Optically Driven Thermal Targets for Microfluidic Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microfluidic devices lack efficient methods for manipulating and processing micro-objects, such as biological cells, due to limitations in generating motive forces for fluidic flow and mixing within the devices.

Innovation Solution

The development of microfluidic devices with an enclosure featuring a flow region, sequestration pen, and thermal targets that utilize optically driven forces to create cyclic fluidic flows, allowing for the displacement and mixing of fluidic media and micro-objects through the use of thermal targets and light illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional microfluidic devices are used, then device structure is simple, but motive force generation for fluidic flow is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotive forceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical pumping systems with optically-driven thermal targets that generate motive forces through light illumination. The thermal targets convert optical energy to thermal energy, creating localized heating that drives fluidic flow and mixing without mechanical moving parts, thus improving force generation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in thermal parameters (temperature gradients) induced by optical illumination to generate motive forces. By dynamically controlling the illumination parameters of the thermal targets, the system can modulate fluidic flow characteristics, creating effective mixing and displacement forces without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If thermal targets are added for optically-driven flow, then mixing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal targets serve multiple functions: they generate motive forces for fluidic flow, create mixing through cyclic heating patterns, and can be selectively activated to manipulate specific regions of the microfluidic device. This multi-functionality improves mixing efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same thermal targets perform multiple operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optically-driven thermal targets create self-generated fluidic flows and mixing patterns through localized heating. The system uses the energy from light illumination to automatically generate the necessary thermal gradients and fluid motion, eliminating the need for external mechanical mixing devices or complex pump systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If cyclic flow is generated through optical illumination, then micro-object manipulation is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicro-object manipulationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or cyclic optical illumination of the thermal targets to generate oscillating fluidic flows. By pulsing the light source in controlled patterns, the system creates rhythmic heating and cooling cycles that enhance micro-object manipulation through repeated displacement and mixing actions, improving ease of operation while managing energy consumption through intermittent rather than continuous illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 enables effective dislodging and mixing of micro-objects within the microfluidic devices, enhancing the manipulation and processing capabilities by generating controlled and cyclic fluidic flows, thereby improving the handling and processing of micro-objects.

Implementation Method 1

the first thermal target is configured to produce a first cyclic flow of the fluidic medium upon optical illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical heating: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

focusing a light source on a thermal target disposed on a surface of the enclosure within a microfluidic circuit including at least one fluidic medium and/or micro-objects, thereby heating a first portion of the at least one fluidic medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Heating

Implementation Method 3

inducing a cyclic flow of the at least one fluidic medium within the microfluidic circuit thereby mixing the fluidic media and/or micro-objects disposed therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

optically driven bubble, convective and displacing fluidic flow to provide motive force in microfluidic devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Thermo-capillary Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11802264B2Microfluidic devices for optically-driven convection and displacement, kits and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 BRUKER SPATIAL BIOLOGY INC

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods are described for the use of optically driven bubble, convective and displacing fluidic flow to provide motive force in microfluidic devices. Alternative motive modalities are useful to selectively dislodge and displace micro-objects, including biological cells, from a variety of locations within the enclosure of a microfluidic device.