Microfluidic Bioreactor Perfusion With Selective Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic systems for bioreactors are limited in scalability, complexity, and cost, as they typically rely on individual reservoirs and pumps, which do not efficiently support continuous perfusion of multiple bioreactors.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device with a microfluidic chip featuring a network of channels and ports, coupled with an actuator that controls fluid flow to switch between open and closed states, allowing for selective collection and direction of fluid from multiple inputs to either an output port or a sensing port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual reservoirs and pumps are used for each bioreactor, then continuous perfusion can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly when scaling to multiple bioreactors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bioreactor modules into a single integrated microfluidic chip with shared fluidic networks. Multiple bioreactors are connected through common input and output channels, allowing continuous perfusion across all modules through a unified system rather than individual independent systems for each bioreactor.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip design incorporates universal fluidic pathways and control mechanisms that serve multiple bioreactor modules simultaneously. The system uses shared pumps and reservoirs that can perfuse any combination of bioreactors, reducing the need for dedicated components for each module while maintaining continuous flow capability.
2Reliability
If individual reservoirs and pumps are used for each bioreactor, then continuous perfusion can be achieved, but the space requirements and cost increase when scaling to multiple bioreactors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple bioreactor modules within a single chip footprint, combining what would traditionally require separate spatial locations into one compact device. The fluidic networks are routed through the chip substrate, eliminating the need for external tubing and multiple reservoir positions, thereby significantly reducing the overall space required for multi-bioreactor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip employs a nested architecture where multiple bioreactor modules are arranged in a compact configuration within the chip body. The fluidic channels are embedded within the chip substrate, nesting the flow pathways inside the device rather than requiring external space, thus achieving high module density in a small footprint.
3Ease of operation
If a single-pass perfusion system is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot efficiently support recirculation and analysis of multiple bioreactors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control within the microfluidic chip, allowing the system to switch between single-pass and recirculation modes as needed. The fluidic network includes adjustable elements and control mechanisms that can redirect flow paths, enabling the same simple device to adapt its operation from straightforward single-pass perfusion to complex recirculating systems with analytical instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed with universal fluidic pathways that can accommodate both single-pass and recirculation configurations. The same chip structure supports multiple operational modes including direct perfusion, recirculation loops, and connections to analytical instruments, providing versatility without requiring different devices for different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic device includes a fluidic chip having a fluidic network comprising a plurality of fluidic channels in fluidic communication with a plurality of input ports, at least one output port, and at least one sensing port; and an actuator configured to engage with the fluidic network to control each fluidic channel to switch between an open state in which fluidic flow through said fluidic channel is permitted and a closed state in which no fluidic flow through said fluidic channel is permitted, so as to selectively collect fluid from multiple inputs via the plurality of input ports, and direct either all of the multiple inputs to the at least one output port, or all but a single selected input to the at least one output port and the single selected input to the at least one sensing port to which an analytical instrument is operably connected.