Flexible Cap Nanochannel for Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for separating and concentrating particles in fluids, such as viruses and nanoparticles, face challenges including high hydraulic resistance, clogging, and sensitivity to pressure fluctuations, especially when using nanochannels, which limits their efficiency and reliability in handling biological samples and medical imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second microchannel connected by a nanochannel with a cap that can be flexurally strained, allowing for adjustable nanochannel height and reduced sensitivity to pressure fluctuations, enabling efficient separation and concentration of particles through hydrodynamic or electrokinetic injection modes, and improved optical detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a nanochannel is used to separate and concentrate particles, then particle separation efficiency is improved, but hydraulic resistance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cap that can be mechanically strained to dynamically adjust the nanochannel height. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between particle separation efficiency and hydraulic resistance by adapting the channel dimensions based on operational requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of nanochannel height by applying mechanical strain to the flexible cap. This parameter change enables the system to adapt the channel dimensions to match the size of particles being separated while maintaining acceptable flow rates, thus resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and hydraulic resistance.
2Productivity
If high pressure is applied to drive fluid through the nanochannel, then flow rate increases, but the system becomes more sensitive to pressure fluctuations and air bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cap provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the system to maintain optimal operating conditions without requiring excessively high pressures. By adapting the nanochannel height, the system can achieve sufficient flow rates while reducing sensitivity to pressure fluctuations and air bubble formation, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the nanochannel height is fixed during manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but the device cannot adapt to varying particle sizes and solution salinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed nanochannel height into a dynamic parameter through the flexible cap mechanism. This allows the device to maintain manufacturing precision for the base structure while enabling post-manufacturing adaptation to varying particle sizes and solution conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter change in the nanochannel height through mechanical strain application to the flexible cap. This allows the device to adapt to different particle sizes and solution salinity levels while maintaining the precision of the base manufacturing process, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
4Productivity
If multiple nanochannels are used to increase flow capacity, then productivity increases, but device complexity and sensitivity to pressure fluctuations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single flexible cap structure that can dynamically adjust a single nanochannel, avoiding the need for multiple nanochannels. This dynamic adjustment approach achieves high flow capacity while maintaining simpler device structure and reducing sensitivity to pressure fluctuations, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
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 achieves quick and efficient particle separation and concentration with reduced risk of air bubbles and pressure fluctuations, enhanced optical detection of fluorescent particles, and adaptability to varying particle sizes and solution salinity, improving diagnostic speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
passing from at least one microchannel through at least one nanochannel by implementing a selective steric filtration
Implementation Method 2
by hydrodynamic injection, it is herein meant and within the scope of the invention, a fluid injection in a fluidic circuit only through application of a pressure difference (overpressure, suction or gravity) between the inlet and the outlet of the circuit
Implementation Method 3
by electrokinetic injection, it is meant a fluid injection through application of an electrical voltage in a fluid circuit, in order to enable electrically charged species present in the circuit to be moved under the effect of the electrical field thus created
Data Source
AI summary
A device for separating and concentrating particles present in a fluid, including: a first microchannel, having at least one first aperture; and at least one second microchannel, having at least one second aperture, and an end is disclosed. The first microchannel surrounds part or all of the second microchannel at the end. The first microchannel and the second microchannel are connected, at the end, by at least one nanochannel, the nanochannel(s) forming a restriction between the first microchannel and the second microchannel. A cap bounds the first microchannel, the second microchannel and the nanochannel at the end. The first microchannel and the second microchannel are made in a first substrate. The first aperture and the second aperture open into a same face of this substrate. The device may be used for separating and concentrating particles of biological samples, such as viruses, DNA or synthesic molecules.