Bent-Conduit Microfluidic Layout for Sedimentation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic devices experience sedimentation of non-soluble cells and particles due to gravitational or centrifugal forces, which can adversely affect the investigation of their interaction with microtissues, cells, and particles, and particles, and hinder their reach and the investigation of their intended applications, and the resulting devices and methods are not capable of effectively addressing the interaction between microtissues, cells, and particles in laminar flow systems.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with conduits featuring bends at angles between 85° and 275° relative to the planar shape, orthogonal to the direction of gravity or centrifugal force, and compartments with dome structures to reduce sedimentation, combined with flow generation mechanisms like tilting or rotating, ensuring cells and particles remain suspended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If laminar flow is used in microfluidic devices, then flow control is improved, but sedimentation of non-soluble cells and particles occurs due to gravitational or centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is configured with a bend describing an angle of at least 90 degrees around an axis orthogonal to the planar shape of the device. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement changes the flow direction in a dimension perpendicular to the device plane, causing sedimenting cells and particles to deposit on conduit walls that are subsequently positioned away from the flow path, thus preventing accumulation while maintaining laminar flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes dynamic repositioning of the conduit configuration relative to the direction of gravitational or centrifugal forces. By bending the conduit at least 90 degrees around an axis orthogonal to the device plane, the system dynamically adapts the sedimentation path, ensuring that settled material does not obstruct flow or accumulate in critical areas
2Stress or pressure
If cells and particles are allowed to sediment, then flow resistance is reduced, but the ability to study interactions between microtissues, cells, and particles is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit bend configuration redirects flow in a direction orthogonal to the device plane, creating a three-dimensional flow path that prevents cell and particle accumulation. This spatial reconfiguration maintains flow resistance at acceptable levels while ensuring cells remain available for interaction studies with microtissues
Solution Approach 2:
The bent conduit configuration acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the conflicting requirements of flow resistance and cell suspension. By introducing this geometric intermediate structure, the system achieves both reasonable flow characteristics and maintained cell availability for interaction studies
3Device complexity
If conventional straight conduits are used, then device complexity is minimized, but sedimentation prevents effective cell circulation and interaction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complicating the device with multiple components, the solution introduces a bend in the conduit around an axis orthogonal to the device plane. This elegant three-dimensional configuration achieves effective cell circulation and prevents sedimentation while adding minimal structural complexity to the otherwise simple microfluidic device
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively prevents sedimentation of non-soluble components, allowing for the study of interactions between microtissues, cells, and particles, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of cell and particle circulation and interaction studies.
Implementation Method 1
non-soluble components of the liquid have hence the tendency to settle, or sediment, caused by gravitational (or centrifugal) forces
Implementation Method 2
non-soluble components of the liquid have hence the tendency to settle, or sediment, caused by gravitational (or centrifugal) forces
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microfluidic device (10) suitable for accommodating an aqueous liquid, the device having essentially a planar shape, which device comprises at least one conduit (11) fluidically connecting at least two structures selected from compartments, reservoirs (14) and/or ports (15, 62). The conduit comprises at least one bend (12) describing an angle of between ≥ 85° and ≤ 275° around an axis orthogonal to the planar shape. The planar shape is arranged in an angle of between +45° and -45° relative to the direction of the force of gravity (G), or a centrifugal force (Fc) applied to the microfluidic device.