Integrated Microfluidic Chip for Monodisperse Emulsion Droplet Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices for producing emulsion droplets are complex and time-consuming, prone to contamination, and often result in polydisperse droplets due to unstable air pressure and complex tubing systems.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a fixedly connected well section and microfluidic section, featuring a primary and secondary supply conduit system that allows for the pinching action of a second fluid on a stream of a first fluid, producing monodisperse emulsion droplets with reduced reagent use and sample loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If prior art microfluidic devices use separate sample and oil wells with complex tubing systems, then fluid delivery is enabled, but device complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate sample and oil wells into a single integrated well structure where both fluids are delivered through a unified microfluidic chip architecture. This eliminates the need for external tubing connections between separate components, thereby reducing device complexity and minimizing contamination risk from tubing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip itself acts as an intermediary structure that integrates fluid delivery pathways for both sample and oil phases. Instead of using external tubing as intermediaries, the chip's internal microchannels provide direct, controlled fluid transport, reducing the number of interface points where contamination could occur.
2Reliability
If prior art devices use complex tubing systems for connecting components, then fluid transport is achieved, but air pressure stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fluid delivery system into an integrated microfluidic chip with internal microchannels, the patent eliminates complex external tubing assemblies. This integration stabilizes air pressure by removing multiple connection points and long fluid pathways that are prone to pressure fluctuations, while simultaneously reducing device complexity.
3Loss of substance
If prior art microfluidic chips are connected to fluid reservoirs via tubing, then fluid supply is enabled, but sample loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid reservoir interface directly into the microfluidic chip structure, eliminating external tubing and connectors. This integration minimizes sample loss by removing multiple transfer interfaces where sample could be lost or contaminated, while also reducing the complexity of connector assemblies.
4Quantity of substance
If separate wells or inlets are used for oil and sample, then fluid delivery is possible, but reagent use efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate oil and sample delivery pathways into a unified well structure with integrated microfluidic channels. This design improves reagent use efficiency by minimizing dead volumes and reducing the total quantity of reagents required to fill and operate the system, while maintaining the functional separation of oil and sample phases through the chip's internal architecture.
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 simplifies the production of monodisperse emulsion droplets, reduces contamination risk, and minimizes reagent and sample loss, while providing improved control over fluid flow and droplet formation.
Implementation Method 1
The first secondary supply conduit and the second secondary supply conduit are configured to exert a pinching action of a second fluid on a stream of a first fluid from the primary supply conduit during use of the microfluidic device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microfluidic device and method for providing emulsion droplets. The device comprising: a microfluidic section comprising one or more microfluidic units; and a well section comprising one or more groups of wells comprising one group of wells for each microfluidic unit; the well section and the microfluidic section forming a fixedly connected unit such that each group of wells forms a fixedly connected unit with a respective corresponding microfluidic unit, each microfluidic unit comprising a fluid conduit network comprising: a plurality of supply conduits comprising a secondary supply conduit and a primary supply conduit comprising a capillary structure having a volume of at least 2 µL; a transfer conduit; and a first fluid junction providing fluid communication between the primary supply conduit, the secondary supply conduit, and the transfer conduit; each group of wells comprising a plurality of wells comprising a collection well and one or more supply wells comprising a primary supply well, the collection well being in fluid communication with the transfer conduit of the corresponding microfluidic unit, the primary supply well being in fluid communication with the primary supply conduit and the secondary supply conduit of the corresponding microfluidic unit.