Membrane-Valved Microfluidic Channels for Stable Cell Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic systems fail to add components like nutrients or signaling molecules to fluid flow without disrupting the existing cultivation conditions for cells, which can have undesirable effects on the cells being studied.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a substrate, channel system, fluidic ports, and elastic membrane valves that allow precise control of fluid flow, enabling the addition of substances without affecting existing flow conditions, using injection-molded parts and materials like COC, COP, PC, PS, PE, PMMA, or glass for cost-effective and high-quality production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If components are added to the fluid flow to provide nutrients or signaling molecules to cells, then the nutrient supply capability is improved, but the existing flow conditions are disrupted which negatively affects cell cultivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the valve system with elastic membrane) that mediates between the fluid reservoir and the channel system. This intermediary allows controlled addition of nutrients and signaling molecules to the fluid flow without directly disrupting the existing flow conditions in the channel system, thus resolving the contradiction between improving nutrient supply capability and maintaining flow condition stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the elastic membrane (deformation under vacuum pressure) to control valve opening and closing. By changing the vacuum pressure parameter, the membrane deforms to open or close the valve, enabling precise control over when and how components are added to the fluid flow without disrupting the stable flow conditions in the channel system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid sources are connected to the channel system to enable flexible fluid introduction, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal valve system where a single elastic membrane can control multiple valve seats, and a single vacuum source can actuate multiple valves simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows the system to connect multiple fluid sources with different functions (nutrient supply, waste removal, signaling molecules) while using a unified control mechanism, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastic membrane (thin film) as the core component to control multiple fluid pathways. This flexible shell approach allows a single thin film structure to perform multiple valve functions, enabling flexible fluid introduction from multiple sources while maintaining relatively simple device structure compared to using separate rigid valve mechanisms for each fluid source
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
Enables precise fluid mixing and nutrient supply to microbiological samples while maintaining consistent cultivation conditions, allowing for high-precision microscopy and flexible, controlled fluid introduction without disrupting the flow, suitable for cell studies and organ model simulations.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane can be deformed by applying a vacuum pressure so that the valve can be opened or closed accordingly
Implementation Method 2
an elastic membrane covering at least a portion of the second side of the substrate, including the valve seats
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising a substrate, a channel system arranged in the substrate, a first and a second fluidic port for supplying a fluid into the channel system, wherein the fluidic ports are arranged on a first side of the substrate, a first and a second valve seat, both formed in a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, and an elastic membrane covering at least a part of the second side of the substrate including the valve seats, wherein the first valve seat is arranged such that the fluid can flow from the first port through the first valve seat into the channel system, and wherein the second valve seat is arranged such that the fluid can flow from the second port through the second valve seat into the channel system.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a microfluidic system comprising the microfluidic device and an actuator device.