Microfluidic Device Integrated Connectors Dead Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microfluidic systems for liquid phase separation suffer from specimen loss and contamination due to dead volumes created by connectors and valves, which negatively impact separation efficiency, especially in small volume operations.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with integrated connectors and a pump system that allows for controlled flow rates and bidirectional operation, minimizing dead volumes and preventing specimen loss by using a configuration where the first integrated output is connected to a blind stop during analytical separation, and a third integrated input generates counter-pressure to prevent flow to the second integrated output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors and valves are used to couple components, then the device can be assembled and operated, but dead volumes are introduced causing specimen loss and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates connectors directly into the microfluidic device substrate, merging the connector function with the device body. This eliminates separate connector components and their associated dead volumes, preventing specimen loss and contamination at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes traditional valves from the microfluidic circuit or integrates them in a way that eliminates dead volumes. By extracting the harmful dead volume elements from the system, the invention prevents specimen loss while maintaining flow control functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional valves and connectors are used, then flow control is achieved, but plug broadening occurs during injection reducing analytical separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flow control functionality directly into the microfluidic channels and integrated connectors, eliminating the need for separate traditional valves. This integration reduces plug broadening during injection while maintaining the necessary flow control for analytical separation.
3Quantity of substance
If small volumes are used for analysis, then sensitivity is improved, but the impact of dead volumes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all connection elements directly into the microfluidic device substrate, eliminating external connectors and their dead volumes. This ensures that when working with small specimen volumes, the relative impact of dead volumes is minimized, maintaining separation efficiency and sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic device for analysing a specimen comprises a loading area for loading the specimen of interest and an analytical column. The loading area is connected on two sides to a first duct and a second duct respectively, both integrated in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a first integrated input connected to the first duct to take the specimen into the loading area, a first integrated output connected to the second duct to discharge the rest of the specimen, once it has flown through the loading area, and a second integrated output downstream the analytical column. The first integrated output is arranged for during a first loading period of time being in circuit connected to the first integrated input so as to load the sample into the loading zone of the device while preventing loss of specimen during loading of the sample into the analytical column.