3D Stretchable Micro-environment for Organ-on-Chip Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices for cell culture and organ-on-chip applications have limitations in throughput, production cost, reliability, and functionality, with prior art technologies relying on manual procedures and lacking complex sensing/stimulation elements, resulting in devices that are not suited for advanced applications.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device comprising multiple layers, including a thin silicon-based substrate with polymer layers that allow for precise control of microfluidic and nanoscale elements, enabling higher throughput, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, with integrated silicon-based microfluidics and biocompatible polymers for enhanced cell handling and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual procedures are used for producing microfluidic devices, then device functionality can be achieved, but production throughput is limited and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple layers (first polymer layer, second polymer layer, silicon substrate) that can be fabricated separately using standardized processes and then assembled. This segmentation enables parallel production of individual layers, significantly increasing throughput while reducing reliance on manual assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from manual fabrication to standardized microfabrication parameters and processes. By establishing consistent dimensional parameters, material specifications, and assembly tolerances across multiple layers, the device can be produced through automated batch processes rather than manual procedures, thereby increasing productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple organ-on-chip devices are used, then basic functionality is achieved, but complex sensing and stimulation elements cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer architecture with standardized interfaces allows the same base device structure to support multiple functions. The silicon substrate and polymer layers can be configured with different microfluidic channels, chambers, and integrated components to create sensing, stimulation, and culture functions within a universal platform, enabling complex functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex sensing and stimulation elements are integrated within the layered structure by nesting functional components inside the device stack. Sensors, electrodes, and other complex elements are embedded within the polymer layers or on the silicon substrate, allowing sophisticated functionality to be contained within the compact multi-layer architecture.
3Productivity
If limited production methods are used, then device fabrication is simple, but production yield and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple fabrication steps into an integrated multi-layer construction process. By merging the fabrication of microfluidic channels, chambers, and functional elements into a unified layered architecture that can be produced using standardized microfabrication techniques, the process achieves high production yield while maintaining manageable complexity through process integration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is in the field of microfluidic devices produced with silicon technology wherein at least one 3D microenvironment is present, a method of producing said device using silicon based technology, and a use of said device in various applications, typically a biological cell experiment, such as a cell or organ on a chip experiment, and use o the device as a microreactor.