Single-sheath microfluidic chip

Abstract

Microfluidic devices and methods for focusing components in a fluid sample are described herein. The microfluidic device has at least one flow focusing channel where the components are focused or re-oriented by the geometry of the channel. From an upstream end of the flow focusing channel to a downstream end of the flow focusing channel, at least a portion of the flow focusing channel has a reduction in height and at least a portion of the flow focusing channel narrows in width, thereby geometrically constricting the flow focusing channel. The devices and methods can be utilized in sex-sorting of sperm cells to improve performance and increase eligibility.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation and claims benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16 / 396,138 filed Apr. 26, 2019, the specification(s) of which is / are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a microfluidic chip design, in particular, to a microfluidic chip for isolating particles or cellular materials using laminar flow from a single sheath and geometric focusing.Background Art[0003]Microfluidics enables the use of small volumes for preparing and processing samples, such as various particles or cellular materials. When separating a sample, such as the separation of sperm into viable and motile sperm from non-viable or non-motile sperm, or separation by gender, the process is often a time-consuming task and can have severe volume restrictions. Current separation techniques cannot, for example, produce the desired yield, or p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a microfluidic device that uses a unique technique to focus and orient sperm cells. This technique eliminates the need for a secondary sheath fluid which reduces the volume of fluid used and simplifies the system. The device also improves the orientation and functionality of Y-kewed sperm cells, allowing for better quality and increased eligibility. Additionally, the device can effectively discriminate Y-chromosome-bearing sperm cells. The technical effects of this patent are improved efficiency and accuracy in the sorting of sperm cells for use in assisted reproductive technology.

Problems solved by technology

When separating a sample, such as the separation of sperm into viable and motile sperm from non-viable or non-motile sperm, or separation by gender, the process is often a time-consuming task and can have severe volume restrictions.

Current separation techniques cannot, for example, produce the desired yield, or process volumes of cellular materials in a timely fashion.

Furthermore, existing microfluidic devices do not effectively focus or orient the sperm cells.

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