Paper-Based Microfluidic Device with Vinylidene Polymer Sealing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices are complex, costly, and difficult to manufacture and transport, while also being unreliable and hard to operate, especially when used for biological analysis with hydrophobic paper-based substrates.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device composed of two paper-based substrates with a vinylidene polymer layer, featuring a deformable membrane and thermal sealing for easy assembly and operation, allowing for efficient fluid handling and low-cost production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional microfluidic devices are used with adhesive films and pumps, then fluid flow is possible, but the device becomes complex, costly, and difficult to manufacture and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the pump component from the microfluidic device, replacing it with a passive paper-based substrate that uses capillary action for fluid flow. This eliminates the need for complex pumping mechanisms while maintaining fluid transport functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable paper-based substrates that are inexpensive to manufacture and can be discarded after use. These substrates replace expensive, complex adhesive films and pumping systems, significantly reducing device cost and complexity while maintaining reliability for single-use applications.
2Reliability
If traditional microfluidic devices are used with adhesive films, then the circuit can be closed, but the device becomes costly and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive adhesive films with inexpensive paper-based substrates that are easily manufactured and assembled. The paper substrates provide sufficient sealing for disposable applications without requiring complex adhesive bonding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical adhesive film sealing system with a simpler paper-based sealing mechanism that relies on the physical properties of paper and thermal sealing, eliminating the need for complex adhesive application and bonding processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If paper-based substrates are used, then the device is easy to manufacture and transport, but the substrates lack impermeability and resistance to embossing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining paper-based substrates with a vinylidene polymer coating layer. The paper provides ease of manufacture and transport, while the vinylidene polymer layer contributes impermeability and resistance to embossing, achieving a balance of properties through material composition.
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 device is simple to manufacture, reliable, easy to transport, and cost-effective, with the vinylidene polymer layer providing impermeability and resistance to embossing, ensuring efficient fluid handling and operation in biological analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer deposited on the first layer, made of a material based on vinylidene polymer
Implementation Method 2
said substrates being assembled together by their second layer by thermal sealing
Implementation Method 3
a deformable membrane produced in the form of a pellet deposited on only part of said external surface, interposed and held between the two substrates
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a microfluidic device, the device comprising: - A first substrate (2.1) and a second substrate (2.2), - Each substrate being composed of at least two superimposed layers, a first layer (20) made of paper and a second layer (21) deposited on the first layer, made of a vinylidene polymer-based material, and having an external surface, - The first substrate comprising a first motif forming a concavity on its second layer, - Said substrates being assembled together by their second layer, the second substrate covering said concavity.