Compact Fluid Analysis Device and Method to Fabricate

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fluid analyzing device that includes a sensing device for analyzing a fluid sample. The sensing device includes a microchip configured for sensing the fluid sample, and a closed micro-fluidic component for propagating the fluid sample to the microchip. The fluid sample can be provided to the micro-fluidic component via an inlet of the fluid analyzing device. And a vacuum compartment, which is air-tight connected to the sensing device, can create in the micro-fluidic component a suction force suitable for propagating the fluid sample through the micro-fluidic component.

1 . A fluid analyzing device comprising:
 a sensing device for analyzing a fluid sample, the sensing device comprising:   a microchip configured for sensing the fluid sample; and a micro-fluidic component for propagating the fluid sample to the microchip;   an inlet connected to the micro-fluidic component, for providing the fluid sample to the micro-fluidic component, wherein the micro-fluidic component, aside from its connection to the inlet,   a vacuum compartment air-tight connected to the sensing device, wherein the vacuum compartment is adapted for creating a suction force in the micro-fluidic component suitable for propagating the fluid sample through the micro-fluidic component when the fluid sample is provided in the micro-fluidic component, and wherein the suction force is created by opening the vacuum compartment.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a package comprising the sensing device, the vacuum compartment, and the inlet.   
     
     
         3 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 1 , wherein the vacuum compartment comprises a sacrificial element adapted to open the vacuum compartment towards the micro-fluidic component when the sacrificial element is broken. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 3 , further comprising a movable structure for breaking the sacrificial element. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 4 , wherein the movable structure is a movable puncture device adapted to break the sacrificial element when actuated. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 3 , further comprising a heating element positioned such that the sacrificial element is broken by heating, thereby opening the vacuum compartment. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 6 , wherein the heating element is positioned in or on the sacrificial element. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 6 , wherein the heating element is positioned on a substrate comprising the micro-fluidic component. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 3 , wherein the sacrificial element is solvent-dissolvable, wherein the fluid analyzing device further comprises a solvent compartment containing a solvent, and wherein the solvent compartment is configured to release the solvent to the sacrificial element when the fluid sample is provided in the micro-fluidic component, the releasing of the solvent thereby opening the vacuum compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid detector positioned to detect the fluid sample when the fluid sample is provided in the micro-fluidic component, and wherein the vacuum compartment is configured to open when the fluid sample is detected. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing device further comprises:
 a silicon fluidic substrate comprising the micro-fluidic component embedded in the silicon fluidic substrate, wherein the silicon fluidic substrate is fluidically connected to the inlet, and wherein the microchip is adapted to act as a lid attached to the silicon fluidic substrate, and wherein the lid at least partly covers the silicon fluidic substrate and at least partly closes the micro-fluidic component.   
     
     
         12 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 11 , wherein at least a part of the lid is in contact with the fluid sample when the fluid sample is propagated through the micro-fluidic component. 
     
     
         13 . The fluid analyzing device of  claim 11 , wherein the lid comprises a transistor layer, the transistor layer being electrically connected to at least one electrical component, the electrical component being at least one of: biosensing circuitry, electrodes for sensing purposes, electrodes for fluid manipulation purposes, circuitry for data communication purposes, circuitry for wireless data communication purposes, temperature sensors, heater electrodes for temperature control, and fluid sensors and electrodes for fluidic viscosity control. 
     
     
         14 . A method for sensing a fluid sample, comprising:
 providing a fluid analyzing device;   providing a fluid sample to the micro-fluidic component;   propagating the fluid sample through the micro-fluidic component by opening the vacuum compartment thereby creating a pressure difference between the vacuum compartment and the micro-fluidic component; and   sensing the fluid sample using the sensing device.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 detecting a fluid sample being provided to the micro-fluidic component; and   opening the vacuum compartment when the fluid sample is detected.   
     
     
         16 . A sensing device comprising:
 a fluidic substrate, the fluidic substrate comprising a micro-fluidic component embedded in the fluidic substrate, wherein the fluidic substrate is configured to propagate a fluid sample via capillary force through the micro-fluidic component;   a means for providing a fluid sample, wherein the means is connected to the micro-fluidic component; and   a lid attached to the fluidic substrate, wherein the lid at least partly covers the fluidic substrate and at least partly closes the micro-fluidic component.   
     
     
         17 . The sensing device of  claim 16 , wherein the fluidic substrate is a silicon fluidic substrate, and wherein the lid is a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) chip. 
     
     
         18 . The sensing device of  claim 16 , wherein the means for providing a fluid sample is a needle fabricated from a semiconductor, wherein the needle comprises an inner fluidic channel connected to the micro-fluidic component, and wherein the needle is a protruding portion of the fluidic substrate and positioned to penetrate skin tissue when pressed against the skin tissue. 
     
     
         19 . The sensing device of  claim 16 , wherein the fluidic substrate further comprises at least one optical waveguide, wherein the at least one optical waveguide allows for optical excitation and sensing of the fluid sample when the fluid sample is present in the sensing device. 
     
     
         20 . The sensing device of  claim 16 , wherein the fluidic substrate comprises at least one through-hole for application of a biochemical reagent to at least one region of the micro-fluidic component.