Deterministic Microfluidic Droplet Assembly by Selective Trapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices lack the ability to selectively combine discrete entities such as cells, reagents, and biomolecules, limiting their capability to manipulate and analyze interactions between these components.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with an inlet channel, sorting channel, and discrete entity merger region, utilizing sorting and trapping elements to combine discrete entities by flowing them through a carrier fluid, selectively sorting, and trapping them in a merger region to form a combined entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete entities are sorted into separate microfluidic channels, then sorting capability is improved, but the ability to selectively combine discrete entities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete entity channels into a single combined channel where discrete entities from different channels are trapped and combined in a common region. This allows the system to maintain sorting capability while enabling selective combination of discrete entities that were previously separated into different channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trapping element as an intermediary mechanism that enables selective combination of discrete entities. The trapping element acts as a mediator that captures discrete entities from multiple channels and facilitates their combination, solving the limitation of traditional sorting channels that cannot selectively combine entities.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional microfluidic sorting is used, then discrete entity separation is improved, but combinatorial capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary sorting of discrete entities into separate channels, then uses a trapping mechanism to selectively combine them. This preliminary action maintains the precision of discrete entity separation while enabling subsequent combinatorial capability through the trapping and combination region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the trapping element that can selectively trap and release discrete entities. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to maintain precise separation during flow, then actively combine specific entities when needed, thereby improving combinatorial capability without sacrificing sorting precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete entities are trapped for combination, then selective combination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trapping element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can trap discrete entities from different channels, selectively combine them, and release them for downstream processing. This multi-functionality improves selective combination capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating multiple operations into a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where discrete entities can be selectively trapped for combination, then released and recovered for downstream analysis. This approach improves selective combination capability while managing device complexity by allowing flexible control over when entities are trapped and when they are recovered for further processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for selectively combining discrete entities including, e.g. cells, reagents, drugs, hydrogels, extracellular matrices beads, particles, biological materials, media, or a combination thereof, are provided. In certain aspects, the methods include sorting a plurality of discrete entities and trapping two or more discrete entities for a time sufficient for the two or more discrete entities to combine to form a combined discrete entity. In certain aspects, the methods include making the plurality of discrete entities. In certain aspects, the methods include detecting or analyzing the discrete entities, e.g. via optical detection. In certain aspects, the methods include manipulating or analyzing the combined discrete entity or a component therein, e.g. imaging, sequencing, culturing, e.g., three-dimensional culturing, and measuring cell-cell interactions. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.