Microfluidic Device Isolation Without Hydrophobic Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microfluidic systems for isolating particles from biological samples are limited in handling large quantities, require multiple devices for complete isolation, and are prone to sample leakage due to hydrophobic membrane malfunctions, with no ability to recover introduced samples.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic device and system with a second outlet for controlled sample recovery, capable of multiple sample introductions and selections using dielectrophoresis for selective particle movement, eliminating the need for multiple devices and reducing the risk of sample leakage by removing the hydrophobic membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hydrophobic membrane is used to prevent sample outflow, then sample containment is improved, but the risk of leakage due to membrane malfunction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample containmentVSAvoidleakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the hydrophobic membrane from the system entirely. The outlet is designed to allow controlled sample discharge through pumping action without requiring a membrane barrier, thereby eliminating the leakage risk associated with membrane malfunction while maintaining sample containment through active fluid control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive mechanical barrier (hydrophobic membrane) is replaced with an active pumping mechanism. The pump provides controlled sample discharge through the outlet, replacing the membrane's containment function with an actively controlled fluid delivery system that eliminates leakage risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple microfluidic devices are used to isolate all particles from large samples, then complete isolation is improved, but working time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation completenessVSAvoidworking time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The microfluidic device is designed with a large-volume reservoir and high-capacity separation chamber that can handle and process entire large samples in a single device. The system performs multiple functions including sample loading, separation, and recovery within one integrated device, eliminating the need to use multiple devices sequentially

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device scales up the processing capacity by increasing the dimensions of the reservoir and separation chamber, allowing it to accommodate large sample volumes and high particle concentrations that previously required multiple smaller devices to be used in sequence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a hydrophobic membrane is used to prevent sample outflow, then sample containment is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample containmentVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the hydrophobic membrane component from the device design. The outlet structure is simplified to a basic opening that allows controlled discharge through pumping, removing the need for expensive membrane materials and their associated manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet is designed with specific local properties (controlled opening geometry) that enable selective discharge without requiring a membrane. The local structure at the outlet provides the necessary containment and control functions that previously required a membrane across the entire device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If large quantities of sample are introduced into the separation unit, then processing capacity is improved, but the ability to complete isolation in one device decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidisolation completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11786900B2Microfluidic device, microfluidic system and method for the isolation of particles

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 MENARINI SILICON BIOSYSTEMS SPA

AI summary

A microfluidic device for the isolation of particles of at least one specific type of a sample is described. The microfluidic device comprises: a first inlet adapted to receive a sample comprising the particles of the specific type, at least part of a separation group comprising a separation unit, which comprises a main chamber and a recovery chamber and being adapted to receive the sample and to transfer at least part of the particles of the specific type from the main chamber to the recovery chamber in a selective manner with respect to further particles of the sample, a first outlet which is designed to allow the particles of the specific type to be collected outside of the device and a second outlet adapted to allow at least a portion of the sample to flow out of the main chamber and out of the microfluidic device.