Microfluidic Array With Thin-Film Degassing for Bubble-Free Digitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices face challenges in handling small fluid volumes efficiently, particularly in digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR), due to trapped air bubbles and complex manufacturing processes, which limit functionality and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device design with a fluid flow path and chambers that allows for pressurized off-gassing, using a thin polymer film to prevent bubble formation, and a channel configuration without outlet ports, enabling efficient sample partitioning and analysis with minimal waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional microfluidic devices are used for dPCR, then sample partitioning can be achieved, but air bubbles are trapped causing fouling and functionality limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin polymer film (non-elastomeric material) as the chamber wall that allows pressurized off-gassing of trapped air bubbles while maintaining chamber integrity. This flexible yet rigid structure enables bubble removal without requiring complex valve systems or outlet ports, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable bubble-free operation and device simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If outlet ports are included in the fluid flow path, then bubble removal may be facilitated, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bubble removal function from the traditional outlet port structure and integrates it into the chamber wall itself through the thin polymer film. This allows gas to be removed directly from the chamber volume without requiring separate flow path components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effective bubble management.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin polymer film chamber wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the liquid sample, allows pressurized off-gassing of bubbles, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate outlet ports or valve mechanisms, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and reliable bubble management.
3Reliability
If complex manufacturing processes are used to prevent bubble formation, then reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the chamber wall by using a thin polymer film with specific thickness and material properties (non-elastomeric) that enables pressurized off-gassing. This parameter change allows simple manufacturing processes to produce chambers that inherently prevent and remove bubbles through pressure-driven gas transport through the film, without requiring complex manufacturing steps.
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 efficient sample digitization and analysis with reduced complexity and cost, facilitating applications like dPCR by minimizing bubble-related fouling and simplifying manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber is configured to permit pressurized off-gassing. In some embodiments, the chamber comprises a film or membrane that permits the pressurized off-gassing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for processing a biological sample. The device may be a microfluidic device comprising a fluid flow path and a chamber. The fluid flow path may comprise a channel and an inlet port and no outlet port. The inlet port may be configured to direct a biological sample to the channel. The channel may be in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber may be configured to receive a portion of the biological sample from the channel and retain the biological sample during processing.