Microfluidic Channel Narrow Portion for Agglomerate Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cultivation and expansion of three-dimensional cell agglomerates, such as tumor organoids and spheroids, in microfluidic systems are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring manual handling and specialized personnel.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a first microfluidic channel featuring narrow portions for mechanical splitting of three-dimensional agglomerates, aided by enzymatic cleaving, allowing for automated process steps and standardization of the splitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling methods are used for cultivating and expanding three-dimensional cell agglomerates, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device segments the three-dimensional agglomerate into multiple smaller agglomerates by introducing a streamlining liquid flow that mechanically splits the agglomerate as it passes through the channel. This segmentation enables parallel processing and increases productivity without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by introducing a streamlining liquid through the microfluidic channel that exerts shear stress on the three-dimensional agglomerate, causing it to split into smaller fragments. This fluid-based mechanism replaces manual mechanical splitting operations, improving productivity while maintaining controlled device complexity
2Extent of automation
If conventional laboratory equipment is used for splitting three-dimensional agglomerates, then the process steps are simple to implement, but specialized personnel and manual operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device performs the splitting operation automatically as the three-dimensional agglomerate flows through the channel with the streamlining liquid. The system self-regulates the splitting process through controlled fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for manual intervention and specialized personnel while maintaining ease of operation through standardized protocols
3Productivity
If mechanical splitting is performed to expand three-dimensional agglomerates, then the agglomerates can be propagated efficiently, but the viability of individual structures may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully controls the physical parameters of the streamlining liquid flow, including flow rate, viscosity, and channel geometry, to achieve mechanical splitting that separates agglomerates into viable fragments. By optimizing these parameters, the system maintains cell structure integrity while enabling efficient propagation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability
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 microfluidic device enables efficient, automated, and standardized splitting of three-dimensional agglomerates, reducing manual labor, saving time, and maintaining the viability of individual structures and agglomerate fragments for further cultivation.
Implementation Method 1
the first microfluidic channel (2) comprises a first section (2a), a second section (2b), and a third section (2c). The first section (2a) comprises at least one narrow portion (3), at which three-dimensional agglomerates can be mechanically split by friction
Implementation Method 2
A channel is formed in the module body comprising a narrow portion, whereby the channel is configured for hydrodynamically positioning the three-dimensional structure at the narrow portion as a liquid flows through the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic device for mechanically splitting, in particular aided by enzymatic cleaving, of three-dimensional agglomerates to individual structures and/or agglomerate fragments is disclosed. The device has a first fluidic connection and a second fluidic connection and a first microfluidic channel which is located between the first and the second fluidic connection and which has at least one narrow portion in which three-dimensional agglomerates can be mechanically split by friction.