Microfluidic System With Integrated Ceramic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic systems for cell cultivation and analysis face challenges with biocompatibility, optical accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to the limitations of polymer-based systems and the high costs associated with glass-silicon hybrid systems.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system comprising laminates of optically transparent polymer materials with integrated ceramic or semiconducting sensors and actuators, allowing for direct contact with liquids and using flexible, deformable connections for electrical contacting, which reduces costs and enhances integration density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceramic substrates are used for microfluidic structures, then sensor integration is improved, but optical transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional layers: a polymer laminate layer for optical transparency and microfluidic channels, and a ceramic layer for sensor integration. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining polymer laminates and ceramic substrates. The polymer provides optical transparency and biocompatibility, while the ceramic layer provides sensor integration capabilities. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
2Device complexity
If glass-silicon hybrid systems are used, then integration density is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive glass-silicon substrates with cheaper polymer laminates for the microfluidic structure. While polymer may be less durable than glass-silicon, it provides sufficient functionality at a lower cost, particularly for applications where the device can be disposed of or replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from high-cost glass-silicon to low-cost polymer, while maintaining the integration density through multi-layer construction. This parameter change in material selection directly addresses the cost issue while preserving functional integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If polymer-based systems are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sensor integration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges polymer laminates with ceramic substrates in a multi-layer configuration. The polymer layers provide low-cost manufacturing and biocompatibility, while the integrated ceramic layers provide sensor integration capability. This merging combines the advantages of both material systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a composite structure of polymer and ceramic layers, the system achieves both low manufacturing cost (from polymer) and good sensor integration capability (from ceramic). The composite material approach allows simultaneous realization of contradictory requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the microfluidic system for cultivating or analyzing living cells or biomolecules, several superimposed laminates made of a polymeric material are fluid-tight and metallurgically bonded together. At least one of the laminates has at least one opening or cutout, forming a channel or reservoir for receiving living cells or biomolecules. At least one further opening is formed in at least one of the laminates, into which an actuator/sensor made of a ceramic or semiconducting material, or a support for an actuator/sensor made of a ceramic or semiconducting material, is inserted.On the surface of the laminate into which the actuator/sensor or the carrier is inserted, or on the surface of a laminate immediately adjacent to this laminate, at least one electrical conductor is printed, enabling electrical contact with the actuator and/or sensor. The at least one actuator/sensor is in contact with a liquid for cell cultivation, a liquid containing biomolecules, or the cells or biomolecules contained in a channel or reservoir.