Microfluidic Reagent Storage With Resealable Elastic Sheath Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic diagnostic technologies face challenges in efficiently storing and dispensing reagents without requiring external power sources or manual intervention, as current mechanisms are either complex, costly, or lack resealability and portability.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device component comprising a core material press-fit within an elastic sheath material, which can function as a valve, pump, or storage compartment, allowing for onboard storage and controlled release of reagents using deformation of the elastic sheath material for sealing and un-sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If compartment embedded in the system is used for reagent storage, then simplicity and ease of fabrication are improved, but hermetic sealing is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a storage compartment within the microfluidic device body, nesting the storage function inside the main device structure. This integrated approach simplifies manufacturing by combining multiple functions into a single fabrication process while maintaining hermetic sealing through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a deformable membrane as the sealing element of the storage compartment. This flexible thin film can be deformed to open or close the compartment, providing hermetic sealing without requiring complex mechanical valves or seals, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate containers are used for reagent storage, then portability and resealability are improved, but integration complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separate storage compartment is nested within the microfluidic device body, allowing the container to be integrated into the device structure. This nesting approach enables portability and resealability while minimizing integration complexity by combining the container and device into a unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane serves as both the container wall and the sealing mechanism. This flexible shell structure allows the compartment to be opened and closed repeatedly for refilling or replacement, providing resealability without requiring complex latches or seals, thus reducing integration complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual ampoule crushing is used for reagent release, then simplicity is improved, but system operation is interrupted which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable membrane that can be dynamically actuated to open or close the storage compartment. This dynamic sealing mechanism allows for controlled reagent release without manual intervention, enabling continuous system operation while maintaining simplicity of the release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane can be actuated by the microfluidic system itself (e.g., through pressure changes or integrated actuators), allowing the system to automatically open and close the storage compartment without external manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains simplicity while ensuring continuous operation and high productivity.
4Reliability
If phase change valves are used for reagent release, then reliable sealing is improved, but external power sources are required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable membrane provides reliable sealing through its elastic properties and ability to conform to the compartment opening. This flexible film structure achieves dependable sealing without requiring external power sources or complex phase change mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining high sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane uses the system's own pressure differentials or integrated micro-actuators to open and close, eliminating the need for external power sources. This self-service approach maintains reliable sealing while reducing device complexity by removing external power requirements.
5Extent of automation
If centrifugal force is used for reagent release, then automation is improved, but special machines are required for fabrication which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable membrane is designed to respond dynamically to centrifugal forces, automatically opening to release reagents when the device rotates. This dynamic response provides high automation without requiring special fabrication machines, as the membrane's elastic properties naturally enable the automated release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane structure can be fabricated using standard microfluidic fabrication techniques without requiring special equipment. Its ability to deform under centrifugal force provides automated reagent release while maintaining ease of manufacture through compatibility with conventional fabrication processes.
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
Enables hermetic sealing, resealing, and controlled release of reagents in both stationary and rotating LOC systems, facilitating mass production of portable, user-friendly, and cost-effective point-of-care devices.
Implementation Method 1
deformation of the elastic sheath material for sealing and un-sealing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide microfluidic device components that may be used independently as valves, pumps, filters or as storage containers (flasks) with integrated valve and pump mechanisms. The components described herein may be integrated into multiple microfluidic device designs, including centrifugal and non-centrifugal microfluidic devices (“linear microfluidic devices”). The components may be used to store and/or dispense and/or move various reagents that may be employed on a microfluidic device to carry out any of a number of chemical and biological reactions and assays that may be done on such devices.