Microfluidic Device Sedimentation Control via Acoustic Levitation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vertical microfluidic systems face challenges with micron-sized particles due to sedimentation, which interferes with the purity and exchange of liquids, leading to contamination and clogging, hindering sequential chemistry processes.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic device design featuring liquid injection channels with specific geometries and sedimentation chambers that guide particles to sediment at a lower point, combined with acoustic wave generators or electrical/magnetic devices for dielectrophoresis or magnetic drag, to separate and remove particles effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vertical microfluidic systems are used to handle micron-sized particles, then particle dispensing efficiency is improved, but particle sedimentation occurs contaminating the reaction surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle dispensing efficiencyVSAvoidparticle sedimentation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts particles from the main fluid stream by introducing a separate removal channel that selectively removes sedimented particles, separating the particle handling function from the main dispensing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies acoustic radiation pressure as an opposing force to gravity, creating an acoustic levitation effect that counteracts particle sedimentation and keeps particles suspended in the fluid stream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Manufacturing precision

If flow rate is reduced to allow particle sedimentation, then particle separation is achieved, but liquid exchange speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle separation precisionVSAvoidliquid exchange speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical sedimentation process (which requires slow flow rates) with acoustic field-based particle manipulation, allowing fast liquid exchange while maintaining particle separation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state or conditions of particle manipulation by using acoustic radiation pressure to alter particle behavior from passive sedimentation to active acoustic trapping and levitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If particles sediment on the reaction surface, then particle concentration increases, but sequential chemistry processes are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle concentrationVSAvoidcontamination and clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts harmful sedimented particles from the reaction surface through a dedicated removal channel, preventing contamination and clogging while maintaining particle concentration control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary mechanism to manipulate particle behavior, preventing direct contact between particles and the reaction surface that would cause contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design prevents particle sedimentation during flow cessation, maintains liquid purity, and facilitates easy removal of sedimented particles, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of sequential chemistry processes in vertical microfluidic devices.

Implementation Method 1

At least a portion of the liquid injection channel is arranged lower than the first and second end to sediment particles therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Implementation Method 2

an acoustic wave generator are provided. The acoustic wave generator is arranged at the microfluidic device and configured to transmit acoustic waves through the microfluidic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave: Sound

Implementation Method 3

The electrical or magnetic device includes at least two pads arranged at the microfluidic device to enable dielectrophoresis or magnetic drag in at least a portion of the first liquid injection channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic drag: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12128408B2Structures on microfluidic devices to control sedimentation

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

A microfluidic device may be provided. The microfluidic device comprises a processing surface having an aperture. The microfluidic device comprises a liquid ejection channel. The liquid ejection channel guides to the aperture. The microfluidic device comprises a first liquid injection channel guiding to the liquid ejection channel. The first liquid injection channel has a first end and a second end and is arranged to provide a fluid flow from the first end to the second end. At least a portion of the first liquid injection channel is closer to the processing surface than (both) the first and second ends to sediment particles.