Multiplanar Microfluidic Devices with Meniscus-Pinning Features

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biomicrofluidic devices are limited in replicating complex three-dimensional environments due to spatial constraints on interactions between adjacent microfluidic channels, with most designs isolating lateral and vertical diffusion, and requiring intervening membranes that hinder direct fluidic communication and introduce artificial anisotropies in cell culture microenvironments.

Innovation Solution

Multiplanar microfluidic devices facilitate direct transverse fluid communication between microfluidic channels without membranes, using geometrical meniscus-pinning features to resist fluid flow, allowing for both lateral and vertical diffusion and perfusion, enabling the creation of complex 3D environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If membranes are used to separate microfluidic channels, then fluid flow control is improved, but direct fluidic communication is hindered and artificial anisotropies are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoiddirect fluidic communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes membranes from the microfluidic channel interfaces, extracting the barrier element that was preventing direct fluidic communication. This allows unimpeded diffusion and flow between adjacent channels while maintaining structural integrity through alternative geometric designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into multiple planar layers with channels arranged in different planes (lateral and vertical adjacency). This segmentation allows direct communication between channels in the same plane while preventing unwanted cross-plane flow through geometric meniscus pinning features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If lateral and vertical diffusion are isolated, then channel independence is maintained, but complex 3D environment replication is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel independenceVSAvoid3D environment replication

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D planar channel arrangements to 3D multiplanar configurations with channels in both lateral and vertical adjacency. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous lateral and vertical diffusion pathways, replicating complex 3D microenvironments while maintaining channel independence through geometric meniscus pinning features that prevent unwanted cross-flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If direct fluid communication between adjacent channels is enabled, then diffusion efficiency is improved, but uncontrolled transverse flow may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediffusion efficiencyVSAvoidflow control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different geometric properties to different regions of the channel interfaces. Meniscus-pinning ridge structures are strategically positioned at specific locations where uncontrolled flow might occur, while other regions maintain open geometric configurations to maximize diffusion efficiency. This localized geometric modulation allows simultaneous achievement of high diffusion efficiency and reliable flow control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach enhances fluid communication and diffusion in both directions, improving the replication of in vivo microenvironments and maintaining cell viability by providing multidirectional connectivity and nutrient supply, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional designs.

Implementation Method 1

Geometrical meniscus-pinning features, such as meniscus-pinning ridge structures, are provided between adjacent microfluidic channels to restrict transverse flow between the microfluidic channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary pressure: Capillary Pressure

Implementation Method 2

facilitating transverse diffusion to or from the adjacent microfluidic channels in both lateral and vertical directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20230193182A1Multiplanar microfluidic devices with multidirectional direct fluid communication among adjacent microfluidic channels

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIV OF TORONTO

AI summary

Multiplanar microfluidic devices are provided that facilitate direct transverse fluid communication between a first microfluidic channel a plurality of adjacent microfluidic channels, where the adjacent microfluidic channels reside both laterally adjacent and vertically adjacent to the first microfluidic channel, thereby facilitating transverse diffusion to or from the adjacent microfluidic channels in both lateral and vertical directions. Geometrical meniscus-pinning features, such as meniscus-pinning ridge structures, are provided between adjacent microfluidic channels to restrict transverse flow between the microfluidic channels. Accordingly, a gel structure may be formed within the first microfluidic channel and one or more of the adjacent microfluidic channels can function as a perfusion channel, for example, for delivering media to cells residing withing the gel structure. Such devices may be extended and/or arrayed to include multiple channels with laterally and vertically adjacent perfusion microfluidic channels, optionally with shared lateral perfusion microfluidic channels among adjacent pairs of devices.