly opposite to one another are of the same type of fluid interaction elements. For example, one implementation, the fluid interaction elements directly opposite to one another are both thermal resistors such as the fluid within gap 772 may be heated from both above and below gap 772. In other implementations, the fluid interaction elements directly opposite to one another may be of different types. For example, in one implementation, one of the fluid interaction elements 244, 944 may comprise a heater or thermal resistor whereas the other of the fluid interaction wants 244, 944 may comprise a sensor, such as a temperature sensor. The close proximity of the temperature sensor to the thermal resistor provides enhanced close loop feedback control over the heating of the fluid within gap 772. In yet another implementation, one of the fluid interaction elements 244, 944 may comprise a plasmonic surface, such as SERS nano pillars having plasmonic tips while the other of the directly opposite fluid interaction elements 244, 944 may comprise a light emitter and an optical sensor to sense interactions of the emitted light with the analyte deposited upon the plasmonic tips of the closed nano pillars.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example testing stick 1020. Testing stick 1020 is similar to testing stick 920 except that rather than being embedded within pedestal 374 and protuberance 568, substrates 240 and 940 are mounted, bonded or otherwise secured to the exterior of pedestal 374 and protuberance 568, respectively, opposite to one another so as to form gap 1072 which may be smaller than gap 772. For the remaining elements of testing stick 1020 which correspond to components of testing stick 920 are numbered similarly.
Although each of testing sticks 220-1020 are illustrated as having chambers and gaps that have a uniform size axially along the length of the lower body of each of the respective sticks, in other implementations, each of testing sticks 220-1020 may have at least one tapering dimension, a dimension that decreases in size as the chamber extends away from inlet 264. In such implementations, the tapering dimension or dimensions may further facilitate upward wicking of any sample fluid so as to place a greater number of the fluid interaction elements 244 in contact with the fluid being diagnosed. Although each of the gaps opposite to the fluid interaction element is illustrated as having a uniform size axially along the length of the lower bodies of the various testing sticks, in other implementations, different fluid interaction elements may be located opposite to differently sized gaps to enhance the performance of the particular fluid interaction elements.
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate portions of an example testing stick 1120. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate those portions of testing stick 1120 below partition 236. Upper body portion 224, controller 228, communication interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which are part of testing stick 1120, are shown in FIG. 3. As shown by FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower portion of testing stick 1120 is similar to the lower portions of testing stick 220 except that testing stick 1120 includes a lower body portion 1134 which has an upwardly inclined floor 1154 on opposite sides of substrate 240. Those remaining components of lower body portion 1134 which correspond to components of lower body portion 234 are numbered similarly.
Floor 1154 inclines as it extends away from inlet 264 towards upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). As a result, while gap 272 remains uniform in size, gap 270 gradually reduces in size as it approaches upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). The interior volume of chamber 250 decreases as it extends away from inlet 264 to provide enhanced wicking or capillary movement of fluid along chamber 1150.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate portions of an example testing stick 1220. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate those portions of testing stick 1120 below partition 236. Upper body portion 224, controller 228, communication interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which are part of testing stick 1220, are shown in FIG. 3. As shown by FIGS. 15 and 16, the lower portion of testing stick 1220 is similar to the lower portions of testing stick 220 except that testing stick 1220 includes a lid 1238 which has a declining floor 1254 on opposite sides of substrate 240. Those remaining components of lid 1238 which correspond to components of lid 238 are numbered similarly.
Floor 1254 declines as it extends away from inlet 264 towards upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). As a result, while gap 272 remains uniform in size, gap 274 gradually reduces in size as it approaches upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). The interior volume of chamber 250 decreases as it extends away from inlet 264 to provide enhanced wicking or capillary movement of fluid along chamber 1250.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of portions of an example testing stick 1320 take along a sectional line similar to the sectional line 14-14 taken through testing stick 1120. FIG. 17 illustrates those portions of testing stick 1320 below partition 236. Upper body portion 224, controller 228, communication interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which are part of testing stick 1320, are shown in FIG. 3. Testing stick 1320 is similar to testing stick 1120 except that testing 1320 includes fluid interactor substrate 1340 in place of substrate 240.
Fluid interactor substrate 1340 is similar to fluid interactor substrate 240 except that fluid interactor substrate 1340 ramped upward or is inclined as it approaches upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). Fluid interactor substrate 1340 includes an upwardly inclined top surface 1354 that gradually approaches and becomes closer to ceiling 264 of lid 238 as it extends away from inlet 264 towards upper body portion 224. Top surface 1354 supports fluid interaction elements 244 at different spacings, opposite differently dimensioned gaps 272, with respect to ceiling 238. In the example illustrated, substrate 1340 supports fluid interaction element 244A opposite a gap 272A, supports fluid interaction element 244B opposite a gap 272B smaller than gap 272A, supports fluid interaction element 244C opposite a gap 272C smaller than gap 272B, supports fluid interaction element 244D opposite a gap 272D smaller than gap 272C, supports fluid interaction elements 244E opposite a gap 272E smaller than gap 272D and supports fluid interaction element 244F opposite a gap 272F smaller than gap 272E. In the example illustrated, fluid interaction elements 272A, 272B and 272C are spaced from one another along substrate 1354 by a first distance whereas fluid interaction element 272D, 272E and 272F are spaced from one another by different distances along substrate 1354. In the example illustrated, the different dimensions for the different gaps 272A-272F provide different fluid interaction element surface area to volume ratios to enhance the performance of the particular fluid interaction elements. Although testing 1320 is illustrated as comprising six fluid interaction elements 244, it should be appreciated that testing stick 1320 may comprise a greater or fewer of such fluid interaction elements 244 at other relative serial spacings and/or in side-by-side arrangements.
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate portions of an example testing stick 1420. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate those portions of testing stick 1420 below partition 236. Upper body portion 224, controller 228, communication interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which are part of testing stick 1420, are shown in FIG. 3. As shown by FIGS. 18 and 19, the lower portion of testing stick 1420 is similar to the lower portions of testing stick 1120 except that testing stick 1420 includes lower body 1434 and fluid interactor substrate 1440 in place of lower body 1134 and fluid interactor substrate 240. Those remaining components of testing stick 1420 which correspond to components of testing stick 1120 are numbered similarly.
Lower body 1434 is similar to lower body 1134 described above except that lower body 1434 includes converging sidewalls 1456 in place of sidewalls 256. Converging sidewalls 1456 converge towards one another as they extend away from inlet 264, as they extend towards upper body 224 (shown in FIG. 3). As a result, while gap 272 remains uniform in size, the width of gap 274 gradually reduces in size as it approaches upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). The interior volume of chamber 1450 decreases as it extends away from inlet 264 to provide enhanced wicking or capillary movement of fluid along chamber 1450.
Fluid interactor substrate 1440 is similar to fluid interactor substrate 240 except that fluid interactor substrate 1440 includes differently sized substrate risers 1480A, 1480B, 1480C, 1480D, 1480E and 1480F (collectively referred to as substrate risers 1480). Risers 1480 have different heights, supporting their respective fluid interaction elements 244 opposite different gaps with respect to lid 238. In the example illustrated, each of pedestals 1480 supports multiple fluid interaction elements in a side-by-side layout or in a serial layout. As a result, different types of fluid interaction elements may be supported opposite to differently dimension gaps most suited for the particular type of fluid interaction element. In the example illustrated, risers 1480A, 1480B, 1480C, 1480D, 1480E and 1480F support sets of fluid interaction elements 244A, 244B, 244C, 244D, 244E and 244F opposite to differently dimension gaps 272A, 272B, 272C, 272D, 272E and 272F, respectively. Although testing stick 1420 is illustrated as comprising six risers supporting six different sets of fluid interaction elements 244, in other implementations, testing stick 1420 may comprise different numbers of risers 1480 at alternative spacings and different numbers of sets of fluid interaction elements 244 having different arrangements or different numbers.
FIGS. 13-19 illustrate various lower bodies, lids and substrates that provide tapering volumes that facilitate wicking of fluid away from inlet 264 and that provide differently dimension gaps opposite to fluid interaction elements. Although each of such features is illustrated as being applied to a lower body similar to lower body 234 shown in FIG. 4, it should be appreciated that each of the various features shown in FIGS. 13-19 may be applied individually or in combination with other features to each of the lower body shown in FIGS. 5-12. For example, each of the lower bodies shown in FIGS. 5-12 may have incline floor 1154 in place of floor 254. Each of the lids shown in FIGS. 5-12 may have a declined ceiling 1254 on opposite sides of the gap that is itself opposite to the fluid interaction elements. Each of the substrates and/or each of the pedestals 374 supporting the substrates may be inclined similar to substrate 1340. Each of the sidewalls of the lower bodies and/or the lids shown in FIG. 5-12, where provided, may have converge similar to sidewalls 1456. Each of the substrates shown in FIGS. 5-12 may comprise substrate risers of the same or different heights spaced along the axial length of the lower bodies to provide differently sized gaps opposite to the fluid interaction elements. Each of the pedestals 374 and each of the protuberances 568 shown in FIGS. 5-12 may have spaced risers, similar to the risers of substrate 1440, that provide different dimensions for different gaps opposite to different sets or individual fluid interaction elements. In each of the testing stick shown in FIG. 13-19, additional fluid interaction elements may be provided and supported on the opposite sides of the smaller gaps 272, opposite to the illustrated fluid interaction elements 244. In each of the illustrated fluid testing sticks, the interior surfaces of the chambers, such as the floors and ceilings opposite the larger gaps 270 may be formed from or may be coated or laminated with different fluid wetting materials that are fluid philic, such as the fluid philic layer material 271 shown in FIG. 4 to further facilitate wicking (capillary movement) of the fluid into and along the respective chambers.
FIG. 20 illustrates an example testing stick 1520. Testing stick 1520 is similar to testing stick 220 described above except that testing stick 1520 includes lid 1538 and light emitter 1582. Those remaining components of testing stick 1520 which correspond to components of testing stick 220 are numbered similarly.
Lid 1538 is similar to lid 238 set that lid 1538 is not supported by sidewalls to 56 of lower body 234, but rest within recess 252 upon floor 254. As shown by FIG. 21, lid 1538 includes an elongate channel 1584 forming ceiling 264 of lid 1538. Ceiling 264 spaced above floor 254 and above substrate 240 (and fluid interaction elements 244) by sidewalls 1586 of lid 1538 which extend an opposite side of channel 1584. Sidewalls 1586 and ceiling 264 increase in size as they extend away from inlet 264 towards light emitter 1582. In the example illustrated, the size of channel 264 and the size of the gap opposite to fluid interaction elements 244 remains the same along the length of substrate 240. In other implementations, as described above with respect to testing sticks 1320-1420, the gap opposite the different fluid interaction element 244 may vary from one fluid interaction element to another fluid interaction element. For example, in other implementations, the height of channel 264 may gradually ramp up or down to vary the gap dimension along lid 1538. In another implementation, lid 1538 may include differently dimensioned protuberances 568 (shown in FIG. 7), protuberances that have different heights so as to project into different proximities to the upper surface of substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 along the length of channel 264 and opposite to different fluid interaction elements, providing such fluid interaction elements with differently sized opposing fluid gaps along the length of channel 264.
Light emitter 1582 is supported by lower body 234 and is located at the enlarged end of lid 1538. Light emitter 1582 serves as a backlight, transmitting light through the transparent material lid 1538, which serves as a light pipe, to each of the fluid interaction elements 244 along the length of testing stick 1520. The nonuniform thickness of lid 1538 with the increasing thickness of ceiling 264 and sidewalls 156 towards light emitter 1582 (the angling of lid 1538) enhances light transmission efficiency by lid 1538 along substrate 240. In one implementation, light emitter 1582 includes a light emitting diode that provides RGB (red green blue) backlight controlled by controller 228.
FIGS. 22-24 illustrate one example use of testing stick 1520. As shown by FIG. 22, testing stick 1520 may be stored for use with its lower end contained within a tubular receptacle 1600. Seal 260 contacts and seals against the interior side surfaces of receptacle 1600, inhibiting contamination of the lower portions of testing stick 1520.
As shown by FIG. 23, stick 1520 may be temporarily removed from receptacle 1600 and a sample to be diagnosed may be placed within receptacle 1600. In some implementations, other reagents and/or markers (such as fluorescent markers or tags) may additionally be deposited within receptacle 1600. Thereafter, testing stick 1520 may be reinserted into receptacle 1600 such that inlet 264 is at or below the top or level 1604 of the sample mixture 1606 within receptacle 1600. Due to the dimensioning of inlet 264 (as described above) as well as the dimensioning of gap 272 (shown in FIG. 4), the sample mixture or analyte is drawn or whipped upward through the larger gap 270 through capillary forces (no other pumps being utilized). As a sample mixture 1606 is drawn up through gap 270, the sample mixture 1606 also flows into and across the smaller gap(s) 272 that extend opposite to the fluid interaction elements 244.
As described above, in some implementations, some of the fluid interaction elements 244 may comprise fluid presence sensors, such as electrode pairs for which an electrical circuit is completed by the intervening fluid. Such fluid presents sensors may output signals to controller 228 (or a remote controller) indicating the extent of fluid wicking along substrate 240. Based upon such signals, controller 228 (or a remote controller) may output control signals activating different fluid interaction element 244 as a fluid is with long substrate 240.
In some implementations, fluid interaction element 244 may comprise different combinations of multiple different types of fluid interaction elements. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction element 244 may comprise photo sensors, such as photodiodes and thermal resistive heaters. In such an implementation, controller 228 may output control signals causing those fluid interaction elements 244 which are thermal resistive heaters to thermal cycle the sample mixture 1606 such as according to a nucleic acid sensing protocol or PCR protocol. Controller 228 may subsequently output control signals activating light emitter 1582 to illuminate the mixture 1606 which absorbs one wavelength of light and emits light at another wavelength of light based upon a signaling molecule in the mixture 1606, wherein the re-emitted light is sensed by those fluid interaction elements 244 that are in the form of optical sensors, such as photodiodes. In other implementations, other color or light generating reactions (for example, bioluminescence, particle movement (light/dark), ink properties, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs)) may be carried out using those fluid interaction element(s) 244 that comprise optical sensors, such as photodiodes.
As shown by FIG. 24, testing stick 1520 may communicate with a remote controller or a remote/separate electronic device 1700 using communication interface 232. In the example illustrated, the electronic device 1700 includes a smart phone, wherein interface 232 includes an electrical interconnect that plugs into a port 1704 of the smart phone 1700. During such connection, control signals may be transmitted from device 1700 to testing stick 1520. Sensed data may be transmitted from testing stick 1520 to device 1700. Device 1700 may display on-screen 1702 the results of the diagnosis based upon sample 1606. Thereafter, testing stick 1520 may be discarded or may be stored within receptacle 1600 and with the original sample 1606.
In other implementations, testing stick 1520 may communicate with a separate electronic device in other fashions. As described above, in other implementations, testing stick 1520 may communicate in a wireless fashion. Testing stick 1520 may communicate in a wired fashion through other communication interfaces, either directly or through an intermediate cable. In some implementations, the interaction and sensing of the fluid by the fluid interaction elements 244 may occur while sick 15/20 connected or in communication with the electronic device 1700.
As should be appreciated, testing stick 1520 may have a variety of different architectures. Testing stick 1520 may alternatively comprise any of the architectures shown and described above with respect to the lower portions of the other example testing sticks shown in FIGS. 3-19. Although each of such testing sticks is illustrated as wicking a sample fluid or analyte from the lower end of lower body 234 through inlet 262, in other implementations, each of such testing sticks may alternatively wick fluid through capillary action through side ports extending through side walls of the formed chambers or through top or bottom ports extending through the lower bodies or the lids.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.

Claims

1. A fluid testing device comprising:

a fluid interaction element; and

a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be interacted upon by the fluid interaction element, the fluid chamber forming a first gap through which fluid is wicked to a second gap in the fluid chamber that is opposite the fluid interaction element and less than the first gap.

2. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap spaces a first interior surface of the chamber and a second interior surface of the chamber and wherein the fluid interaction element projects from the first surface towards the second surface to form the second gap.

3. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap spaces a first interior surface of the chamber and a second interior surface of the chamber and wherein the chamber further includes a pedestal projecting from the first surface and supporting the fluid interaction element opposite the second gap.

4. The fluid testing device of claim 3, wherein the fluid interaction element is at least partially received within the pedestal.

5. The fluid testing device of claim 3, wherein the chamber further includes a protuberance projecting from the second surface opposite the fluid interaction element to form the second gap.

6. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap spaces a first interior surface of the chamber and a second interior surface of the chamber and wherein the chamber further includes a protuberance projecting from the second surface opposite the fluid interaction element to form the second gap.

7. The fluid testing device of claim 6, wherein the fluid interaction element projects from the first surface towards the second surface opposite the protuberance.

8. The fluid testing device of claim 6, wherein the fluid interaction element is at or below the first surface and opposite the protuberance.

9. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the second gap is no greater than 1 mm and wherein the first gap is at least 50% larger than the second gap.

10. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap is at least 1.5 mm.

11. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the fluid interaction element is on a first side of the second gap, the fluid testing device further comprising a second fluid interaction element opposite the second gap on a second side of the second gap opposite the first side.

12. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the chamber opposite the second gap is transparent.

13. The fluid testing device of claim 1, comprising an elongate stick forming the chamber, the chamber having an inlet proximate an end of the stick.

14. A fluid testing method comprising:

wicking fluid into a first gap in a chamber of a fluid testing device; and

interacting with the fluid with a fluid interaction element while the fluid is in a second gap in the chamber that is adjacent the first gap in the chamber and less than the first gap.

15. A fluid testing stick comprising:

a first end supporting a controller; and

a second end forming a fluid interactor, the fluid interactor comprising:

a fluid interaction element under control of the controller; and

a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be sensed by the fluid interaction element, the fluid chamber forming a first gap through which fluid is wicked to a second gap in the fluid chamber that is opposite the fluid interaction element and is less than the first gap.

16. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the fluid interaction element is to interact with the fluid while the fluid is in the second gap of the fluid chamber.

17. The fluid testing method of claim 14, further including positioning a volume of the fluid in the second gap and adjacent to the fluid interaction element.

18. The fluid testing stick of claim 15, wherein the second gap is to position a volume of the fluid adjacent to the fluid interaction element and the fluid interaction element is to interact with the volume of the fluid while the volume is in the second gap of the fluid chamber.