Microfluidic Chip Nested Channels Acoustic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic chips for acoustic separation of biological objects are limited by the length of their channels, which restricts the integration of multiple fluidic channels without compromising their performance.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a planar substrate having two networks of channels recessed from opposite surfaces, connected through through-holes, and covered by lids with attached piezoelectric transducers to generate acoustic standing waves for separation and concentration of biological objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluidic channels are integrated into a microfluidic chip, then the functionality and separation performance are improved, but the overall length of the chip increases making it more fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested channels where a second fluidic channel is formed inside the first fluidic channel. The first channel has a first cross-sectional area and the second channel has a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first, creating a concentric or nested arrangement. This allows multiple channels to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, dramatically reducing the overall chip length while maintaining the functionality of both channels for different fluidic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar channel arrangements to three-dimensional nested channel configurations. By utilizing vertical stacking and radial nesting, the channels are arranged in multiple dimensions rather than simply extending linearly across the chip surface. This dimensional transition enables compact integration of multiple channels without proportionally increasing chip length.
2Reliability
If the channel length is increased to improve separation performance, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the chip becomes more fragile and harder to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the second channel within the first channel, the patent achieves long effective channel lengths for both channels without requiring long linear extensions. The nested configuration allows each channel to have sufficient length for effective separation operations while the overall chip remains compact and manageable, reducing integration complexity.
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
The device enables efficient sorting and concentration of biological objects by size or acoustic contrast without labeling, while allowing for longer channels and multiple integrated channels without performance compromise.
Implementation Method 1
uses acoustic radiation pressure to separate particles or biological objects suspended in a fluid by size or acoustic contrast
Implementation Method 2
one or more first piezoelectric transducers attached to an exterior of the first lid and configured to generate a first acoustic standing wave
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic device for sorting biological objects includes a microfluidic chip including a planar substrate having first and second planar surfaces, the planar substrate including first and second networks of channels recessed respectively from the first and second planar surfaces and fluidically connected by way of at least a through-hole in the planar substrate; a first lid attached to the first planar surface of the planar substrate and substantially covering the first network of channels; and a second lid attached to the second planar surface of the planar substrate and substantially covering the second network of channels; and one or more piezoelectric transducers attached to the first lid and/or the second lid and configured to generate first and second acoustic standing waves in a first linear channel of the first network of channels and a second linear channel of the second network of channels, respectively.