3D Wearable Microfluidics for Active Biofluid Sampling and Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable biomarker sensors face limitations in biofluid sampling and analysis due to passive collection methods and lack of active control over biofluid flow and storage, constraining their efficiency and frequency of assessments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer flexible microfluidic device with programmable electro-fluidic interfaces for biofluid manipulation, including pumping, mixing, and valving, integrated with a miniaturized wireless PCB for autonomous and controllable biofluid actuation and sensing, allowing for compartmentalized sample processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive collection methods are used for biofluid sampling, then device simplicity is improved, but biofluid flow control and analysis efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical collection with electro-fluidic interfaces that use electrical fields to actively pump, mix, and valve biofluids through the microfluidic device, enabling controlled sample processing without complex mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar microfluidic channels to three-dimensional stacked microfluidic layers, allowing vertical integration of multiple functions (pumping, mixing, valving, sensing) in a compact form factor that maintains wearability while enabling active fluid control
2Ease of manufacture
If passive collection in absorbent pads is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but spatial constraints and storage control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into multiple discrete stacked layers, each performing specific functions (sample collection, electro-fluidic manipulation, sensing), allowing independent optimization of each layer's volume while maintaining overall compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible thin-film microfluidic layers that can be stacked and conform to the body, replacing bulky absorbent pads with thin, controllable fluidic channels that maintain spatial efficiency while enabling active fluid management
3Device complexity
If 2D microfluidic housings are used, then device simplicity is improved, but active control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (pumping, mixing, valving, sensing) into a single stacked microfluidic platform, where electro-fluidic interfaces can perform different operations by applying different electrical signals, providing versatile active control without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through electro-fluidic interfaces that can adjust fluid flow characteristics in real-time by varying electrical parameters, enabling adaptive sample processing that responds to changing analytical requirements
4Productivity
If frequent sampling is implemented, then measurement frequency is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-powered or low-power electro-fluidic pumping that utilizes the body's own thermal gradients or electrochemical potentials to drive fluid flow, minimizing external energy requirements while enabling frequent sampling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electro-fluidic actuation rather than continuous operation, allowing the device to perform rapid measurements on-demand while consuming minimal energy during idle periods, thus achieving high measurement frequency without proportional energy increase
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
Enables frequent and real-time measurements of biomarker molecules, overcoming spatial constraints and enhancing the diversity and frequency of health monitoring applications by providing a fully autonomous lab-on-the-body platform for biofluid handling and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The set of pumping electrodes includes a first pumping electrode and a second pumping electrode spaced from the first pumping electrode and substantially parallel to the first pumping electrode
Implementation Method 2
at least one layer of the stacked layers includes a polymeric substrate defining a respective conduit, a heater electrode disposed along the conduit, and a thermally responsive hydrogel disposed along the conduit and adjacent to the heater electrode
Implementation Method 3
a thermally responsive hydrogel disposed along the conduit and adjacent to the heater electrode
Implementation Method 4
The set of mixing electrodes includes a first mixing electrode and a second mixing electrode spaced from and interlocking with the first mixing electrode
Implementation Method 5
The set of sensing electrodes includes a working electrode and a reference electrode spaced from the working electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A device for biofluid processing and analysis includes a microfluidic module including multiple stacked layers, each layer of the stacked layers defines a respective conduit, and conduits of the stacked layers are interconnected to provide a flow path for a biofluid.