Organ-on-Chip Perfusion Controller with Fluidic Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack the capability to effectively control and analyze multiple organ-on-chip systems, which are essential for studying multi-organ physiology and drug interactions without animal testing, as there is no coordinated approach to integrate multiple organ systems for dynamic configuration and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A perfusion controller system with a fluidic network, including fluidic switches and on-chip pumps, that allows for selective perfusion of bio-objects with various fluids at controlled flow rates, coupled with a microclinical analyzer for analyzing effluents, enabling dynamic configuration and analysis of multiple organ systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple organ-on-chip systems are integrated to study multi-organ physiology, then the capability to study complex interactions and drug responses is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent organ-on-chip modules, each capable of being controlled and analyzed separately. The fluidic network is segmented into multiple channels with independent pumps and valves for each organ, allowing modular integration while maintaining individual control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal controller system is designed that can dynamically configure and control multiple different organ types through a standardized interface. The analyzer system is multi-functional, capable of analyzing effluents from various organ types using the same hardware and software platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic configuration and analysis of multiple organ systems is enabled, then the adaptability for different applications is improved, but the control and measurement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic network incorporates dynamic switching elements (valves and pumps) that can reconfigure the system topology in real-time. The controller dynamically adjusts flow paths to connect different organ modules in series or parallel configurations based on the experimental requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized controller acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex multi-organ system, providing a unified interface for configuration and control. The analyzer system serves as an intermediary that automatically processes and integrates data from multiple organ effluents, reducing the measurement complexity for the user.
3Manufacturing precision
If selective perfusion of bio-objects with controlled flow rates is implemented, then the precision of physiological simulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each organ module is equipped with dedicated flow control elements (pumps and valves) that provide localized precision control independent of other modules. This allows each organ to receive precisely controlled perfusion rates tailored to its specific physiological requirements without affecting other organs.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional complex mechanical valve systems are replaced with electronically controlled valves and pumps that offer precise flow rate control through electronic regulation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving control precision and enabling dynamic reconfiguration.
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
Enables precise control and analysis of multiple organ systems, allowing for the study of complex interactions and drug responses, thereby addressing the limitations of existing technologies in integrating and analyzing multiple organ-on-chip systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more on-chip pumps adapted for selectively and individually perfusing at least one of the plurality of bio-objects with at least one of the plurality of fluids at a predetermined perfusion flow rate
Implementation Method 2
The fluidic network comprises a plurality of fluidic switches and one or more on-chip pumps adapted for selectively and individually perfusing
Data Source
AI summary
A microclinical analyzer usable for analysis of one or more bio-objects, each bio-object including an organ or a group of cells includes a fluidic network having a plurality of fluidic switches, a plurality of fluidic paths in fluid communication with the plurality of fluidic switches, and one or more on-chip pumps coupled to corresponding fluidic paths; a sensor array coupled to the fluidic network; and a microcontroller for individually controlling the plurality of fluidic switches and the one or more on-chip pumps of the fluidic network as so to operably and selectively deliver an effluent of at least one bio-object to the sensor array for detecting properties of the effluent, or to a predetermined outlet destination.