Bionic system

Abstract

The invention discloses a bionic system. The bionic system comprises a culture cavity, at least one micro-channel wafer, a heat conduction module, a heat convection module, a first air chamber and an air supply pipe, the at least one micro-channel wafer is disposed in the culture chamber and is made of a breathable material. The heat conduction module is coupled with at least one micro-channel wafer and comprises a heat source. Heat conduction occurs between the heat source and the at least one micro-channel wafer. The heat convection module is coupled with the heat conduction module, and the heat convection module comprises a first air pipe. The heat source raises the temperature of air to generate hot air, and the first air pipe is used for sending the hot air away from the heat convection module. The first air chamber is connected with the first air pipe and receives air, and the first air pipe feeds hot air into the first air chamber, so that the hot air and the air are mixed into mixed air. The gas supply pipe is connected to the first gas chamber and the culture chamber and supplies the mixed gas from the first gas chamber to the culture chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a biomimetic technology, and more particularly to a biomimetic system that can simulate the microenvironment in a living organism. BACKGROUND

[0002] Microfluidic chips can be used to simulate the environment in a living organism for research in the fields of life science and biomedical science. To achieve the simulation, the microfluidic chips usually need to be combined with other devices to obtain the simulated environment. For example, liquid feeding devices and cell incubators are all existing devices that are needed when the microfluidic chips are used for simulation. These devices often have existing purposes and are not exclusively used for the microfluidic chips. Therefore, although they can meet some needs, there are still problems in applicability. SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention provides a biomimetic system that can provide a comprehensive biomimetic environment.

[0004] The biomimetic system provided by the present invention can be used to simulate the environment in a living organism, and can reduce disturbance to the biomimetic environment in the system during operation, thereby avoiding unknown factors from affecting the simulation results.

[0005] To achieve one or some or all of the above purposes or other purposes, an embodiment of the present invention provides a biomimetic system, which includes a culture chamber, at least one microfluidic chip, a heat conduction module, a heat convection module, a first gas chamber, and a gas feeding pipe. The at least one microfluidic chip is arranged in the culture chamber and is made of a gas-permeable material. The heat conduction module is coupled to the at least one microfluidic chip and includes a heat source. Heat conduction occurs between the heat source and the at least one microfluidic chip. The heat convection module is coupled to the heat conduction module, and the heat convection module includes a first air pipe. The heat source increases the temperature of air to generate hot air, and the first air pipe is used to send the hot air away from the heat convection module. The first gas chamber is connected to the first air pipe and receives gas, and the first air pipe sends the hot air into the first gas chamber, so that the hot air and the gas are mixed into mixed gas. The gas feeding pipe is connected to the first gas chamber and the culture chamber and is used to send the mixed gas from the first gas chamber to the culture chamber.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat convection module further includes at least one fan, which is used to push the hot air into the first air pipe.

[0007] The present invention uses a heat convection module, so that air can be used as a medium to heat specific objects, increase the temperature of the space, and promote the flow of gas, thereby enabling the biomimetic system to meet various conditions required for simulation, including temperature, gas composition, and stable and consistent environment. This makes the operation simpler, the use more comprehensive, and helps to achieve better simulation results.

[0008] For the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application, reference is made to the following detailed description of the application, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a bionic system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Figure 2 Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a partial perspective view of the bionic system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 3 Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 4 Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a partial perspective view of the bionic system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 5 Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a partial perspective view of the bionic system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 6 Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a partial perspective view of the bionic system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 7 Fig. 7 shows a temperature-time relationship diagram of the microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] In the drawings:

[0017] 1: bionic system

[0018] 10: microfluidic chip

[0019] 11: inlet / outlet

[0020] 12: fluid channel system

[0021] 14: first body

[0022] 15: second body

[0023] 100: culture cavity

[0024] 210: first air chamber

[0025] 220: second air chamber

[0026] 330: heat conduction module

[0027] 331: heat source

[0028] 332: hot plate

[0029] 440: heat convection module

[0030] 441: First air duct

[0031] 442: Second air duct

[0032] 550: Temperature sensor

[0033] 560: Controller

[0034] 570: Radiator

[0035] 580: Fan

[0036] 600: Heat Dissipation Chamber

[0037] 700: Air supply pipe

[0038] 800: Pipeline

[0039] 90: Injection Module

[0040] 910: Propulsion device

[0041] 920: Storage tank Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0043] This invention provides a biomimetic system that can be used to simulate the internal environment of a living organism, and in operation, it can reduce disturbances to the biomimetic environment within the system, avoiding the influence of unknown factors on the simulation effect.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a biomimetic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of a biomimetic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The biomimetic system 1 includes at least one microchannel chip 10. Figure 2 As shown, the biomimetic system 1 includes four microfluidic wafers 10, but is not limited to this. The microfluidic wafers 10 can be used to culture cells, tissues, or organs, and the microfluidic wafers 10 and the biomimetic system 1 within them can simulate the actual biological in vivo environment of cells, tissues, or organs. For example, the microfluidic wafer 10 may include at least one main body and channel spaces formed between or within the main body. Figure 3 As shown in the example, the microfluidic wafer 10 includes a first body 14, a second body 15, a culture membrane (not shown), and a flow channel system 12. The culture membrane is disposed where the flow channel system 12 passes through, and can be used to culture cells, tissues, or organs, and the flow channel system 12 allows a medium, such as a culture medium, to pass through. The first body 14 (or the second body 15) may have inlets and outlets 11 for internal and external communication of the microfluidic wafer 10. For example, the medium can enter and exit the flow channel system 12 via the inlets and outlets 11.

[0045] The body of the microfluidic chip 10 can be a polymer material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polyether block amide (PEBA), fluorosilicone, or polylactic-co-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA), but is not limited thereto. The body of the microfluidic chip 10 can also be transparent. The material of the body of the microfluidic chip 10 can also be a breathable material. In several embodiments of the present invention, gas can enter and exit the microfluidic chip 10 through its breathability, thereby achieving gas exchange in cells, tissues, or organs.

[0046] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the biomimetic system 1 further includes a culture chamber 100, in which the microfluidic wafer 10 is disposed. The cavity portion of the culture chamber 100 may be transparent or have a viewing window so that the microfluidic wafer 10 can be seen from outside the culture chamber 100. The biomimetic system 1 also includes a heat conduction module 330 and a heat convection module 440, with the heat conduction module 330 coupled to the microfluidic wafer 10 and the heat convection module 440. The heat conduction module 330 conducts heat with the microfluidic wafer 10 and provides appropriate medium conditions to the biomimetic system 1 through the heat convection module 440, such as specific temperature, humidity, gas, or liquid conditions. The term "coupled" means that the two are interconnected and / or mutually influential. "Connection" includes physical connection, and "influence" includes functional influence, but is not limited to these.

[0047] The heat conduction module 330 includes a heat source 331, which directly or indirectly contacts the microfluidic wafer 10 to conduct heat. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat conduction module 330 may further include a hot plate 332. The hot plate 332 is disposed between the microfluidic wafer 10 and the heat source 331, which helps to conduct the heat from the heat source 331 to the microfluidic wafer 10 in a stable and uniform manner. The heat source 331 may include an electrically powered heat-generating device and may be coupled to a power source. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat source 331 may further be a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module can be used for heating or cooling by changing the direction of the current, thereby enabling the microfluidic wafer 10 to reach a predetermined temperature range, such as body temperature of 35-38°C, but not limited thereto. Furthermore, the thermoelectric module can adjust the degree of heating / cooling according to the temperature of the microfluidic wafer 10.

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor 550 and a controller 560. The temperature sensor 550 may be coupled to the microfluidic wafer 10, but is not limited thereto. The temperature sensor 550 may also be coupled to the culture chamber 100, and / or further coupled to the heat conduction module 330. The temperature sensor 550 may be contactably disposed on the microfluidic wafer 10, disposed within the culture chamber 100, and when coupled to the heat conduction module 330, the temperature sensor 550 may be contactably disposed on, for example, a hot plate 332. The temperature sensor 550 is used to detect the temperature of the microfluidic wafer 10, the culture chamber 100, the heat conduction module 330, or a combination thereof. The controller 560 is coupled to the temperature sensor 550, and is used to obtain temperature signals from the temperature controller 550, and calculate and output control signals to control the degree of heating of the heat source 331.

[0049] In addition to heating the microfluidic chip 10, heat source 331 can further raise the air temperature to generate hot air. However, the temperature of the hot air may not be as high as the temperature reached by heat source 331 on the microfluidic chip 10. The hot air can affect the microfluidic chip 10 through the heat convection module 440. Figure 1 , 4 As shown, the heat convection module 440 may include a duct. The duct serves two purposes: firstly, it allows hot air to exit the heat source 331 and the heat convection module 440; secondly, it allows hot air to be exhausted or delivered to other parts of the biomimetic system 1. The hot air in other parts of the biomimetic system 1 may, for example, be used to heat specific objects, increase the space temperature, or promote gas flow, but is not limited thereto. The biomimetic device 1 of this embodiment also includes a first air chamber 210, and the duct includes a first air duct 441, through which hot air can further enter the first air chamber 210 (described later).

[0050] In several embodiments of the present invention, the heat convection module 440 further includes at least one fan 580 for pushing hot air into the first air duct 441. Additionally, the biomimetic system 1 may include a heat sink 570. The heat sink 570 is connected to the heat source 331 to accelerate heat dissipation from the heat source 331, thereby promoting the generation of hot air. The heat sink 570, in conjunction with the fan 580, can further facilitate the effective arrival of hot air in other parts of the biomimetic system 1, such as the first air chamber 210.

[0051] like Figure 2 , 4As shown, this embodiment of the invention further includes a heat dissipation chamber 600. The location of the heat dissipation chamber 600 may correspond to that of the heat convection module 440. Preferably, all or at least part of the heat convection module 440 is located in the heat dissipation chamber 600, and the first air duct 441 may extend from the heat dissipation chamber 600 to the first air chamber 210. Other components besides the heat convection module 440 may also be located in the heat dissipation chamber 600. The heat dissipation chamber 600 confines the hot air from the heat convection module 440 within it to prevent it from dissipating. The fan 580 and the heat sink 570 may further be located in the heat dissipation chamber 600.

[0052] The first gas chamber 210 can further be used to receive various gases, such as gases outside the biomimetic system 1 (also known as external gases). The external gases can be provided by a gas source (not shown). The external gases can be, for example, gases used for culturing cells, tissues, or organs, gases used in experiments, or gases used to regulate the environment within the culture chamber 100, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or combinations thereof. When hot air enters the first gas chamber 210, the hot air mixes with the external gases to form a mixed gas. When the temperature of the external gas is lower than the temperature of the hot air, the hot air can raise the temperature of the external gas by, for example, convection or heat conduction. Furthermore, hot air contributes to the efficiency of uniform mixing. The mixed gas can be equivalent to external gas diluted with air. Furthermore, the temperature of the mixed gas can be between the initial temperature of the external gas and the temperature of the hot air. In several embodiments of the invention, the first gas chamber 210 may be further equipped with devices such as a temperature sensor and a gas concentration detector. For example, the temperature sensor can be used to give the mixed gas a specific temperature, while the gas concentration detector can be used to control the concentration of the diluted external gas.

[0053] The biomimetic device 1 of this embodiment further includes an air supply pipe 700. The air supply pipe 700 can be connected to the first air chamber 210 and extends from the first air chamber 210 to other parts of the biomimetic system 1, such as the parts of the system that use external gas. Figure 4 As shown, the gas supply pipe 700 is connected to the culture chamber 100. The mixed gas can enter the culture chamber 100 through the gas supply pipe 700. Due to the air permeability of the microfluidic chip 10, the mixed gas in the culture chamber 100 can diffuse into the microfluidic chip 10.

[0054] As mentioned above, the temperature of the hot air may not be the same as the temperature reached by the heat source 331 to the microfluidic wafer 10. Specifically, the temperature of the hot air may be lower than the temperature of the microfluidic wafer 10, for example, lower than body temperature (35-38°C). Furthermore, when the hot air is mixed with external gas, the temperature of the resulting mixed gas may be even lower than the temperature of the hot air. In summary, the temperature of the mixed gas entering the culture chamber 100 may be lower than the temperature of the microfluidic wafer 10.

[0055] The mixed gas can further have a specific temperature range, such as room temperature, for example, 20–30°C, but is not limited thereto. This invention does not limit the method of controlling the temperature of the mixed gas; however, for example, components such as the heat convection module 440, the first gas chamber 210, the gas delivery pipe 700, the external gas temperature, and the culture chamber 100 can all be used to control the temperature of the mixed gas. In several embodiments of this invention, the mixed gas in the culture chamber 100 is at room temperature, and its gas composition and concentration can be approximately equivalent to the gas composition of ordinary atmosphere, thereby simulating a natural gaseous environment. Furthermore, in several embodiments of this invention, the temperature of the mixed gas can be between room temperature and body temperature, or gradually increased from a lower temperature to body temperature. The temperature change of the mixed gas during its journey from the first gas chamber 210 to the microfluidic chip 10 can simulate the temperature change of air entering a living organism. For example, it can simulate the temperature rise of air entering the nasal cavity during inhalation, and the temperature change equivalent to core body temperature when it reaches the lung cells. It should be noted that even if the temperature of the mixed gas is lower than the temperature of the microfluidic chip 10, the temperature of the microfluidic chip 10 can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range, such as body temperature (35-38°C), through the temperature sensor 550 and controller 560. In other words, the microfluidic chip 10 can avoid thermal equilibrium with the mixed gas due to the temperature difference between it and the mixed gas.

[0056] As mentioned above, the duct can be used to exhaust or deliver hot air to other parts of the biomimetic system 1, and further for purposes such as heating specific objects, increasing the temperature of the space, and promoting gas flow. In several embodiments of the invention, the biomimetic system 1 further includes a second air chamber 220, and the duct includes a second duct 442. The second duct 442 is connected to the second air chamber 220 and is further used to deliver hot air into the second air chamber 220. The hot air can also be used, for example, to increase the temperature of the second air chamber 220 and / or heat objects within the second air chamber 220. In several embodiments of the invention, the second air chamber 220 can be traversed by a pipe. The pipe can be used to transport objects to the biomimetic system 1, and the hot air can be used to heat objects passing through the pipe. Figure 5 As shown in the example, the conduit 800 can further transport objects to the microfluidic chip 10 within the bionic system 1.

[0057] In several embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , 6 As shown, the biomimetic system 1 further includes an infusion module 90 for delivering an object to the microfluidic wafer 10. The biomimetic system 1 also includes a plurality of channels 800, and at least one channel 800 is connected to the infusion module 90. Figures 5-6As shown, the infusion module 90 is connected to four conduits 800, but is not limited thereto. The conduits 800 may also be connected to the microfluidic chip 10 via a second air chamber 220, meaning that at least a portion of the conduits 800 is located within the second air chamber 220. One end of the conduit 800 may be connected to the inlet / outlet 11 of the microfluidic chip 10 and can be used to inject an object into the microfluidic chip 10. The object may include fluids such as culture media, pharmaceutical solutions, and colloids such as aerosols, and is not limited thereto.

[0058] Because the conduit 800 passes through the second air chamber 220, the hot air can affect the temperature of the object within the conduit 800. When the object's temperature differs from the temperature of the second air chamber 220 and / or the hot air, heating or cooling the object can, on the one hand, bring the object to a specific temperature range, and on the other hand, help reduce the temperature difference between the object and the microfluidic chip 10, avoiding the impact of temperature difference on the simulation. In some embodiments, the second air chamber 220 may be further equipped with a temperature sensor or similar device, and the temperature sensor is coupled to the controller 560. Through the temperature sensor and the controller 560, for example, the object can be brought to a specific temperature, and the temperature of other components of the bionic system 1 can be modulated accordingly, such as the degree of heating by the heat source 331.

[0059] It is understood that the temperature of the object may not be the same as the temperature reached by the heat source 331 to the microfluidic chip 10. Specifically, the temperature of the fluid or semi-fluid within the pipe 800 may be lower than the temperature of the microfluidic chip 10, for example, lower than body temperature (35-38°C). However, even if the temperature of the object is lower than the temperature of the microfluidic chip 10, the temperature of the microfluidic chip 10 can be maintained within the predetermined temperature range, such as body temperature (35-38°C), through the temperature sensor 550 and the controller 560. In other words, the microfluidic chip 10 can maintain thermal equilibrium with the object without the temperature difference between them. Figure 7 The figure shows the temperature-time curves of four microfluidic wafers 10 (numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4) obtained in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the temperature of the microfluidic wafer 10 can rise to near body temperature in a short time, and then tends to approach a smaller temperature range and remain stable.

[0060] like Figure 6As shown, the infusion module 90 may further include a propulsion device 910 and a storage tank 920. The storage tank 920 may contain fluid or semi-fluid for injection into the microfluidic wafer 10 and is connected to the conduit 800. In several embodiments of the invention, the storage tank 920 is coupled to an aerosol generator, a carrier gas source, and a mass flow controller to generate aerosols. The propulsion device 910 is coupled to the storage tank 920, the conduit 800, or a combination thereof, and may move objects within the storage tank 920 and / or the conduit 800. The propulsion device 910 may include a pump. The pump may be driven, for example, by a motor. Pumps can take many forms, and the invention is not limited to this, but for example, they may be, for example, a syringe pump, a peristaltic pump, a pressure pump, or a micro pump.

[0061] The propulsion device 910's movement of the object is controllable. For example, the propulsion device 910 can control the object's speed, the start time of movement, and the end time of movement, but is not limited thereto. In several embodiments of the present invention, the propulsion device 910 can slow down or pause the object's movement, thereby extending the time the object spends in the second air chamber 220. The time the object spends in the second air chamber 220 can be the time required for it to reach a specific temperature range. In several embodiments of the present invention, multiple storage tanks 920 respectively contain different objects, and multiple pipes 800 are respectively connected to different storage tanks 920. The propulsion device 910 can be set to start at different times to inject different objects sequentially into the microfluidic wafer 10.

[0062] When using the biomimetic system 1, for example, a culture chamber 100 can be opened, and one or more microfluidic wafers 10 can be placed inside the culture chamber 100. Then, pipes 800 are connected to the inlet / outlet 12 of the microfluidic wafer 10. It should be noted that not all pipes 800 need to pass through the second gas chamber 220. For example, some pipes 800 can be connected to the inlet / outlet 12 on the microfluidic wafer 10, which serves as a waste liquid outlet, without needing to pass through the second gas chamber 220. After the microfluidic wafer 10 and pipes 800 are in place, a switch, such as a power source, can be turned on to operate the biomimetic system 1.

[0063] When the bionic system 1 is in operation, the system itself, through the heat conduction module 330, heat convection module 440, first air chamber 210, and air supply pipe 700, is sufficient to provide all the necessary media conditions for the microfluidic wafer 10, including temperature, humidity, gas, and liquid conditions, and to simulate these conditions, without the need for other equipment. For example, the bionic system 1 overcomes the problem of existing systems requiring equipment such as incubators to achieve the required temperature conditions. Operationally, it also eliminates the need for the steps of moving the microfluidic wafer, such as removing it from the incubator for observation. Furthermore, the transparent cavity of the culture chamber 100 or the viewing window on the cavity facilitates observation of the microfluidic wafer 10. In summary, the bionic system 1 of this embodiment reduces disturbances to the bionic environment within the system and avoids unknown factors affecting the simulation results.

[0064] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A biomimetic system, characterized in that, Include: One culture chamber; At least one microfluidic wafer is disposed in the culture chamber; wherein the at least one microfluidic wafer is made of a breathable material; A heat conduction module is coupled to the at least one microchannel chip; wherein the heat conduction module includes a heat source, and heat conduction occurs between the heat source and the at least one microchannel chip; A heat convection module is coupled to the heat conduction module; wherein the heat convection module includes a first air duct; the heat source further raises the temperature of the air to generate hot air, and the first air duct is used to send the hot air away from the heat convection module; A first air chamber, connected to the first duct and used to receive gas; wherein the first duct is used to deliver hot air into the first air chamber so that the hot air mixes with the gas to form a mixed gas; and A gas delivery tube is connected to the first gas chamber and the culture chamber to deliver the mixed gas from the first gas chamber to the culture chamber.

2. The biomimetic system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat conduction module further includes a hot plate disposed between the at least one microchannel chip and the heat source, and the hot plate is used to conduct the heat generated by the heat source to the at least one microchannel chip.

3. The biomimetic system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat source further includes a thermoelectric module, which is used to bring the at least one microchannel chip to a predetermined temperature range.

4. The biomimetic system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The device further includes a temperature sensor and a controller, wherein the temperature sensor is coupled to the at least one microchannel chip, and the controller is coupled to the temperature sensor, and the controller is used to obtain a temperature signal from the temperature sensor to adjust the current output of the thermoelectric module.

5. The biomimetic system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature sensor and the controller are further coupled to the culture chamber, the heat conduction module, or a combination thereof.

6. The biomimetic system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a radiator connected to the heat source; the heat source generates the hot air through the radiator.

7. The biomimetic system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat convection module further includes at least one fan for pushing the hot air into the first air duct.

8. The biomimetic system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a heat dissipation chamber, wherein the radiator and the at least one fan are located in the heat dissipation chamber; wherein the first air duct further extends from the heat dissipation chamber to the air chamber.

9. The biomimetic system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The module further includes a second air chamber, and the heat convection module further includes a second air duct; the second air duct is connected to the second air chamber and is further used to deliver the hot air into the second air chamber.

10. The biomimetic system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The second air chamber is further used for a pipe to pass through, and the pipe is used to transport objects to the biomimetic system.

11. The biomimetic system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It further includes an infusion module and at least one conduit; the infusion module is used to deliver an object to the at least one microchannel wafer and is connected to the at least one conduit; the at least one conduit passes through the second air chamber and is connected to the at least one microchannel wafer.

12. The biomimetic system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one microchannel chip has at least one inlet and outlet, and the at least one channel is connected to the at least one inlet and outlet of the at least one microchannel chip.

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