Microfluidic Device for Open Environment Fluid Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic devices are not compatible with traditional cell culture methods due to their closed channels, making it difficult to maintain gas exchange and nutrient delivery, and there are challenges in comparing data from cells cultured in channels versus traditional methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for fluid flow containment in an open liquid environment using a microfluidic device with input and output ports, allowing for the creation of a chamber over a surface, where fluid flow can be controlled to provide hydrodynamic loading on cells, and an electric field can be generated to intersect the chamber, enabling compatibility with traditional cell culture approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microfluidic devices use closed channels, then fluid flow control is improved, but compatibility with traditional cell culture methods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a microfluidic chip for flow control and a separate reservoir for cell culture. This segmentation allows the closed-channel flow control to operate independently while the open reservoir maintains compatibility with traditional cell culture methods.
Solution Approach 2:
A bridge structure connects the closed microfluidic channel to the open cell culture reservoir, acting as an intermediary that allows controlled fluid exchange while maintaining the distinct advantages of both closed and open systems.
2Ease of operation
If cells are cultured in closed microfluidic channels, then laminar flow control is improved, but gas exchange and nutrient delivery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the laminar flow control function (in the closed microfluidic channel) from the cell culture function (in the open reservoir), allowing each to operate optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure enables continuous nutrient and gas exchange between the reservoir and channel, ensuring that cell culture requirements are met while maintaining laminar flow conditions in the microfluidic portion.
3Ease of manufacture
If a chamber height is fixed, then device manufacturing is simplified, but hydrodynamic loading control on cells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber height is made adjustable through a mechanism that allows the ceiling to move vertically, enabling dynamic control of hydrodynamic loading on cells while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic or hydraulic actuation system is used to control the chamber height, providing precise and adjustable control over the fluid flow environment and hydrodynamic loading on cells.
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 method allows for the creation of a desired microfluidic environment around cells, enabling compatibility with traditional cell culture methods, facilitating cell studies by controlling hydrodynamic loading and electric fields, and allowing for precise measurements and treatments, such as measuring adhesion strength and applying mechanical stimuli.
Implementation Method 1
The flow of fluid in the chamber provides hydrodynamic loading on the cell
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of the flow of fluid is monitored. Thereafter, the height of the chamber is determined by monitoring the pressure of the flow of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for fluid flow containment in an open liquid environment at least partially defined by a surface. The method includes the step of positioning a microfluidic device over the surface. The microfluidic device defines a chamber having a height. A flow of fluid is applied in the chamber. The pressure of the flow of fluid is monitored and the height of the chamber is determined from the measured pressure of the flow of fluid.