Microfluidic Device with Bypass Sections for Cell Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing microparticles from fluid flows face challenges such as high power consumption, limited throughput, and susceptibility to blockages, especially in label-free separation techniques that rely on passive methods.
Innovation Solution
A device with an array of posts that includes trapping and bypass channels, where the bypass sections impart momentum on micrometer-scale objects to direct them into trapping channels, preventing blockages and maintaining high capture efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If passive separation methods are used for label-free separation of microparticles, then chemical labelling costs are reduced, but throughput is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the flow path into multiple parallel channels, each containing posts with trapping and bypass sections. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple particle streams, increasing overall throughput while maintaining the passive, label-free separation mechanism that reduces chemical labelling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar channels to three-dimensional post structures with trapping sections extending above the channel plane. This vertical dimension enables particles to be captured off the main flow path without blocking the primary fluid stream, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining passive separation.
2Manufacturing precision
If trapping channels have narrow width to capture micrometer scale objects, then capture efficiency is improved, but blockages occur reducing throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The trapping structure is segmented into discrete posts with individual trapping sections, rather than a continuous narrow channel. This segmentation allows particles to be captured at specific locations without completely blocking the flow path, maintaining throughput while achieving high capture efficiency at the trapping sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass sections act as intermediaries that allow fluid and small particles to pass through while directing larger target particles into the trapping channels. This intermediary structure prevents blockages in the main flow path while maintaining efficient capture in the trapping sections.
3Measurement precision
If active separation methods are used with externally induced forces, then high resolution separation is achieved, but power consumption is high and applicability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the natural inertial properties of particles and the geometry of the posts to achieve separation without external power sources. The bypass sections impart momentum to particles based on their size, automatically directing them to appropriate channels. This self-service mechanism achieves high-resolution separation without the high power consumption associated with active methods like electrophoresis.
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 device achieves high throughput and efficient capture of micrometer-scale objects, including cancer cells, without clogging issues, enabling applications in research and disease diagnosis and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The array is configured such that the bypass sections impart a momentum on the micrometer scale objects that at least partially directs the micrometer scale objects towards the trapping channels
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein relates to devices and methods for capturing micrometer scale objects from a fluid flow, and more particularly, to devices and methods for capturing cells. The devices generally comprise an array of posts configured and arranged to selectively direct the micrometer scale objects toward trapping channels defined between posts in which the micrometer scale objects can be trapped, and to direct smaller particles through bypass channels around the posts. Methods for using the devices to trap cells, analyze cells and treat cancer are also described.