Microfluidic Cooling Device for Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-liquid extraction methods are limited by manual and lengthy steps, sensitivity to clogging, high operating costs, and the need for specific knowledge of the sample for phase selection, which restricts throughput and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic cooling device with a thermoelectric cooling element is used to induce liquid-liquid phase separation, allowing for rapid temperature control and efficient separation of miscible liquids into distinct phases within a microfluidic pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional liquid-liquid extraction methods are used, then separation of analytes can be achieved, but processing time is lengthy and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature-induced phase separation of aqueous-acetonitrile solutions, where the miscible liquid mixture separates into two distinct liquid phases when cooled below the lower critical solution temperature. This phase transition enables rapid separation without lengthy manual extraction steps, directly addressing the productivity-time contradiction by achieving fast separation through controlled thermal phase change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical separation methods (manual liquid-liquid extraction, centrifugation, filtration) with a thermally-driven phase separation process controlled by a Peltier device. This substitution eliminates time-consuming mechanical操作步骤 and enables automated, rapid separation, thereby increasing throughput while reducing processing time.
2Reliability
If freezer cooling is used to induce phase separation, then separation can be achieved, but cooling periods are extensive and throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically controllable Peltier cooling device that can precisely regulate temperature and cooling rate, replacing the static, uncontrolled freezing process. This dynamic control allows the system to achieve reliable phase separation while minimizing cooling time, thereby maintaining separation effectiveness while significantly improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters (temperature, cooling rate) from the extensive freezing conditions to optimized, controlled cooling parameters using the Peltier device. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves phase separation with much shorter cooling periods, resolving the contradiction between reliable separation and high productivity.
3Extent of automation
If traditional extraction methods are used, then separation can be achieved, but manual and lengthy steps are required which are not amenable to automated workflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained microfluidic system where the phase separation process occurs automatically within the device without requiring manual intervention for mixing, separation, or phase collection. The system self-regulates the cooling process and phase separation, enabling seamless integration into automated analytical workflows while eliminating tedious manual操作步骤.
4Reliability
If solid phase extraction or chromatography is used, then interfering contaminants can be removed, but clogging and high operating costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes interfering contaminants through temperature-induced phase separation, where contaminants partition into one of the two liquid phases based on their solubility characteristics. This extraction mechanism eliminates the need for solid phase materials that can clog, achieving reliable contaminant removal without the harmful clogging effect while maintaining system reliability.
5Reliability
If filtration schemes are used, then separation of analytes based on molecular weight can be achieved, but clogging and limited separation capability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature-induced phase transition of the aqueous-acetonitrile solvent system to separate analytes based on their differential solubility and partitioning between phases, rather than relying on physical filtration. This phase transition mechanism achieves reliable analyte separation without the clogging problem inherent in filtration schemes, as no solid filtering medium is required.
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 cooling device enables rapid and controlled phase separation, increasing throughput and reducing processing time, while also allowing for automated and adaptive analytical workflows.
Implementation Method 1
The microfluidic cooling device can include a first microfluidic pathway and a thermoelectric cooling element... The thermoelectric cooling element can be in thermal communication with at least a portion of the first microfluidic pathway, and configured to transition the sample from the first temperature to the second temperature
Implementation Method 2
The first phase can include a majority of the first liquid and a first portion of the plurality of soluble particles, the first portion being more soluble in the first liquid than the second liquid. The second phase can include a majority of the second liquid and a second portion of the plurality of soluble particles, the second portion being more soluble in the second liquid than the first liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the disclosed technology provides a microfluidic cooling device including a microfluidic pathway and a thermoelectric cooling element. The microfluidic pathway can include an inlet to receive a sample at a first temperature and an outlet to output a first phase and second phase of the sample at a second temperature. The sample can include a first liquid, a second liquid, and a plurality of soluble particles. The first phase can include the first liquid and a portion of the soluble particles that is more soluble in the first liquid than second liquid. The second phase can include the second liquid and a portion of the soluble particles that more soluble in the second liquid than first liquid. The thermoelectric cooling element can be in thermal communication with the microfluidic pathway and can transition the sample from the first temperature to the second temperature.