Microfluidic Chip Vortex Cell Trapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack efficient and automated systems for capturing and concentrating cells or particles from heterogeneous mixtures without damaging them, and they require complex protocols and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with a rigid substrate and microfluidic channels featuring expansion regions that generate vortices to trap cells or particles, integrated into a multilayer cartridge assembly for automated processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugation or mechanical trap methods are used to capture and concentrate cells, then cells can be separated from heterogeneous mixtures, but the morphology and physiology of captured cells may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical centrifugation systems with a microfluidic system that uses controlled vortex flow generated by expansion regions. This substitution allows cell capture through hydrodynamic forces rather than high-speed rotation, preserving cell morphology while achieving effective separation and concentration from heterogeneous mixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs expansion regions within microfluidic channels that locally alter flow parameters (velocity, pressure, vortex intensity) to create optimal trapping conditions. By changing flow parameters dynamically within specific channel regions, the system achieves high capture efficiency without applying damaging mechanical stress to cells throughout the entire system.
2Extent of automation
If complex processing systems are used to capture and concentrate cells automatically, then automation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (sample introduction, vortex generation, cell trapping, concentration, and delivery) into a single monolithic microfluidic chip. This merging of functions into one integrated device achieves automatic processing while minimizing the number of separate components and interfaces, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to multi-device setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional mechanical systems (centrifuges with multiple components) to a planar two-dimensional microfluidic architecture. This dimensional change enables automated processing through fluid flow control while simplifying the physical structure to a single flat chip with integrated channels and expansion regions.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional separation methods are used, then cells can be isolated, but enrichment ratios and purities are limited with higher contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple expansion regions with varying geometries and positions within the microfluidic channel. Each expansion region creates localized vortices with specific flow characteristics optimized for trapping cells of different sizes and densities. This local variation in flow quality enables high-purity separation while concentrating multiple cell types at different locations within the chip.
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 system effectively isolates and concentrates cells or particles while maintaining their morphology and physiology, achieving high enrichment ratios and purities with minimal contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The microfluidic channel is configured to generate a vortex within the at least one expansion region in response to fluid through the microfluidic channel
Data Source
AI summary
Microfluidic chips and cartridges and systems that include such chips are disclosed. In some embodiments, the chips include a microfluidic channel disposed in a substrate with the channel comprising at least one expansion region. The channel is configured to generate a vortex within the at least one expansion region in response to fluid through the microfluidic channel to trap cells or particles. The substrate in which the channel is formed may be relatively rigid to resist deformation.