Microfluidic Biochip for Cryoprotectant Gradient Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation methods for oocytes and embryos in assisted reproduction laboratories face challenges in efficiently delivering controlled concentrations of cryoprotectants, leading to potential damage from ice crystal formation and osmotic shocks.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic biochip device with a well system and microfluidic mixing channels is used to deliver cryoprotectant solutions to biological materials, allowing for finely controlled concentration gradients and automated delivery and removal of solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual methods are used to deliver cryoprotectant solutions, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but manufacturing precision and control over solution concentrations are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the solution delivery process into multiple independent channels (first channel, second channel, mixing channel) that can be controlled separately. This allows precise control over the concentration of cryoprotectants by independently regulating the flow of different solutions through each channel segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing channel acts as an intermediary element that combines solutions from the first and second channels in controlled proportions. This intermediary mixing stage enables precise concentration control before the final solution is delivered to the biological material, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Reliability
If rapid freezing is used to prevent ice crystal formation, then cell survival improves, but osmotic shock damage increases due to rapid changes in solution concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary mixing of cryoprotectant solutions with buffer solutions in the mixing channel before delivery to the biological material. This preliminary action creates a gradual concentration gradient that reduces osmotic shock, allowing cells to adapt progressively to the cryoprotectant environment while still achieving rapid freezing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the concentration parameter of the delivered solution by controlling the flow rates and mixing ratios in the microfluidic channels. This enables transition from low-concentration buffer solutions to high-concentration cryoprotectant solutions in a controlled manner, minimizing osmotic shock while maintaining cell survival.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If stepwise addition of cryoprotectants is performed manually, then osmotic shock is reduced, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device enables continuous flow and mixing of solutions through the channels, eliminating the intermittent manual addition steps. The continuous mixing action in the mixing channel progressively creates the concentration gradient needed to reduce osmotic shock, while the automated system performs this continuously without manual intervention, reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing channel is designed to automatically mix the solutions from the first and second channels based on their flow rates, without requiring external manual operation. The system self-regulates the concentration gradient formation through the controlled flow dynamics in the microfluidic channels, eliminating labor-intensive manual mixing while maintaining osmotic shock reduction.
4Productivity
If automated microfluidic delivery is used, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic biochip device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: solution delivery, mixing, concentration control, and waste removal all occur within the same device structure. This multi-functionality improves productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate manual operations, while the integrated design simplifies operation compared to coordinating multiple separate systems.
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
This approach enables efficient cryopreservation and revival processes with reduced osmotic shock and higher cell survival rates, improving the viability and developmental potential of oocytes and embryos.
Implementation Method 1
mix the first solution with the second solution, thereby providing a mixture of the first solution and the second solution
Implementation Method 2
a well outlet configured to expel a waste solution from the well, wherein the well outlet is located at a height above the bottom end of the well
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are microfluidic devices and methods to deliver concentration gradients to biological material such as oocytes and embryos for the purpose of cryopreparation, cryopreservation, or thawing. Cryopreservation methods, such as vitrification, involve the use of cryoprotectants to reduce formation of damaging ice crystals in cells during freezing. Microfluidic devices and methods described herein improve cell viability and efficiency during handling and cryopreservation of biological materials.