Multi-layered Microfluidic Systems for Scalable Capillary Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microfluidic devices for tissue culture have limited scalability and positioning flexibility due to their single-layer configuration, which restricts the formation of large-scale perfused capillary networks and tissue interactions.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered microfluidic system is developed, featuring tissue chambers in one layer and culture medium channels in another, allowing for independent design of chamber thickness, density, and shape, with communication pores connecting the two layers to facilitate angiogenesis and vertical anastomosis, enabling the formation of large-scale perfused capillary networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-layer configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but scalability and positioning flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidscalability and positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer (2D) configuration to a multi-layer (3D) configuration. The first layer contains tissue chambers while the second layer contains culture medium channels, allowing independent optimization of each layer's parameters. This dimensional change enables improved scalability and positioning flexibility without excessive structural complexity, as each layer can be designed and positioned independently to meet specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If tissue chambers are packed densely, then the culture capacity increases, but medium supply becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveculture capacityVSAvoidmedium supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating tissue chambers and culture medium channels into different layers, the patent enables dense packing of tissue chambers in the first layer while maintaining adequate medium supply through the second layer. The vertical separation allows medium channels to access multiple tissue chambers without horizontal interference, thus achieving high culture capacity while ensuring adequate medium supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The second layer acts as an intermediary medium layer that facilitates medium distribution to densely packed tissue chambers in the first layer. This intermediate structure enables efficient medium supply to multiple tissue chambers without requiring complex horizontal routing, thus maintaining ease of operation while increasing culture capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-layer configuration is used, then scalability and flexibility improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalability and flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the microfluidic device into distinct functional segments: the first layer with tissue chambers and the second layer with culture medium channels. This segmentation allows each layer to be independently designed, optimized, and potentially manufactured separately, then assembled together. The modular segmented structure provides improved scalability and flexibility while managing device complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 multi-layered configuration enhances scalability and flexibility, allowing for the creation of complex vascular tissue connections and perfused capillary networks, enabling effective interstitial flow and tissue interactions, and supporting the growth of capillary networks that can be perfused with blood.

Implementation Method 1

angiogenesis and vertical anastomosis have been successfully achieved in systems of the present invention

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngiogenesis:

Implementation Method 2

forming large-scale perfused capillary networks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPerfusion:

Implementation Method 3

enabling effective interstitial flow and tissue interactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterstitial flow:

Implementation Method 4

vertical anastomosis have been successfully achieved in systems of the present invention

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVertical anastomosis:

Data Source

PatentUS11499127B2Multi-layered microfluidic systems for in vitro large-scale perfused capillary networks

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A multi-layered microfluidic system featuring tissue chambers for cells in a first layer and a plurality of medium channels for culture medium in a second layer. The tissue chambers fluidly connect to the medium channels such that media flows from the medium channels to the tissue chambers, forming large-scale perfused capillary networks. The capillary networks can undergo angiogenesis and vertical anastomosis. The multi-layered configuration of the system of the present invention allows for flexibility in design.