Horizontal Microfluidic Chip Array with Annular Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip systems, face challenges in culturing multiple cell types simultaneously, as failure of one cell type can compromise the entire device, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent air bubble intrusion during chip insertion, which can harm cells.
Innovation Solution
The design includes multiple microfluidic chips that can be independently cultured and connected, with a connection flow passage chip made from transparent elastomers like PDMS, using a 3D printer or stereolithography, and annular seals to minimize air bubble intrusion by storing a large amount of culture solution and guiding chip insertion to avoid non-target holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cell types are cultured on a single microfluidic chip, then the device can evaluate drug metabolism across different cell types, but the entire device fails if cultivation of one cell type fails
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the microfluidic culture system into multiple independent chips, each dedicated to cultivating a specific cell type. This segmentation allows each chip to operate independently, so that failure of one chip does not affect the functionality of other chips. The holder integrates multiple chips together, enabling the system to maintain versatility for evaluating drug metabolism across different cell types while ensuring reliability through independent operation of each chip module.
2Volume of moving object
If microfluidic chips are connected vertically, then space is saved, but air bubbles easily intrude during chip insertion and can harm cells
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical stacking to horizontal arrangement of microfluidic chips within the holder. By changing the spatial dimension from vertical to horizontal, the system achieves both compact integration and reduced air bubble intrusion. The horizontal arrangement allows for easier alignment and insertion of chips along the insertion direction, minimizing the risk of air bubbles entering the culture chambers during the assembly process, while still maintaining a compact device footprint through efficient use of horizontal space.
3Ease of operation
If chips are inserted without guidance, then insertion is simple, but non-target holes may be engaged causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces guide holes as intermediary elements that facilitate proper alignment between the microfluidic chips and the holder. These guide holes act as mediators that guide the insertion process, ensuring that chips are correctly positioned and aligned with the intended target holes. This intermediary structure maintains the simplicity of the insertion operation while significantly improving the precision of hole alignment, preventing misalignment and engagement with non-target holes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A microfluidic chip is inserted into a slot that extends horizontally, and is used as a microfluidic device. The microfluidic chip includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, a flow passage for fluid located between the upper surface and the lower surface, and two communication holes communicating with the flow passage and opening at the upper surface.