Pressurized Liquid Delivery System for Microfluidic Bubble Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic systems face challenges with bubble formation due to dissolved gases exceeding saturation levels, leading to performance issues and damage to fragile structures when reagents are exposed to the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pressure manifold to apply pressure above atmospheric pressure to liquids in a channel, combined with a pump to move liquids at a predetermined rate, minimizing bubble formation during transfer from open reservoirs to closed reaction channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reagents are stored in reservoirs exposed to atmosphere, then ease of operation is improved, but bubble formation increases due to dissolved gases exceeding saturation levels
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer channel acts as an intermediary between the atmosphere-exposed reservoir and the closed microfluidic channel. This intermediate structure allows liquid to be transferred while enabling pressure control to prevent bubble formation during the transition, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and bubble formation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by applying positive pressure through a pressure manifold during liquid transfer. This pressure increase prevents dissolved gases from forming bubbles by maintaining saturation levels, allowing open reservoirs to be used without bubble formation issues
2Object-generated harmful factors
If pressure is applied to prevent bubble formation, then bubble formation is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional pressure control components
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure manifold serves multiple functions: it applies pressure to prevent bubble formation, controls liquid flow rate through the transfer channel, and maintains system stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure control through a pressure manifold to manage liquid transfer. By utilizing gas pressure to control liquid flow, the system achieves bubble prevention without requiring complex mechanical pumping or valve mechanisms
3Productivity
If liquid is transferred quickly from reservoir to channel, then productivity is improved, but bubble formation increases due to rapid mixing and gas saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter during rapid transfer by applying positive pressure through the pressure manifold. This pressure increase compensates for the rapid mixing effect, preventing bubble formation even when liquid is transferred quickly from the reservoir to the channel
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure is applied preliminarily before and during the liquid transfer process to counteract the bubble-forming tendency of rapid mixing. This preliminary action prevents bubbles from forming during the high-speed transfer, maintaining productivity while eliminating harmful bubble formation
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
Effectively reduces bubble formation and maintains fluid flow integrity, ensuring reliable operation of microfluidic systems, particularly in single cell analysis applications.
Implementation Method 1
attaching to the inlet reservoir a pressure manifold that provides a predetermined pressure above atmospheric pressure to the first and second liquids in the channel
Implementation Method 2
a pump that moves liquid through the channel at a predetermined rate
Data Source
AI summary
The methods and systems described herein are directed to a reagent delivery system for delivering multiple reagents from microwell arrays to reaction channels with a reduction of air gaps or bubbles or for removing cells not entrapped in hydrogel cages. In some embodiments, reagents are moved through a channel by a pump attached to a channel outlet and a pressure column applied to a channel inlet.