Microfluidic Substrate with Integrated Temperature Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic technologies are unable to accurately monitor the temperature of droplets moving on a microfluidic substrate due to the large size of conventional temperature sensors, which can only detect temperatures over a relatively large area and not at specific positions on the chip.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic substrate with a droplet driving assembly and a temperature detection assembly, where temperature sensors are positioned to correspond with control electrodes, allowing for precise temperature monitoring and control of droplets moving along a predetermined path, integrated into the substrate with a PN junction and electrodes for efficient temperature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are attached to the external surface of a microfluidic chip, then the environmental temperature can be monitored, but the temperature of moving droplets cannot be accurately detected due to the large sensor size
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection function is segmented and integrated at multiple locations on the microfluidic substrate. Multiple temperature sensors are distributed across the substrate surface, each corresponding to specific control electrode regions, enabling localized temperature monitoring rather than a single bulk measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors are integrated into the planar structure of the microfluidic substrate surface, transitioning from external attachment to in-plane integration. This dimensional integration allows sensors to occupy minimal area while providing precise localized measurements at droplet interaction regions.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are integrated onto the microfluidic substrate, then precise droplet temperature monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors are merged with the control electrode structures on the microfluidic substrate. Sensors are positioned to correspond with control electrode regions, allowing dual functionality from integrated structures and reducing the need for separate sensor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic substrate is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the platform for droplet manipulation via control electrodes and as the integration platform for temperature sensors. This universal platform approach eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are positioned to correspond with control electrodes, then accurate localized temperature detection is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple functional regions, each with temperature sensors corresponding to specific control electrode areas. This segmentation allows standardized sensor placement patterns that can be replicated during manufacturing, improving precision while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular design.
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 precise temperature monitoring and control of droplets, ensuring optimal conditions for biochemical reactions sensitive to temperature changes, improving the accuracy and efficiency of microfluidic processes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least one temperature sensor can comprise a PN junction and two electrodes, disposed over the first substrate, and the PN junction is disposed between the two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a microfluidic control is a fluidic control technology with independent liquid drops, or droplets, as control units. By accurately manipulating the movement of droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic chip and controlling method are provided. The microfluidic chip includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising a first substrate, a droplet driving assembly over the first substrate, and a temperature detection assembly. The droplet driving assembly includes a first electrode layer having a plurality of control electrodes, and each of the plurality of control electrodes is configured as part of a driving unit to drive a droplet to move along a predetermined path over the microfluidic substrate. The temperature detection assembly comprises at least one temperature sensor. The at least one temperature sensor positionally corresponds to the plurality of control electrodes such that each of the at least one temperature sensor detects a temperature at a position associated with one of the plurality of control electrodes corresponding to the each of the at least one temperature sensor.