Rolled-Membrane Microfluidic Diffusion for Portable Artificial Lungs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial lung technologies are limited by high airway pressures, oxygen concentrations, device-mediated complications, and lack of portability, leading to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes and limited ambulation, with microfluidic devices struggling to scale up for human applications.
Innovation Solution
Microfluidic diffusion devices are manufactured using 3D printing and roll-to-roll processes, featuring gas and liquid pathways separated by a diffusion membrane, enabling large-scale devices with optimized blood flow networks and gas exchange, mimicking natural lung structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional artificial lung technologies are used, then respiratory support can be provided, but device-mediated complications including inflammation, device clotting, and hemolysis are common
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the device by transitioning from macro-scale to micro-scale dimensions. The microfluidic channels have diameters of 10-500 micrometers, creating a micro-scale environment that alters fluid dynamics, reduces stagnant zones, and improves blood flow characteristics, thereby reducing hemolysis and thrombosis while extending device lifetime
2Productivity
If current artificial lung systems are used, then respiratory support at rest can be provided, but they are limited to supporting the respiratory needs of a patient at rest and cannot support active patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat membrane gas exchange to three-dimensional microfluidic channels with radial gas flow. The capillary-like microchannels extend in the z-dimension with gas flowing radially inward from the outer surface, creating a volumetric gas exchange architecture that dramatically increases gas exchange capacity while maintaining a compact form factor, enabling support for active patients
3Productivity
If microfluidic devices are scaled up for human applications, then human-scale gas exchange can be achieved, but scaling up increases device size and reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested concentric circular geometry where microfluidic channels are arranged in multiple rings with smaller channels nested within larger ones. Gas channels are positioned radially outward from blood channels, creating a compact nested architecture that maximizes gas exchange surface area within a minimal volume, achieving human-scale capacity while maintaining portability
4Productivity
If microfluidic devices are scaled up for human applications, then human-scale gas exchange can be achieved, but scaling up increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal patterned membrane that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it defines both gas and blood flow channels, creates diffusion barriers where needed, and establishes the structural framework for the entire device. This single multi-functional membrane layer simplifies the overall device architecture while enabling complex microfluidic functionality at human scale
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 devices provide improved gas exchange, increased biocompatibility, and portability, supporting active patients with respiratory support, potentially extending device lifetime and enabling ambulatory care.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of capillary elements can be formed from a material that permits diffusion of gas from the gas flow pathway into liquid (e.g., blood) within the plurality of capillary elements
Implementation Method 2
The at least one membrane layer can permit diffusion of gas from the plurality of gas flow channels into the blood within the plurality of liquid (e.g., blood) flow channels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Disclosed herein are rolled-membrane microfluidic diffusion devices and corresponding methods of manufacture. Also disclosed herein are three-dimensionally printed microfluidic devices and corresponding methods of manufacture. Optionally, the disclosed microfluidic devices can function as artificial lung devices.