Microfluidic Chip for Cell Aggregates via Acoustic Levitation and Optical Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustofluidic applications for manipulating micro or nano particles, such as cells, are limited in their ability to efficiently create and manage aggregates using acoustic levitation, and there is a need for a method that combines acoustic and optical manipulation for optimized handling and spatial structuring of particles.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip that utilizes acoustic waves to levitate cells and combines this with optical exclusion techniques to structure aggregates, allowing for the simultaneous use of acoustic and optical properties to maintain cells in levitation and manipulate them into specific spatial distributions within a resonant cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If acoustic waves are used to levitate and form cell aggregates, then cell manipulation capability is improved, but the ability to create structured aggregates with specific spatial distributions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines acoustic levitation with optical exclusion techniques in a hybrid system. Acoustic waves levitate cells and form initial aggregates, while optical exclusion applies radiation pressure to push cells to specific locations within the aggregate, enabling precise spatial structuring that acoustic alone cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical radiation pressure as an intermediary mechanism to achieve fine spatial control. The optical field acts as a mediator that works in conjunction with the acoustic field, allowing cells to be positioned with precision within the levitated aggregate structure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cell handling methods are used, then cell manipulation is straightforward, but cell viability decreases and culture periods are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cell handling methods (pipetting, micromanipulation, centrifugation) with contactless acoustic levitation and optical manipulation. This substitution eliminates mechanical stress and contamination risks, thereby maintaining cell viability and enabling prolonged culture periods.
3Device complexity
If acoustic waves alone are used for aggregate formation, then the process is simple, but the ability to create radially structured monolayers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges acoustic aggregation with optical radial positioning. Acoustic waves provide the simple aggregate formation mechanism, while optical exclusion adds the capability to create radially structured monolayers by pushing cells to the periphery or specific angular positions within the aggregate.
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
Enables the creation of radially structured monolayer cell aggregates and three-dimensional structures, facilitating efficient cell culture and reducing the need for traditional cell handling methods, while maintaining cell viability and allowing for prolonged culture periods.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic wave generator capable of forming at least one aggregate of cells in acoustic levitation in the resonant cavity
Implementation Method 2
The axial component of the acoustic radiation force thus created will then promote the formation of aggregates in each of the pressure nodes
Implementation Method 3
at least one optical emitter capable of illuminating cells in the resonant cavity through at least one wall of the resonant cavity and simultaneously with the generation of acoustic waves so as to structure said at least one aggregate by the optical exclusion technique
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The present invention concerns a microfluidic chip, in particular for cell culture, this chip comprising: - a block (5) made from biocompatible material, - a passage channel (7, 8) made in the block for the passage of cells bathed in a liquid, in particular a nutrient liquid, - a resonant cavity (6) made in the block, connected to the passage channel and comprising walls for containing the cells originating from the passage channel, - a generator (12) generating acoustic waves capable of forming at least one cell aggregate in acoustic levitation in the resonant cavity, - at least one optical emitter (13, 13') capable of illuminating cells in the resonant cavity through at least one wall of the resonant cavity and simultaneous to the generation of acoustic waves in such a way as to structure the at least one aggregate by means of the optical exclusion technique.