Microfluidic Cell Culture Device With Recirculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional in vitro cell culture systems lack the ability to simulate physiological conditions effectively due to the absence of chemical and mechanical signals, resulting in reduced predictive abilities for in vivo systems, and existing microfluidic devices struggle to achieve high flow rates and on-chip unidirectional recirculation.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic cell culture device with a fluid system comprising a first and second fluid chamber, a cell culture chamber, and separate flow and return channels, utilizing a pressure pump system to achieve high flow rates and on-chip unidirectional recirculation, with valves to ensure unidirectional fluid flow and prevent backflow through the cell culture chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional in vitro systems are used, then cost-efficiency and scalability are improved, but the ability to simulate physiological conditions and predictive value are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-efficiency and scalabilityVSAvoidpredictive value for in vivo systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple functional modules including a microfluidic chip with separate flow and return channels, a pump system, and a cell culture chamber. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, enabling both scalability and physiological simulation capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A porous membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the cell culture chamber and the microfluidic channels. This membrane enables selective interaction between cells and flowing fluid, allowing mechanical signals to be transmitted to cells while maintaining system scalability and control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If embedded peristaltic pumps are used, then device integration is improved, but the achievable flow rate is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration levelVSAvoidflow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical peristaltic pumping mechanism with a pressure-driven flow system. This substitution eliminates the limitations of peristaltic pumps while maintaining integration through a compact pressure control unit that can generate higher flow rates suitable for millilitre-per-minute operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If fluid recirculation is implemented, then simulation of physiological systems is improved, but unidirectional flow control is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological simulation accuracyVSAvoidunidirectional flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidic path is segmented into distinct forward flow channels and return channels. This segmentation creates separate pathways that naturally enforce unidirectional flow while enabling recirculation, as fluid must travel through the designated return path to complete the cycle without backflowing into the cell culture chamber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The porous membrane acts as an intermediary that allows fluid to pass through in one direction while preventing backflow. This mediator enables recirculation through the membrane while maintaining unidirectional flow control, ensuring physiological simulation accuracy without compromising operational simplicity

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 device enables the simulation of physiological conditions with high shear stress, enhancing the predictive value of in vitro cell culture experiments and allowing for smaller fluid volumes for easier detection of secreted substances, thereby improving the representation of in vivo systems.

Implementation Method 1

the pump system may be configured, and the device may be arranged to be coupled to such a pump system, to pressurise the flow channel when fluid is to flow from the first to the second chamber such that the fluid flows through the flow channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the pump system may then further be configured, and the device may be arranged to be coupled to such a pump system, to pressurise the return channel when fluid is to flow from the second to the first chamber such that the fluid flows through the return channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

for instance to simulate shear stress from the fluid experienced by cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS20240002763A1Microfluidic cell culture device

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 MICRONIT HLDG BV

AI summary

A microfluidic cell culture device includes a body having a fluid system including a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a cell culture chamber and a flow channel for allowing a flow of fluid from the first chamber, via the cell culture chamber, towards the said second chamber upon coupling of a pressure pump system to said fluid system. The fluid system also includes a return channel formed in the body allowing a flow of fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber.