Epidermal Microfluidic Sensor for Aquatic Biofluid Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable microfluidic systems face challenges in reliably collecting and analyzing biofluids in wet or aquatic environments, as they often suffer from loss of biofluid to the surrounding environment and introduction of extraneous liquids, which affects the accuracy and reliability of biofluid analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of epidermal microfluidic systems with a flexible substrate, microfluidic inlet and outlet conduit networks, and colorimetric sensors that prevent extraneous fluid entry and maintain liquid integrity, utilizing a tapered geometry for enhanced adhesion and a capping layer with an adhesive layer for secure skin attachment, along with colorimetric sensors for visual feedback on biofluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microfluidic systems are used in wet environments, then biofluid collection is enabled, but biofluid loss to surrounding environment and introduction of extraneous liquids occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the microfluidic structure into separate inlet and outlet conduit networks with distinct functions. The inlet network collects biofluid from skin while the outlet network relieves gas backpressure, preventing mixing with extraneous water and maintaining biofluid integrity throughout the collection process
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet conduit network acts as an intermediary gas relief pathway that prevents water backfilling into the inlet network. By providing a dedicated gas escape route, it mediates between the need for pressure relief and the need to prevent water contamination of the biofluid collection system
2Reliability
If conventional microfluidic systems are used in wet environments, then biofluid collection is enabled, but introduction of extraneous liquids from environment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluidic pathways into dedicated inlet and outlet networks that are functionally separated. This segmentation prevents extraneous water from the environment from contaminating the biofluid collection pathway, ensuring analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible substrate and thin film structures creates a conformal interface with the skin that maintains liquid integrity. The flexible encapsulation prevents extraneous liquid penetration while allowing the device to conform to skin surface irregularities
3Productivity
If microfluidic outlet conduit network is designed to relieve gas back pressure, then collection efficiency is improved, but risk of water backfilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet conduit network is segmented as a separate gas relief pathway distinct from the biofluid collection pathway. This allows efficient gas backpressure relief while the segmented structure prevents water from following the gas path back into the collection system
Solution Approach 2:
The system inverts the conventional approach by providing gas relief through a dedicated outlet network rather than relying on passive venting. This active gas management approach relieves backpressure efficiently while the inverted flow direction (gas out, liquid in) prevents water backfilling
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
These systems efficiently collect and analyze biofluids without loss to the environment, providing reliable and accurate data on biofluid properties, even in wet conditions, through effective prevention of backfilling and humidity insensitivity, ensuring consistent performance during strenuous activities like swimming.
Implementation Method 1
The microfluidic inlet conduit network may collect at least a portion of biofluid released from a skin surface via capillary action, a pressure differential or a combination of these
Implementation Method 2
The described systems are versatile and can provide information regarding a number of biofluid properties both electronically and colorimetrically/visually
Implementation Method 3
The devices may have a tapered geometry that increases the adhesion to the skin, promotes the formation of a seal to prevent extraneous liquid from reaching the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are epidermal microfluidic systems and methods that allow for the collection of biofluids in a wet or aquatic environment, for example, from the surface of the skin. The described systems allow for the efficient collection of biofluids, without loss of the biofluid to the surrounding environment or introduction of extraneous liquids from the environment. The described microfluidic systems are versatile and can provide information regarding a number of biofluid properties both electronically and colorimetrically/visually.