Microfluidic Object Separator With Embedded Inertial Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating objects in fluids, such as cells and particles, face challenges in achieving efficient and precise separation, particularly in biological and medical applications, due to limitations in cost, complexity, and effectiveness of existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The use of internally embedded inertial pumps and dielectrophoretic forces within microfluidic devices to separate objects by manipulating fluid flow through electric fields, allowing for multiple passes and precise control over object extraction, utilizing recirculation passages and varying electric field frequencies to target specific objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separation methods are used, then separation can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (pumping, separating, and controlling fluid flow) into a single integrated microfluidic device with embedded inertial pumps, eliminating the need for external complex equipment while achieving reliable separation of objects in fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device performs multiple functions including object separation, fluid pumping, and flow control within a single system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining separation effectiveness
2Reliability
If conventional separation methods are used, then separation can be performed, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses self-contained inertial pumps embedded within the microfluidic chip that operate autonomously using pressure differentials created during the separation process, eliminating the need for expensive external pumping systems and reducing manufacturing costs
3Productivity
If single pass separation is used, then process is simple, but separation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system continuously passes fluid through the separation channel multiple times, maintaining continuous separation action until objects are fully separated, thereby increasing productivity without requiring complex batch processing
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed frequency electric field is used, then system is simple, but selectivity for different objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts electric field frequency based on the specific objects to be separated, allowing the same device to target different object types (cells, particles, droplets) by changing operational parameters rather than requiring multiple fixed-frequency systems
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 approach reduces the complexity and cost of separation devices, enhances the efficiency of object separation by enabling multiple passes and precise control, and allows for the capture of different types of objects based on their electrical properties, improving the overall separation process.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial pump to move fluid through the channel
Implementation Method 2
a pair of electrodes along the fluid channel to form a dielectrophoretic force to interact with an object entrained in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An object separator may include a substrate, a fluid channel supported by the substrate, a pair of electrodes along the fluid channel to form a dielectrophoretic force to interact with an object entrained in a fluid, and an inertial pump supported by the substrate and positioned within the fluid channel to move the fluid along the fluid channel.