Microfluidic Interface Component for Particle Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices face challenges in efficiently extracting ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and diamagnetic particles due to low throughput and high manufacturing costs associated with integral magnetized structures, which require precise positioning and large dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device design featuring a pallet with a main channel and subsidiary channels, where a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the channel bed using a removable magnetic means in a groove aligned with the main channel, allowing for improved particle extraction without the need for large, integral magnetized structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetized or magnetizable structures are integrated into the microfluidic device to generate the magnetic field, then the particle extraction function is achieved, but the manufacturing costs increase and the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: the microfluidic device body and the magnetic field generator are distinct components that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generating structures are extracted from the microfluidic device body, allowing them to be provided by a separate means (such as an external magnet or electromagnetic coil) rather than being integral to the device. This reduces the manufacturing complexity of the microfluidic device itself.
2Force
If large magnetized or magnetizable structures are integrated to ensure effective particle extraction, then the magnetic force is sufficient, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation is moved to a separate dimension or space - either through an external magnetic field source positioned near the device or through a compact electromagnetic coil design that generates sufficient field strength without increasing the microfluidic channel dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength and configuration can be adjusted independently of the device size by changing parameters of the external magnetic field generator, such as current in an electromagnetic coil or positioning of permanent magnets, allowing effective particle extraction without enlarging the device.
3Reliability
If magnetized or magnetizable structures are precisely positioned to align the magnetic field gradient parallel to the channel bed, then the particle extraction efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to automatically achieve proper magnetic field alignment through self-aligning features, such as symmetric channel geometry that naturally guides particle movement parallel to the channel bed, or magnetic field generators that inherently produce fields aligned with the device architecture, eliminating the need for complex precision positioning mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the magnetic field is applied using integral structures, then the device is self-contained, but the throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed and static. External magnetic field generators can be turned on/off, adjusted in strength, and repositioned as needed, allowing the device to adapt to different operational requirements and increase throughput by processing multiple samples or conditions without redesigning the entire device.
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
This design enhances particle extraction efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing for modular integration of magnetic fields, improving throughput and device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field which is used to move the particles from the sample into a buffer solution
Implementation Method 2
the particles are moved from the sample into the buffer solution, in a direction which is parallel to the planar channel bed
Data Source
AI summary
All interface component (40), suitable for cooperating with a microfluidic device (1), the interface component comprising, one or more elements (41) which can be selectively connected to a pneumatic system (71 a,71 b) which can provide a positive and/or negative air flow to the one or more elements (41); wherein each of the one or more elements 141) comprises, an input port (42) which can be selectively fluidly connected to a pneumatic system (71 a,71 b); and a flow restrictor (43) according to a further aspect of the present invention; the flow restrictor (43) being arranged in fluid communication with the input port (42), wherein the flow restrictor (43) can restrict the flow of fluid through the element (41); and an aerosol filter (49) which is arranged to be in fluid communication with the flow restrictor (43); and wherein the interface component (40) further comprises one or more outlets (45), each of the one or more outlets (45) being in fluid communication with a respective element (41), so that fluid can flow from the element (41) out of the interface component (40) via the one or more outlets (45); and wherein each of the one or more outlets (45) can be selectively arranged to be in fluid communication with a respective reservoir (105,1(16,107,108) of a microfluidic device (1). There is further provided a corresponding method and assembly for extracting ferromagnetic, paramagnetic and/or diamagnetic particles from a sample.