Microfluidic Plasma Separation via Recirculation Vortex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating blood plasma from blood cells in laboratories are cumbersome, requiring specialized equipment and personnel, and are prone to sample degradation due to waiting times and variability in flow conditions, which affects extraction efficiency and reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a main flow pipe containing a fractionation cell and a pre-configuration channel, formed on the same substrate, utilizes recirculation vortices caused by geometric singularities to separate blood plasma from blood cells, allowing for efficient extraction and storage of both phases without external connections, enabling independent operation and improved handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugation or filtration techniques are used in macroscopic laboratory systems, then separation of blood plasma from blood cells can be achieved, but the process requires specialized equipment and personnel, increases waiting time, and risks sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the separation function into a standalone microfluidic chip that can operate independently from complex laboratory equipment. The chip contains integrated components including inlet channels, separation chambers with singularities, and outlet channels that work together to perform complete plasma separation without requiring external centrifuges or filtration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device performs self-service by using its own internal geometry (singularities within the channels) to generate the necessary flow patterns for separation. The device does not require external actuators or complex control systems - the separation is achieved through the inherent fluid dynamics created by the channel design itself
2Productivity
If geometric focusing technique is used to separate plasma, then plasma can be extracted from the channel, but the flow pattern is disrupted and the particle-depleted zone depends on variable flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the flow pattern through carefully designed singularities before the plasma extraction step. The recirculation vortices are established in advance by the geometric features, creating stable particle-depleted zones that are ready for efficient plasma extraction without disrupting the overall flow stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the channels (creating specific singularities with defined shapes and positions) to control the flow dynamics. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the device creates optimal recirculation patterns that maintain flow stability while enabling high extraction yield, making the process independent of variable blood rheological properties
3Reliability
If recirculation vortices are used for separation, then separation is robust and particle-depleted zones of large dimensions are obtained, but the device requires precise geometric singularity configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into the channel geometry itself - the singularities serve both as flow control elements and as the separation mechanism. By combining the separation function with the channel structure, the device reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing, as the geometric features can be directly formed during chip fabrication rather than requiring separate precision assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional channel cross-sections to three-dimensional geometric singularities that extend through the channel depth. This dimensional approach creates more effective recirculation patterns and larger particle-depleted zones, improving separation robustness while the features remain manufacturable using standard microfabrication techniques
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 achieves robust and efficient separation of blood plasma from blood cells, reducing dependence on external actuators and equipment, and ensures high extraction yield and purity, while minimizing contamination risks and sample degradation.
Implementation Method 1
suspended particles injected into a channel undergo heterogeneous lateral migration due to shear forces
Implementation Method 2
the power of separation of the recirculation vortices which appear when the flow of a fluid in a pipe is disturbed by a geometric singularity
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 2B~4C
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device or pipette for extracting a particle-depleted liquid phase from a suspension, comprising: - a main flow conduit (3) for said suspension, the main conduit comprising a fractionating cell (7) comprising at least one singularity location suitable for causing the formation of at least one recirculation vortex, and a clear layer pre-configuration channel (5) positioned upstream from the fractionating cell (7), said fractionating cell (7) and said pre-configuration channel (5) are formed on a same substrate, and - at least one liquid withdrawal means (15), positioned at a region of the fractionating cell (7) where said suspension is depleted in terms of particles due to said recirculation vortex.