Parallel Circuit Microfluidic Interconnects for Sterile Module Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic systems for interconnected organs-on-chips face challenges in sterilization, fluid containment, and scalability, leading to issues with fluid loss, bubble introduction, and limited ability to vary drug concentrations over time.
Innovation Solution
The development of an integrated bio-object microfluidics module with a parallel circuit configuration, including wash, arterial, venous, and waste bus lines, allows for sterile interconnects between modules without routing fluids through entire bus lines, enabling efficient sterilization and fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate organs are connected by tubing, then interconnection between modules is achieved, but fluid loss and bubble introduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid pathway into separate arterial and venous bus lines that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each module has its own sealed microfluidic channels, allowing interconnection without exposing the entire fluid path to contamination or loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connection system with valve assemblies that mediate between modules. These valves control fluid flow and maintain sealing during connection/disconnection, preventing direct exposure of fluid paths and eliminating the need for traditional tubing that causes fluid loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate organs are connected by tubing, then interconnection between modules is achieved, but air bubbles are introduced into the fluid path
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid system is segmented into separate arterial and venous pathways with independent valve control. This segmentation allows one pathway to be sealed and sterilized without affecting the other, preventing bubble contamination during connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Valve assemblies serve as intermediaries that maintain fluid sealing during module connection and disconnection. The valves prevent air ingress by maintaining positive pressure and sealed pathways, eliminating the bubble introduction problem associated with traditional tubing connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interconnect systems are used, then module connection is achieved, but sterilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid pathway into modular sections with sealed microfluidic channels. Each module can be independently sterilized using autoclaving or other methods without affecting connected modules, solving the sterilization difficulty of traditional interconnect systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assemblies act as sterilizable intermediaries with no dead volumes or hidden cavities. Their simple, open architecture allows complete penetration of sterilizing agents, enabling thorough sterilization while maintaining interconnection functionality.
4Reliability
If fixed channels are used to connect organs on the same chip, then fluid containment is improved, but organ replacement becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the organ chip system into independent modules connected by valve-controlled pathways. Each module maintains sealed microfluidic channels for reliable fluid containment, while the modular architecture with controllable valves enables individual module replacement without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assemblies provide dynamic control over fluid pathways, allowing connections to be made or broken on demand. This dynamic capability enables organ replacement while maintaining fluid containment through the sealed microfluidic channels during both connected and disconnected states.
5Adaptability or versatility
If tubing is used to connect organs, then module interconnection is achieved, but the total fluidic volume becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid pathway into compact microfluidic channels within each module rather than using external tubing. This segmentation dramatically reduces the total fluidic volume while maintaining interconnection capability through valve-controlled pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interconnection function directly into the module architecture through integrated valve assemblies and microfluidic channels. This eliminates the need for separate tubing, reducing total fluidic volume to minimal levels comparable to on-chip connections.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a system of fluidic valves and pumps and associated fluidic channels integratable into a bio-object microfluidics module. The module can include input and output buses; upstream and downstream interconnection bus control valves (CVs) coupled to the input and output buses, respectively. It may include arterial, venous, wash and waste bus lines, each connecting between the upstream and downstream interconnection bus CVs. It may also include an input CV connecting to the arterial bus line, upstream interconnection bus CV, bio-object and inlets, and an output CV connecting to the bio-object, input CV, downstream interconnection bus CV and outlets; and a pump connecting between the input CV and bio-object. The system of fluidic valves and pumps can be arranged to provide MicroFormulator functionality enabling precise mixtures of drugs, chemicals, or biochemicals to be delivered in a time-dependent fashion to biological entities housed in individual wells or chambers.