Microfluidic Fluid Leveling Conduits for Organ-on-Chip Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vitro models of human tissue are typically cultured in isolation, which hinders the study of systemic issues such as drug dosing, as they lack the interplay present in in vivo systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid circulation and leveling system is developed, comprising a fluid mixing chamber, open fluid chambers with microfluidic conduits, and pumps controlled by a controller to manage fluid flow, allowing for the creation of a biomimetic environment that mimics in vivo conditions and enables the precise delivery of agents to tissue cultures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tissue cultures are cultured in isolated environments, then the culture environment is simple and easy to control, but the ability to study systemic issues such as drug dosing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the in vivo system into multiple separate in vitro culture chambers (first open fluid chamber, second open fluid chamber, fluid mixing chamber) that can be independently controlled while being fluidically connected. Each chamber can be independently controlled for environmental parameters while maintaining system-wide fluid circulation to study interorgan interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces fluid circulation pathways as intermediaries between isolated culture chambers. Fluid serves as the mediator that connects the first open fluid chamber, second open fluid chamber, and fluid mixing chamber, enabling the study of systemic issues while maintaining controlled isolated environments for each tissue type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid circulation is implemented between multiple open fluid chambers, then the ability to mimic in vivo conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive fluid leveling mechanisms where fluid naturally flows between chambers through gravity-driven pathways. The microfluidic conduits and orifices enable automatic fluid equalization between the first open fluid chamber, second open fluid chamber, and fluid mixing chamber without requiring active pumping for all fluid transfers, reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic principles through fluid communication pathways between chambers. The microfluidic conduits with orifices create pressure equalization and fluid flow control based on hydraulic principles, enabling sophisticated fluid management while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through passive pressure-driven flow.
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 system allows for the precise and controlled delivery of agents to tissue cultures, enabling experiments that mimic in vivo responses, thereby facilitating the study of drug dosing and interorgan system interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a microfluidic fluid leveling conduit having an orifice disposed in the open fluid chamber at a minimum fluid level associated with a corresponding minimum fluid volume
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid circulation and leveling systems and methods of using the same are described. A fluid circulation system includes a fluid mixing chamber and open fluid chambers in fluid communication with the fluid mixing chamber. Each open fluid chamber includes a microfluidic fluid leveling conduit with an orifice disposed in the open fluid chamber at a minimum fluid level associated with a corresponding minimum fluid volume. A controller causes a first pump to generate a first direction of fluid flow during a first time period between the open fluid chambers, and causes the first pump to generate a second direction of fluid flow during a second time period between the first and second open fluid chambers. The controller also causes a second pump to generate a flow of fluid during a third time period from one of the first and second open fluid chambers into the fluid mixing chamber.