Mechanical microfluidic manipulation methods and apparatuses

Non-ionic surfactants adjust the contact angle of droplets to 38-42 degrees, enabling reliable mechanical manipulation in microfluidic systems, addressing surface fouling and evaporation issues, and enhancing sample handling and DNA sequencing efficiency.

WO2026139716A2PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-02INTEGRA BIOSCI CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
INTEGRA BIOSCI CORP
Filing Date
2025-12-23
Publication Date
2026-07-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing mechanical microfluidic systems face challenges in reliably manipulating droplets without hydrophobic coatings, leading to issues such as surface fouling and evaporation, which complicates handling and analysis of biological samples.

Method used

The use of non-ionic surfactants, particularly those made from ethoxylated secondary alcohols like TERGITOL, to modify the contact angle of droplets within the air gap to 38-42 degrees, allowing for mechanical manipulation without the need for hydrophobic coatings, combined with mechanical actuators to reduce the gap and move droplets.

Benefits of technology

This approach enhances droplet mobility and reduces evaporation, providing robust and efficient handling and analysis of biological samples in microfluidic systems, including improved DNA sequencing performance.

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Abstract

Disclosed are devices and methods for robust mechanical manipulation of microfluidic droplets within an air gap formed between hydrophobic sheets of a cartridge. A mechanical force applicator locally reduces the gap to draw and translate droplets. Performance is enhanced by adding non‑ionic surfactants, preferably secondary alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., TERGITOL), to set the droplet contact angle to between about 38 and 42 degrees, enabling smooth mobility while reducing fouling. The apparatus may be configured to provide conforming surfaces for the cartridge at the and inlet wells to enhance loading, processing, heating, and retrieval. The methods are compatible with biological samples (e.g., DNA) and can improve sequencing workflows.
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