Microfluidic Module Interconnection for Organ-on-Chip Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic systems for interconnected organs-on-chips face challenges in sterile interconnection, fluid loss, and bubble introduction, with fixed channels preventing organ replacement and scaling issues, and existing fluid-handling robots limiting high-throughput drug delivery and perfusion protocols.
Innovation Solution
The development of an integrated bio-object microfluidics module with a multiport, rotary planar valve system and toggle valves for controlled fluid flow, enabling sterile interconnection, low-volume fluid management, and independent perfusion of each well in a multi-well plate, using a MicroFormulator system for precise drug delivery and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed microfluidic channels are used to connect organs-on-chips, then interconnection is achieved, but organ replacement is prevented and fluid loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the microfluidic system into separable modules (organs-on-chips) that can be independently handled. Each organ is a discrete unit that can be removed and replaced without affecting the entire system, resolving the contradiction between stable interconnection and organ replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
Tubing serves as an intermediary component between organs-on-chips, enabling flexible connection and disconnection. The tubing allows organs to be replaced while maintaining fluidic connections, and the system includes features to prevent fluid loss during these operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tubing is used to connect separate organs, then organ replaceability is enabled, but fluid loss and bubble introduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions to prevent fluid loss before disconnection occurs. Features such as pre-positioned clamps, sealed connectors, and controlled valve closure ensure that fluid is contained before the actual disconnection happens, eliminating fluid loss during organ replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable, low-cost components such as sterile connectors and tubing sections that can be easily replaced. These disposable elements prevent contamination and fluid loss by being discarded after single use, ensuring sterile conditions without complex sterilization procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tubing is used for interconnection, then organ replaceability is achieved, but sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable, pre-sterilized connectors and tubing components that eliminate the need for complex sterilization procedures. These single-use elements are manufactured sterile and maintain sterility through their design, making the system easy to manufacture and deploy without extensive sterilization infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed with self-sealing or self-locking features that maintain sterile barriers without external intervention. The system automatically maintains sterility through its design features, reducing the need for manual sterilization processes.
4Extent of automation
If centralized fluid-handling robots are used, then fluid delivery is achieved, but high-throughput perfusion protocols are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides fluid handling into distributed, independent units at each organ module rather than using a single centralized robot. Each module can be perfused independently and simultaneously, enabling high-throughput protocols while maintaining automation through localized fluid handling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal, standardized connectors and interfaces that allow the same fluid handling approach to be applied across multiple organs simultaneously. This multi-functional design enables parallel processing of multiple samples, dramatically increasing throughput compared to sequential centralized handling.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system of fluidic valves and pumps and associated fluidic channels integratable into a bio-object microfluidics module. The module includes input and output buses; upstream and downstream interconnection bus control valves (CVs) coupled to the input and output buses, respectively. It may include arterial, venous, wash and waste bus lines, each connecting between the upstream and downstream interconnection bus CVs. It may also include an input CV connecting to the arterial bus line, upstream interconnection bus CV, bio-object and inlets, and an output CV connecting to the bio-object, input CV, downstream interconnection bus CV and outlets; and a pump connecting between the input CV and bio-object. The system of fluidic valves and pumps can be arranged to provide MicroFormulator functionality enabling precise mixtures of drugs, chemicals, or biochemicals to be delivered in a time-dependent fashion to biological entities housed in individual wells or chambers.