Microfluidic Chip Surface Acoustic Wave Particle Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for separating micro-nano scale particles in a continuous flow state using surface acoustic waves are limited, as they either require expensive equipment or are not applicable to particles floating in fluids, and existing methods struggle to effectively separate nano-scale particles due to insufficient flow resistance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a piezoelectric substrate with patterned transducers to generate surface acoustic waves in a microfluidic chip, creating pressure nodes that act as flow resistance to separate micro-nano scale particles based on their size and characteristics, allowing for continuous separation and detection within a microfluidic chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface acoustic waves are used to separate micro-nano scale particles, then separation according to particle size and characteristics is achieved, but flow resistance is insufficient for effective nano-scale particle separation
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic channel is divided into multiple sections with different configurations (straight channel, bent channel, zigzag channel) that create multiple pressure nodes along the flow path. This segmentation allows particles to experience repeated flow resistance at different locations, accumulating separation effect throughout the channel length rather than relying on a single strong force region.
Solution Approach 2:
Surface acoustic waves are applied periodically along the microfluidic channel to create oscillating pressure nodes that move back and forth. This periodic action causes particles to repeatedly encounter flow resistance zones, with larger particles experiencing greater cumulative resistance than smaller particles, thereby achieving size-based separation through repeated cyclic forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing surface acoustic wave techniques are used for particle separation, then non-invasive separation is achieved, but the techniques are not applicable to particles floating in fluids in continuous flow state
Solution Approach 1:
A microfluidic channel serves as an intermediary structure that guides fluid flow containing particles through the surface acoustic wave field. The channel walls provide structural support and define the flow path, while allowing acoustic waves to propagate through the fluid. This intermediary structure enables continuous flow separation without requiring particles to be stationary or suspended in free space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic flow through the microfluidic channel to transport particles continuously through the separation region. By controlling fluid pressure and flow rate, particles are carried through the acoustic field in a continuous stream, enabling ongoing separation operations rather than batch processing of suspended particles.
3Device complexity
If microfluidic control techniques are used for particle separation, then expensive equipment like centrifuges and flow cytometry can be replaced, but separation effectiveness for nano-scale particles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces acoustic wave propagation as an additional dimension of interaction beyond simple hydraulic flow. By superimposing acoustic pressure oscillations onto the hydraulic flow field, particles experience forces in the vertical dimension (perpendicular to flow direction) that cause size-dependent migration, thereby achieving precise separation without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise nano-scale particle separation by adjusting acoustic wave parameters (frequency, amplitude, wavelength) and flow rate parameters independently. By changing these parameters, the pressure node positions and forces can be optimized for different particle sizes, allowing the same simple microfluidic device to separate various nano-scale particles effectively.
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 solution enables efficient separation and fractionation of micro and nano-sized particles according to size in a continuous flow state, reducing the need for complex cleaning processes and allowing for easy use in clinical settings, with the ability to detect separated particles effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of transducers, which are patterned on the piezoelectric substrate and generate surface acoustic waves when electric energy is applied to the piezoelectric substrate
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric substrate; a pair of transducers, which are patterned on the piezoelectric substrate and generate surface acoustic waves when electric energy is applied to the piezoelectric substrate
Implementation Method 3
forces of the surface acoustic waves generated by the pair of transducers are formed in a direction opposite to a fluid flow to generate flow resistance to the micro-nano scale particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention related to an apparatus for separating micro-nano scale particles based on microfluidic chromatography using surface acoustic waves, comprising: a piezoelectric substrate; a pair of transducers, which are patterned on the piezoelectric substrate and generate surface acoustic waves when electric energy is applied to the piezoelectric substrate; a microfluidic chip, which is mounted on the piezoelectric substrate and include a microfluidic channel disposed between the pair of transducers, wherein a fluid including micro-nano scale particles flows in the microfluidic channel; and a detection unit, which detects micro-nano scale particles separated by the surface acoustic waves while the micro-nano scale particles pass through the microfluidic channel, wherein forces of the surface acoustic waves generated by the pair of transducers are formed in a direction opposite to a fluid flow to generate flow resistance to the micro-nano scale particles which flows in the microfluidic channel.