Systems, devices, and methods for fluidic processing of biological or chemical samples using flexible fluidic circuits
Inventors
Friedman, Daniel H. • D'Ambrosio, Michael V. • Welch, William • Nguyen, Thu M.
Assignees
Triple Ring Technologies Inc • Hound Labs Inc
Publication Number
US-11806711-B1
Publication Date
2023-11-07
Expiration Date
2042-01-12
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Abstract
Various fluidic structures are described that may be implemented between two portions of material, at least one of which may be made of a flexible but inelastic material, such as Mylar. Such fluidic circuits may be configured such that applying a clamping pressure zone to such fluidic circuits and then moving the clamping pressure zone along the fluidic circuit and along a particular axis may cause the fluidic circuit to operate in a particular manner, thereby driving fluids contained within the fluidic circuit around the fluidic circuit according to a desired flow sequence.
Core Innovation
The invention describes systems, devices, and methods for fluidic processing of biological or chemical samples using fluidic circuits defined between two portions of material, at least one of which is a flexible but inelastic material, such as Mylar. These flexible structures are formed by sealing the materials together to define fluidic elements like chambers, passages, and reservoirs, with both permanent and temporary seals. The fluidic circuits operate such that a clamping pressure zone, which can be applied and moved along a particular axis, compresses portions of the fluidic structure, thereby propelling fluids through the network according to a desired flow sequence.
The problem addressed by this invention is the complexity, cost, and limitations of traditional mini- and microfluidic systems, which rely on rigid substrates, discrete pumps, and valves to control and drive fluid movement. These conventional systems often require vents for managing displaced pre-existing fluids (such as air), leading to potential contamination, leakage, and an increased risk of hazardous exposure, especially in biological and chemical assay applications. They also tend to be less resistant to breakage and have limitations in packaging and handling.
By utilizing collapsible, flat fluidic circuits that transition to an inflated state only when filled with fluid, this innovation eliminates the need to manage pre-existing fluids within the system. Movement of fluids is driven mechanically by moving a clamping pressure zone—such as a roller pressed against a platen or another roller—along the fluidic structure. This enables precise sequential operations such as mixing, metering, separating, and analysis without traditional pumps, valves, or vents. The design supports convenient manufacturing, allows for compact packaging, reduces contamination risk, and supports reliable one-time-use analysis tools for small-volume biological or chemical assay applications.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim, which introduces several inventive features related to the application of a linear pressure front to flexible fluidic circuits for controlling fluid flow.
Applying a linear pressure front to a fluidic circuit defined between flexible, inelastic materials
The method involves applying a linear pressure front (such as one created by a roller or similar device) to a portion of a fluidic circuit, which is defined by sealing together a first portion of material that is a flexible, inelastic material and a second portion of material. This sealing generates one or more seals that form the boundaries of the fluidic circuit, including a network of chambers and flow paths interposed between the two portions of material.
Pressurizing fluid to exceed a releasable seal’s release pressure for directed flow
The method comprises causing the linear pressure front to move along a first axis so as to pressurize a first fluid in a second chamber of the fluidic circuit until it exceeds the release pressure of a releasable seal located on a flow path connecting the second chamber with a first chamber. Continuing to move the linear pressure front along the axis results in the first fluid flowing from the second chamber into the first chamber via the designated flow path.
The inventive features collectively provide a flexible fluidic circuit system actuated by a moving linear pressure front, utilizing sealed chambers and releasable seals to direct fluid flow and enable programmable operations without traditional pumping, valves, or rigid substrates.
Stated Advantages
The flexible fluidic structures allow for inexpensive manufacturing, compact and lightweight packaging, and reliable, contamination-free operation for performing chemical or biological assays.
Eliminating the need for rigid substrates and traditional pumps reduces the risk of leakage and contamination, especially with hazardous or infectious samples, and also enhances safety by removing vents as possible points of exposure or failure.
Having the fluidic paths flat and empty before use decreases the likelihood of trapping air bubbles and simplifies the design, as no pre-use venting or air displacement is required.
The movable clamping pressure zone simplifies actuation by allowing multiple fluidic functions (such as mixing, metering, separating, and analyzing) to be performed with a single, easily controlled mechanism rather than multiple pumps and valves.
The structures are resistant to breakage, can be shipped using standard letter envelopes, and facilitate easy replacement to prevent cross-contamination between assays.
Documented Applications
Analysis of biological or chemical samples (such as those collected from oral, nasal, anal, or vaginal swabs) using fluidic assays.
Performing chemical or biological assays, including detection of viruses (such as COVID-19) and bacteria in samples like urine.
Use in portable or disposable assay devices for point-of-care diagnostics utilizing minimal, easily packaged, and reliable fluid processing.
Sample processing and fluid handling for various detection methods, such as optical measurement of biomarkers with corresponding reagent mixing and reaction.
Performing immunoassays (such as antibody-down, antigen-down, and competitive assays) for substances such as THC, using breath, blood, urine, or other biological samples.
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