Valveless Microfluidic Device for Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microfluidic systems for separating liquid phases suffer from dead volumes and contamination due to the configuration of valves and connectors, leading to inefficient separation and analysis, especially in small volumes, where the impact of these issues is magnified.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with integrated connectors and valves positioned to minimize dead volume, allowing bidirectional flow without leakage, and featuring a configuration that eliminates the need for valves in the direct path of the specimen, using a system with multiple integrated inputs and outputs to control flow and prevent blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional valves and connectors are used to couple components, then flow control functionality is achieved, but dead volume increases and specimen loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional valves and connectors from the fluid path between the trapping column and analytical column. Instead, it uses a valveless microfluidic system where flow direction is controlled by pressure gradients and channel geometry, eliminating dead volumes and specimen loss associated with traditional valve connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microfluidic coupling structure that acts as an intermediary between columns, replacing traditional valves. This coupling uses pressure-controlled flow paths and channel design to achieve valve-like flow control without the dead volume problems of physical valves.
2Ease of operation
If traditional valves are positioned in the device configuration, then flow control during loading and separation is achieved, but plug broadening occurs during injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates traditional valves from the injection path, replacing them with a valveless microfluidic design. Flow control is achieved through pressure gradients and channel geometry rather than physical valves, preventing plug broadening and maintaining sharp separation peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic pressure control to manage flow directions and rates without physical valves. By adjusting pressure gradients in real-time, the system achieves flow control during loading, separation, and injection while maintaining precise temporal control that prevents plug broadening.
3Productivity
If small volumes are used in the system, then analysis efficiency is improved, but the impact of dead volumes and blockages is magnified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional valves and connectors that create dead volumes, replacing them with a valveless microfluidic system. This elimination of dead volumes is critical for maintaining system reliability when working with small specimen volumes, preventing blockages and ensuring consistent flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a macro-scale valve-based system to a micro-scale valveless system, changing the dimensional scale of fluid control. This microfluidic approach inherently minimizes dead volumes and reduces the impact of blockages by operating in a regime where surface effects and pressure gradients dominate over gravitational and inertial effects.
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 solution enables efficient separation and elution of phases with minimal loss and contamination, maintaining sample integrity and reducing the risk of blockages, particularly in small volume applications, by eliminating dead volumes and allowing precise control over flow directions.
Implementation Method 1
separation techniques based on liquid propagation, use is typically made of the difference in affinity of various substances with a mobile phase and a stationary phase and/or of the difference in partition coefficients for partitioning of components
Implementation Method 2
difference in affinity of various substances with a mobile phase and a stationary phase
Implementation Method 3
difference in partition coefficients for partitioning of components
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A microfluidic device (100) for separating a phase in a specimen has been described. This is based on a microfluidic trapping area (110), channels (120,130) connected to it and integrated inputs (I1,I2) and outputs (U1,U2) connected onto the channels (120,130). An additional integrated input (I3) is provided which allows the flow in the device to be controlled and which may prevent leaking of the specimen and the phase.