U.S. patent application number 15/875862 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for microscale and mesoscale condenser devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Stacey M. Gifford, Sung-Cheol Kim, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch.
Application Number | 20190226953 15/875862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67298103 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190226953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wunsch; Benjamin H. ; et
al. |
July 25, 2019 |
MICROSCALE AND MESOSCALE CONDENSER DEVICES
Abstract
Microscale and/or mesoscale condenser arrays that can facilitate
microfluidic separation and/or purification of mesoscale and/or
nanoscale particles and methods of operation are described herein.
An apparatus comprises a condenser array comprising pillars
arranged in a plurality of columns, wherein a pillar gap greater
than or equal to about 0.5 micrometers is located between a first
pillar of the pillars in a first column of the columns and a second
pillar of the plurality of pillars in the first column, and wherein
the first pillar is adjacent to the second pillar. The first ratio
can be characterized by D.sub.x/D.sub.y is less than or equal to a
first defined value, wherein D.sub.x represents a first distance
across the lattice in a first direction, wherein D.sub.y represents
a second distance across the lattice in a second direction, and
wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second
direction.
Inventors: |
Wunsch; Benjamin H.; (Mt.
Kisco, NY) ; Smith; Joshua T.; (Croton on Hudson,
NY) ; Kim; Sung-Cheol; (Croton on Hudson, NY)
; Gifford; Stacey M.; (Fairfield, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
International Business Machines Corporation |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67298103 |
Appl. No.: |
15/875862 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 3/502761 20130101;
B01L 2400/086 20130101; B01L 3/502746 20130101; B01L 2300/0858
20130101; B01L 2200/0647 20130101; B01D 29/44 20130101; B01L
2200/0652 20130101; G01N 1/4077 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 1/40 20060101
G01N001/40; B01L 3/00 20060101 B01L003/00; B01D 29/44 20060101
B01D029/44 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a condenser array comprising a
plurality of pillars, the plurality of pillars arranged in a
plurality of columns, wherein a pillar gap greater than or equal to
about 0.5 micrometers is located between a first pillar of the
plurality of pillars in a first column of the plurality of columns
and a second pillar of the plurality of pillars in the first
column, and wherein the first pillar is adjacent to the second
pillar.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pillars
define a lattice that laterally displaces a fluid flowing through
the condenser array.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first ratio is less than or
equal to a first defined value, the first ratio characterized by
D.sub.x/D.sub.y, wherein D.sub.x represents a first distance across
the lattice in a first direction, wherein D.sub.y represents a
second distance across the lattice in a second direction, and
wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second
direction.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a second ratio is greater than
a second defined value, the second ratio characterized by
D.sub.0/D.sub.y, wherein D.sub.0 represents a diameter of the
plurality of pillars.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first defined value is
about 1.0, and wherein the second defined value is about 0.5.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of pillars are
further arranged in a plurality of rows, and wherein a boundary of
the lattice is defined by a shape of the plurality of pillars,
respective center lines of the plurality of columns, and respective
center lines of the plurality of rows.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of pillars
define a plurality of lattices that laterally displace the fluid
flowing through the condenser array, and wherein the lattice is
comprised within the plurality of lattices.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the lattice displaces the
fluid in a first lateral displacement direction.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a second lattice of the
plurality of lattices displaces the fluid in a second lateral
displacement direction.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first defined value is
about 1.0, and wherein the second defined value is about 0.5.
11. A method, comprising: receiving a fluid at a microchannel
comprising a condenser array; displacing, by the condenser array, a
particle from the fluid in a direction lateral to a side wall of
the microchannel; and outputting the particle from the microchannel
at a rate greater than about 1.0 nanoliters per hour.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the condenser array comprises a
plurality of pillars that define a lattice that laterally displaces
the fluid as the fluid flows through the condenser array.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein a first ratio is less than or
equal to a first defined value, the first ratio characterized by
D.sub.x/D.sub.y, wherein D.sub.x represents a first distance across
the lattice in a first direction, wherein D.sub.y represents a
second distance across the lattice in a second direction, and
wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second
direction.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein a second ratio is greater than
a second defined value, the second ratio characterized by formula
2: D.sub.0/D.sub.y, wherein D.sub.0 represents a diameter of the
plurality of pillars.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first defined value is
about 1.0, and wherein the second defined value is about 0.5.
16. A method, comprising: receiving a sample fluid and a solvent
fluid at a microchannel comprising a condenser array; displacing,
by the condenser array, a sample from the sample fluid in a
direction lateral to a side wall of the microchannel, wherein the
sample is displaced into the solvent fluid; and outputting the
sample from the microchannel at a rate greater than about 1.0
nanoliters per hour.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the condenser array comprises a
plurality of pillars, and wherein the plurality of pillars define a
lattice that laterally displaces the sample as the sample fluid
flows through the condenser array.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein a first ratio is less than or
equal to a first defined value, the first ratio characterized by
D.sub.x/D.sub.y, wherein D.sub.x represents a first distance across
the lattice in a first direction, wherein D.sub.y represents a
second distance across the lattice in a second direction, and
wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second
direction.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein a second ratio is greater than
a second defined value, the second ratio characterized by
D.sub.0/D.sub.y, wherein D.sub.0 represents a diameter of the
plurality of pillars.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first defined value is
about 1.0, and wherein the second defined value is about 0.5.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The subject disclosure relates to microscale and/or
mesoscale condenser devices, and more specifically to microscale
and/or mesoscale condenser arrays that can facilitate microfluidic
separation and/or purification of mesoscale and/or nanoscale
particles.
[0002] The ability to purify particles (e.g., colloids) can be very
important for practical applications and analysis of nanomaterials.
Nowhere is this more vital than in biology and medicine, where
bio-colloids ranging from proteins, vesicles and organelles,
constitute the molecular building blocks of all living things.
Purification can inevitably comprise a spatial requirement: desired
colloids can be transferred to a specific space, thereby removing
them from other contaminates and undesired species. Much of
nanotechnology and biotechnology has been concerned with
purification techniques, including gel electrophoresis,
chromatography, centrifugation, affinity binding and molecular
sieving. In all of these techniques, energy is expended to
physically transfer a colloidal species from a mixture into a
non-contaminated solvent, effecting purification.
[0003] Despite the successes of established purification
techniques, the emerging field of lab-on-a-chip and/or microfluidic
technologies has posed a challenge to these classical methods. The
need to purify small quantities of sample rapidly and precisely on
chip, particularly for rare samples or remote locations, has
negated many of the previous advantages of colloidal purification
technologies, such as centrifugation and/or affinity methods, which
can require large machinery or fragile chemistries to operate. New
technologies, based on periodic nanostructures or "metamaterials"
have proven effective for on-chip purification systems, one example
being microscale and nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement
("nanoDLD"), which uses asymmetric mesoscale pillar arrays to
laterally displace jets of colloid mixtures into size-sorted
streams. A variation on this method, termed nanoscale condenser
arrays ("nCA"), produces lateral splitting of colloid mixtures in a
flowing stream using manipulation of the fluid flow itself,
producing a nearly size-agnostic method of displacing
particles.
[0004] Despite the advantage of on-chip metamaterial approaches
such as nanoDLD and nCA, there remains an issue of throughput.
Techniques such as nanoDLD and nCA have extremely low flow rates
(e.g. <1 nanoliter per hour (nL/hr)) owing to nanoscale
dimensional confinement effects on fluid flow, and on-chip
electrophoresis methods produce no appreciable mass flow, making
the preparation of samples from on-chip technologies highly
impractical. This leaves an unsatisfied space in lab-on-a-chip
technology, in which chips can process samples but cannot render
enough of the product for further analysis (e.g., either on-chip or
off-chip).
SUMMARY
[0005] The following presents a summary to provide a basic
understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. This
summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, or
delineate any scope of the particular embodiments or any scope of
the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified
form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is
presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein,
apparatuses and/or methods regarding to microscale and/or mesoscale
condenser arrays that can facilitate microfluidic separation and/or
purification of mesoscale and/or nanoscale particles are
described.
[0006] According to an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The
apparatus can comprise a condenser array, which can comprise a
plurality of pillars, and the plurality of pillars can be arranged
in a plurality of columns. A pillar gap greater than or equal to
about 0.5 micrometers can be located between a first pillar of the
plurality of pillars in a first column of the plurality of columns
and a second pillar of the plurality of pillars in the first
column. Also, the first pillar can be adjacent to the second
pillar. Additionally, in one or more optional embodiments, the
plurality of pillars can define a lattice that laterally displaces
a fluid flowing through the condenser array.
[0007] According to another embodiment, a method is provided. The
method can comprise receiving a fluid at a microchannel comprising
a condenser array. The method can also comprise displacing, by the
condenser array, a particle from the fluid in a direction lateral
to a side wall of the microchannel. Further, the method can
comprise outputting the particle from the microchannel at a rate
greater than about 1.0 nanoliters per hour. Additionally, in one or
more embodiments, the condenser array can comprise a plurality of
pillars that can define a lattice that can laterally displace the
fluid as the fluid flows through the condenser array.
[0008] According to another embodiment, another method is provided.
The method can comprise receiving a sample fluid and a solvent
fluid at a microchannel comprising a condenser array. The method
can also comprise displacing, by the condenser array, a sample from
the sample fluid in a direction lateral to a side wall of the
microchannel, wherein the sample can be displaced into the solvent
fluid. Further, the method can comprise outputting the sample from
the microchannel at a rate greater than about 1.0 nanoliters per
hour. Additionally, in one or more optional embodiments, the
condenser array can comprise a plurality of pillars, which can
define a lattice that can laterally displace the sample as the
sample fluid flows through the condenser array.
[0009] Thus, various embodiments described herein can regard
microscale and/or mesoscale condenser array designs, which can:
manipulate nanoscale and/or mesoscale particles (e.g., colloids)
across a broad size band; and comprise microscale and/or mesoscale
fluidic channels (e.g., comprising pores and/or gaps), which can
allow higher throughput rates than conventional nanoscale
metamaterials. The microscale and/or mesoscale condenser arrays
described herein can provide particle (e.g., colloidal
purification) while maintaining low fluidic resistances, thereby
enabling the ability for a chip to output appreciable fluid flows
(e.g., 100-1000+ .mu.L/hr) for low to medium volume preparative
applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of example, non-limiting pillar
shapes that can comprise one or more condenser arrays in accordance
with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0012] FIG. 3A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can displace one or more particles (e.g.,
colloids) towards a collection wall in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0013] FIG. 3B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can displace one or more particles (e.g.,
colloids) towards a sub-channel in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can comprise a plurality of stages with
varying pillar gaps in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein.
[0015] FIG. 5A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can comprise a plurality of states with
varying displacement directions in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0016] FIG. 5B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can comprise a plurality of states with
varying displacement directions in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can comprise a pillar gap gradient in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can displace one or more particles (e.g.,
colloids) towards a collection wall to facilitate microfluidic
purification in accordance with one or more embodiments described
herein.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array that can displace one or more particles (e.g.,
colloids) towards a collection channel to facilitate microfluidic
purification in accordance with one or more embodiments described
herein.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can facilitate microfluidic separation via
one or more condenser arrays in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can facilitate microfluidic purification
via one or more condenser arrays in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following detailed description is merely illustrative
and is not intended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses
of embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by
any expressed or implied information presented in the preceding
Background or Summary sections, or in the Detailed Description
section.
[0023] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to
the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to
like elements throughout. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more
embodiments. It is evident, however, in various cases, that the one
or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific
details.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
condenser array 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein. The condenser array 100 can be located within a
microchannel 103 and can comprise a plurality of pillars 102. The
condenser array 100 can operate on a principle of hydrodynamic
chaos facilitated by one or more lattice structures 104 defined by
the plurality of pillars 102. In various embodiments, the condenser
array 100 can be a microscale condenser array and/or a mesoscale
condenser array. For example, the condenser array 100 can have one
or more geometries on the microscale and/or the mesoscale. As used
herein, the term "microscale" can refer to one or more devices,
apparatuses, and/or features having one or more characteristic
dimensions greater than or equal to 1 micrometer and less than or
equal to 999 micrometers. As used herein, the term "mesoscale" can
refer to one or more devices, apparatuses, and/or features having
one or more characteristic dimensions greater than or equal to 0.1
millimeters and less than or equal to 100 millimeters.
[0025] A fluid can flow through the microchannel 103, and thereby
the condenser array 100, in a direction indicated by the arrow "F"
in FIG. 1. When a fluid flow F is directed through the condenser
array 100, the plurality of pillars 102 can act to deflect the
fluid itself, causing a minor lateral component to the fluid flow
which does not average out over the length of the microchannel 103.
A net lateral displacement of the fluid can laterally move one or
more particles (e.g., colloids) comprising the fluid; and thereby
can affect a spatial displacement or "condensation" within the
condenser array 100. The condenser array 100 can concentrate one or
more particles (e.g., colloids) into a concentrated stream.
Further, the concentrated stream can comprise one or more particles
(e.g., colloids) of a particular size and/or one or more particles
(e.g., colloids) of various sizes.
[0026] Condensing one or more particles (e.g., colloids) of the
fluid into a concentrated stream can be useful for concentrating a
sample and/or preparing a sample for further separation into
streams based on size/chemistry for purification. Since the
condenser array 100 can manipulate the fluid flow itself, particles
(e.g., colloids) within the fluid, regardless of size, can
experience the same lateral displacement. The condensing (e.g., the
lateral fluid displacement) that can be achieved by the condenser
array 100 can depend on the geometry of the one or more lattice
structures 104 and/or the plurality of pillars 102. Previous art
has specified the geometry only on the nanoscale (e.g., less than
500 nanometers (nm) for all dimensions). In one or more embodiments
described herein, the condenser array 100 can comprise a microscale
structure that can still manipulate nano-size particles (e.g.,
colloids).
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of pillars 102 can be
arranged in a plurality of columns (e.g., column 105 traversing the
microchannel 103 along the "y" axis) and/or a plurality of rows
(e.g., row 107 traversing the microchannel 103 along the "x" axis).
Additionally, adjacent columns 105, 109 comprising the plurality of
pillars 102 can be arranged offset each other (e.g., along the y
axis), thereby positioning the plurality of rows at an angle to one
or more walls 106 of the microchannel 103. FIG. 1 shows an expanded
view of an exemplary lattice structure 104 defined by four pillars
(e.g., pillar 102 can be an example of one of the four
pillars).
[0028] The lattice structure 104 can be defined by four pillars of
the plurality of pillars (e.g., where one or more pillars can be as
shown at pillar 102). The lattice structure 104 can be located
throughout the condenser array 100 and/or at portion of the
condenser array 100. Further, the four pillars 102 can be adjacent
to each other. For example, two adjacent pillars 102 of a column
105 and two adjacent pillars 102 of a row 107 can define a lattice
structure 104, wherein the column 105 and the row 107 can be
adjacent to each other. FIG. 1 shows an example of four exemplary
pillars 102, which can define a lattice structure 104, with dashed
lines. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, dashed lines delineate an
expanded view of an exemplary lattice structure 104 defined by the
four exemplary pillars 102. One of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize, that the condenser array 100 can comprise one or more
lattice structures 104 in one or more locations within the
microchannel 100 other than the location of the exemplary, expanded
lattice structure 104 shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 "E" can represent a lateral shift between
centers 108 of pillars 102 of sequential columns. The lateral shift
(e.g., represented by E) between sequential columns of pillars 102
can be characterized by formula 1: D.sub.y/N. The lateral shift
(e.g., represented by E) of the condenser array 100 can be greater
than or equal 0.01 and/or less than or equal to 0.3.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, "D.sub.y" can represent a first distance
across the lattice structure 104 along the y axis of the condenser
array 100. D.sub.y can extend from a first boundary 110 of the
lattice structure 104 to a second boundary 112 of the lattice
structure 104. Further, the first boundary 110 can be defined by a
first center line of a first row 107 of pillars 102, and the second
boundary 112 can be defined by a second center line of a second row
107 of pillars 102; wherein the first row 107 of pillars 102 and
the second row 107 of pillars 102 can be adjacent to each other in
some embodiments. In some embodiments, D.sub.y can be greater than
or equal to 1 .mu.m and/or less than or equal to 100 .mu.m.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, "N" can represent a number of sequential
columns that can be employed to overcome the lateral shift and
place two columns in alignment. For example, for the condenser
array 100 shown in FIG. 1, N can equal 10 as indicated by the
dashed triangle 114, which exemplifies the lateral shift.
[0032] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, "D.sub.x" can represent a
second distance across the lattice structure 104 along the x axis
of the condenser array 100. D.sub.x can extend from a third
boundary 116 of the lattice structure 104 to a fourth boundary 118
of the lattice structure 104. Further, the third boundary 116 can
be defined by a third center line of a first column 105 of pillars
102, and the fourth boundary 118 can be defined by a fourth center
line of a second column 105 of pillars 102; wherein the first
column 105 of pillars 102 and the second column 105 of pillars 102
can be adjacent to each other. Additionally, D.sub.y can be
measured along a first direction (e.g., along the y axis of the
condenser array 100) that is orthogonal to a second direction
(e.g., along the x axis of the condenser array 100), along which
the D.sub.x can be measured. In some embodiments, D.sub.x can be
greater than or equal to 1 .mu.m and less than or equal to 100
.mu.m.
[0033] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1 "D.sub.0" can represent a
diameter of the plurality of pillars 102 defining a subject lattice
structure 104. The D.sub.0 of the pillars 102 can be greater than
or equal to 0.5 .mu.m and/or less than or equal to 99.5 .mu.m.
Further, the plurality of pillars 102 can have a height greater
than or equal to 1 .mu.m and/or less than or equal to 100 .mu.m. As
shown in FIG. 1, "G" can represent a pillar gap between adjacent
pillars 102 of the same column 105. The condenser array 100 can
have a G of greater than or equal to 0.5 micrometers (.mu.m) and/or
less than or equal to 100 .mu.m. Further, as shown in FIG. 1,
".theta." can represent an angle respective of a wall 106 of the
microchannel 103. The .theta. can be greater than 0 degrees and
less than 90 degrees.
[0034] A lattice ratio of the lattice structure 104 can be
characterized by formula 2: D.sub.x/D.sub.y. The lattice ratio can
be greater than 0.1 and/or less than or equal to 1.0 to facilitate
operation of the condenser array 100. Additionally, a geometry
ratio of the condenser array 100 can be characterized by formula 3:
D.sub.0/D.sub.y. The geometry ratio can be greater than 0.1 and
less than or equal to 1.0 to facilitate operation of the condenser
array 100. Additionally, the condenser array 100 can comprise
greater than or equal 100 columns of pillars 102 to facilitate
operation. For example, the condenser array 100 can have an overall
length (e.g., along the x axis) greater than or equal to 0.1
millimeters (mm) and less than or equal to 10 mm. An embodiment of
the condenser array 100 comprising one or more of the geometries
described herein can facilitate a microscale and/or mesoscale
condenser array 100 structures and/or facilitate high throughput
rates.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of example, non-limiting shapes
of the pillars (e.g., pillar 102) that can comprise the condenser
array 100. Repetitive description of like elements employed in
other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.
FIG. 2 shows cross sections of example pillars 102. While FIG. 2
depicts six exemplary shapes, the architecture of the pillars 102
is not so limited. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that the pillars (e.g., pillar 102) can be formed as alternative
shapes from the ones depicted in FIG. 2 and other geometric
dimensions (e.g., regarding the condenser array 100 and/or the
lattice structure 104) can be facilitated based on the information
described herein. FIG. 2 shows, for example: a circular shape 202,
a triangular shape 204, a square shape 206, a U-shape 208, a
napiform shape 210, a pentagonal shape 212 (e.g., an irregular
pentagon), and/or the like.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate diagrams of example, non-limiting
microchannels 300, 302 that can comprise a condenser array 100 in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
Repetitive description of like elements employed in other
embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. In
FIGS. 3A and 3B the condenser array 100 can traverse the entirety
of the microchannel 300, 302; however, in one or more embodiments,
the condenser array 100 can traverse a portion of the microchannel
300, 302. In some embodiments, one or more of the microchannels
300, 302 can have the structure and/or functionality of
microchannel 103.
[0037] The lateral shift (e.g., represented by E in FIG. 1) can
define the angle (e.g., represented by .theta.) of the rows of
pillars 102 along the axial length (e.g., along the x axis) of the
microchannel 300, 302. In turn, the angle (e.g., represented by
.theta.) can defines a lateral displacement direction (e.g.,
represented by arrow "LD") for the condenser array 100. The lateral
displacement direction (e.g., represented by arrow LD) can indicate
a direction in which particles (e.g., colloids) are displaced. A
fluid can flow (e.g., in a fluid direction indicated by arrow F)
through the condenser array 100 at a steady state, which can be
affected by an external driving forced that can include, but is not
limited to: electro-osmotic flow, pressure driven flow, capillary
flow, a combination thereof, and/or the like.
[0038] The microchannel 300 shown in FIG. 3A can be a wall-focused
microchannel, wherein one or more particles (e.g., colloids) can be
displaced in a lateral displacement direction (e.g., indicated by
arrow LD) towards a collection wall 304. Further, one or more
particles (e.g., colloids) can collect along the collection wall
304, thereby forming a concentrated stream of particles (e.g.,
colloids). For example, a fluid can be provided to the condenser
array 100 via an inlet side 306 of the microchannel 300. The fluid
can flow (e.g., in a fluid direction indicated by arrow F) through
the condenser array 100 to an outlet side 308 of the microchannel
300, wherein the fluid and/or one or more particles (e.g.,
colloids) can exit the condenser array 100 and/or the microchannel
300. As the fluid flows though the condenser array 100, particles
(e.g., colloids) within the fluid can be displaced (e.g., in a
lateral displacement direction indicated by arrow LD) towards the
collection wall 304. As particles (e.g., colloids) collect along
the collection wall 304, the particles (e.g., colloids) can form a
concentrated stream that can exit the condenser array 100 through a
portion of the outlet side 308 of the microchannel 300. As shown in
FIG. 3A, the flow of particles (e.g., colloids) through the
condenser array 100 can be exemplified by a region 310. Thus,
microchannel 300 (e.g., a wall-focused microchannel) can comprise a
single lateral displacement direction (e.g., indicated by arrow
LD), which can push particles (e.g., colloids) against the
collection wall 304, effecting condensation of the inlet stream
into a concentrated stream.
[0039] The microchannel 302 shown in FIG. 3B can be a
channel-focused microchannel, wherein the fluid can be displaced in
a plurality of lateral directions (e.g., indicated by arrows LD)
towards a collection channel 312 (e.g., a sub-channel). Further,
one or more particles (e.g., colloids) can collect along the
collection channel 312 forming a concentrated stream of particles
(e.g., colloids). For example, a fluid can be provided to the
condenser array 100 via an inlet side 306 of the microchannel 302.
The fluid can flow (e.g., in a fluid direction indicated by arrow
F) through the condenser array 100 to an outlet side 308 of the
microchannel 302, wherein the fluid and/or one or more particles
(e.g., colloids) can exit the condenser array 100 and/or the
microchannel 302. As the fluid flows through the condenser array
100, one or more particles (e.g., colloids) can be displaced in a
first lateral displacement direction towards the collection channel
312 and one or more other particles (e.g., colloids) can be
displaced in a second lateral displacement direction towards the
collection channel 312. In other words, one or more lattice
structures 104 comprising the condenser array 100 can be configured
to displace particles (e.g., colloids) in the first lateral
displacement direction, while one or more other lattice structures
104 comprising the condenser array 100 can be configured to
displace particles (e.g., colloids) in the second lateral
displacement direction.
[0040] As particles (e.g., colloids) collect along the collection
channel 312 the particles (e.g., colloids) can form a concentrated
stream that can exit a portion of the outlet side 308 of the
microchannel 302. As shown in FIG. 3B, the flow of particles (e.g.,
colloids) through the condenser array 100 can be exemplified by a
region 314. Thus, microchannel 302 (e.g., a channel-focused
microchannel) can comprise a mirror plane with two opposing lateral
flows, which can push one or more particles (e.g., colloids) into a
single stream within the condenser array 100, termed the collection
channel 312.
[0041] In various embodiments, the collection channel 312 can be
located at any coordinate along the lateral width of the
microchannel (e.g., along the y axis) by scaling two sections of
the plurality of pillars 102 (e.g., two portions of the condenser
array 100). For example, while FIG. 3B shows the collection channel
312 located along the middle of the condenser array 100, in one or
more embodiments the collection channel 312 can be located further
to the left or right of the exemplary location shown in FIG. 3B.
Furthermore, in one or more embodiments the lateral directions
(e.g., indicated by arrows LD) can be reflected outward to displace
particles (e.g., colloids) against both walls of the microchannel
302.
[0042] Moreover, the condenser array 100 can comprise uniform
geometries and/or varying geometries. For example, FIG. 4
illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting microchannel 400
comprising varying condenser array 100 geometries. Repetitive
description of like elements employed in other embodiments
described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Microchannel 400
can be interpreted as comprising a condenser array 100 with a
plurality of stages having respective geometries or a plurality of
adjacent condenser arrays 100 with respective geometries. For sake
of simplicity, microchannel 400 is described herein as comprising a
condenser array 100 with a plurality of stages, each of which can
have different geometries. In some embodiments, one or more of the
microchannel 400 can have the structure and/or functionality of
microchannels 103, 300, 302.
[0043] Fluid can flow through the microchannel 400 from the inlet
side 306 to the outlet side 308 (e.g., in a fluid direction
indicated by arrow F). As fluid flows through the microchannel 400,
the fluid can be manipulated by a condenser array 100. The
condenser array 100 can comprise a plurality of stages, such as: a
first stage 402, a second stage 404, a third stage 406, and/or a
fourth stage 408. While FIG. 4 shows four stages, additional or
fewer stages are also envisaged. For example, the condenser array
100 can comprise greater than or equal to 2 stages and less than or
equal to any number of required stages such that the hydrodynamic
resistance does not impede the required throughput. Each stage of
the condenser array 100 can be characterized by different
geometries, which can include, but are not limited to: different
pillar 102 widths (e.g., represented by D.sub.0), different pillar
102 heights, different pillar 102 shapes, different pillar 102 gaps
(e.g., represented by G), different lateral shifts (e.g.,
represented by E), different pillar 102 row angles (e.g.,
represented by 0), different first distances (e.g., represented by
D.sub.y), different second distances (e.g., represented by
D.sub.x), different lattice ratios, different geometry ratios, a
combination thereof, and/or the like. For instance, FIG. 4 shows
that the pillar 102 gap (e.g., represented by G) can narrow with
each sequential stage of the condenser array 100 of the
microchannel 400.
[0044] As fluid flows through the condenser array 100, it can be
manipulated differently by each stage. For example, each stage of
the condenser array 100 can have a different pillar gap size (e.g.,
represented by G), thereby causing a different angle of deflection
for four different colloid species, A through D. The size of the
colloid species can vary and can be characterized as
A>B>C>D. The first stage 402 can displace the largest
colloid species, A, against the collection wall 304, where it can
be isolated by a side channel or outlet. Each additional stage can
have a modified geometry ratio (e.g., characterized by
D.sub.0/D.sub.y), which can increase the angle of deflection for
the next largest colloid, allowing a systematic condensation and
isolation of all colloidal species. In other words: the second
stage 404 can displace the second largest colloid species, B,
against the collection wall 304, where it can be isolated by
another side channel or outlet; the third stage 406 can displace
the third largest colloid species, C, against the collection wall
304, where it can be isolated by another side channel or outlet;
and/or the fourth stage 408 can displace the fourth largest colloid
species, D, against the collection wall 304, where it can be
isolated by another side channel or outlet. As shown in FIG. 4, the
third region 410 can depict an exemplary flow path of the largest
colloid species A, the fourth region 412 can depict an exemplary
flow path of the second largest colloid species B, the fifth region
414 can depict an exemplary flow path of the third largest colloid
species C, and/or the sixth region 416 can depict an exemplary flow
path of the fourth largest colloid species D. An embodiment in
which the condenser array 100 comprises the exemplified staged
design described herein can allow multiple colloid specie to be
purified from a single fluid stream based on size.
[0045] FIGS. 5A and 5B can illustrate diagrams of example,
non-limiting microchannels 500, 502 that can comprise condenser
arrays 100 that can facilitate displacement of one or more
particles (e.g., colloids) in multiple lateral displacement
directions in accordance with one or more embodiments described
herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other
embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. The
condenser arrays 100 of microchannel 500 and microchannel 502 can
comprise a plurality of stages, which can exhibit multiple lateral
displacement directions.
[0046] Regarding FIG. 5A, a fluid can flow through microchannel 500
(e.g., in a fluid direction indicated by arrow F) from an inlet
side 306 to an outlet side 308. As the fluid flows through
microchannel 500 the condenser array 100 can displace respective
particle (e.g., colloid) species within the fluid in varying
lateral displacement directions (e.g., as indicated by arrows LD).
For example, a fifth stage 504 of the condenser array 100 can
displace the fluid in a first lateral displacement direction (e.g.,
to the right in FIG. 5A as indicated by arrow LD). Thereby a first
colloid species (e.g., A) can be displaced along the collection
wall 304 and form a concentrated stream that can exit the condenser
array 100 by the outlet side 308 (e.g., as depicted by arrow A).
Also, a sixth stage 506 of the condenser array 100 can displace the
fluid in a second lateral displacement direction (e.g., to the left
in FIG. 5A as indicated by arrow LD). Thereby a second colloid
species (e.g., B) can be displaced along a second collection wall
508 and form another concentrated stream that can exit the
condenser array 100 by the outlet side 308 (e.g., as depicted by
arrow B). The seventh region 510 can depict an exemplary flow path
of the first colloid species (e.g., A) through the condenser array
100. The eighth region 512 can depict an exemplary flow path of the
second colloid species (e.g., B) through the condenser array
100.
[0047] Regarding FIG. 5B, a fluid can flow through microchannel 502
(e.g., in a fluid direction indicated by arrow F) from an inlet
side 306 to an outlet side 308. As the fluid flows through
microchannel 502 the condenser array 100 can displace respective
particle (e.g., colloid) species within the fluid in varying
lateral displacement directions (e.g., as indicated by arrows LD).
For example, a seventh stage 514 of the condenser array 100 can
displace the fluid in a first lateral displacement direction (e.g.,
to the right in FIG. 5B as indicated by arrow LD). Thereby a first
colloid species (e.g., A) can be displaced along the collection
wall 304 and form a concentrated stream that can exit the condenser
array 100 by a side outlet (e.g., as depicted by arrow A). Also, an
eighth stage 516 of the condenser array 100 can displace the fluid
in a second lateral displacement direction (e.g., to the left in
FIG. 5A as indicated by arrow LD). Thereby a second colloid species
(e.g., B) can be displaced along a second collection wall 508 and
form another concentrated stream that can exit the condenser array
100 by the outlet side 308 (e.g., as depicted by arrow B). Further,
a ninth stage 518 of the condenser array 100 can displace the fluid
in the first lateral displacement direction again. Thereby a third
colloid species (e.g., C) can be displaced along the collection
wall 304 and form another concentrated stream that can exit the
condenser array 100 by the outlet side 308 (e.g., as depicted by
arrow C). The ninth region 520 can depict an exemplary flow path of
the first colloid species (e.g., A) through the condenser array
100. The tenth region 522 can depict an exemplary flow path of the
second colloid species (e.g., B) through the condenser array 100.
The eleventh region 524 can depict an exemplary flow path of the
second colloid species (e.g., C) through the condenser array
100.
[0048] Thus, FIGS. 5A and 5B show condenser arrays 100, in which
the lateral direction of each sequential stage can be varied to
manipulate particle population(s) by size. In the two-stage
embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, a two species jet of colloids can be
manipulated such that the larger species (e.g., A) can be condensed
and isolated on one side of the channel (e.g., collection wall
304), and the second species (e.g., B) can be deflected and
condensed on the opposite side (e.g., second collection wall 508).
This spatial separation can allow the two jets of particles to then
be isolated at the outlet (e.g., outlet side 308) of the condenser
array 100, to effect high resolution separation. The three-stage
design shown in FIG. 5B can effect the same separation on a 3
species particle (e.g., colloidal) jet. One of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that any number of stages, each of varying
geometry and length, can be sequentially run to effect different
deflections and isolations of particles. One or more embodiments in
which the condenser array 100 facilitates multiple lateral
displacement directions can have the advantage of separating and/or
purifying various particles (e.g., colloids) based on size.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
microchannel 600 that can comprise a multi-stage condenser array
100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
Repetitive description of like elements employed in other
embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. As
shown in FIG. 6, various shades of a condenser array 100 comprising
the microchannel 600 can represent respective condenser array 100
geometries. For example, FIG. 6 depicts expanded views of four
exemplary stages of the condenser array 100, having respective
geometries (e.g., varying pillar 102 gaps G). FIG. 6 shows a staged
condenser array 100, in which the transition between different
geometries can be a gradual change between each pillar 102 row 107.
An embodiment in which the condenser array 100 comprises the shown
gradient change in the particle deflection, as opposed to an abrupt
transition in the staged design, can be used for mixtures of
particles in which the size difference is a continuous distribution
(dispersion) and therefore requires a continuous fractionation to
effect separation.
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
microchannel 700 that can comprise a wall-focused condenser array
100 and/or facilitate purification of a sample fluid. Repetitive
description of like elements employed in other embodiments
described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0051] The microchannel 700 can comprise a condenser array 100 in
fluid communication with one or more sample inlet 702 and/or one or
more solvent inlet 704. A sample fluid can flow through the one or
more sample inlet 702 (e.g., in a direction indicated by arrow
"SA") and into the condenser array 100. Also, a solvent fluid can
flow through the one or more solvent inlet 704 (e.g., in a
direction indicated by arrow "S") and into the condenser array 100.
The sample fluid and the solvent fluid can flow through the
condenser array 100 (e.g., in a direction indicated by arrow F) and
can exit via one or more contaminant outlets 706 and/or one or more
sample outlets 708. As the fluids flow through the condenser array
100, the fluids can be displaced towards in a lateral displacement
direction (e.g., in a general direction indicated by arrow LD).
Further, one or more samples within the sample fluid can be
displaced towards a collection wall 304. Also, the solvent fluid
can be displaced towards the collection wall 304. The sample and/or
the solvent fluid can collect along the collection wall 304 and/or
form a concentrated stream, which can exit the condenser array 100
via the sample outlet 708. In contrast, one or more contaminants
within the sample fluid can remain free of the collection wall 304
and exit the condenser array 100 via the contaminant outlet 706. A
twelfth region 710 can depict an exemplary flow path of the solvent
fluid through the condenser array 100. A thirteenth region 712 can
depict an exemplary flow path of the one or more samples through
the condenser array 100. Also, a fourteenth region 714 can depict
an exemplary flow path of the one or more contaminants through the
condenser array 100.
[0052] Microchannel 700 can purify colloidal samples with high band
pass, such as extracellular vesicles. In this case, purification
can be used to imply that one or more colloid species of interest
can be isolated from other colloids outside of a certain size
range, larger and smaller particles, including salts, small
molecules, contaminates, etc., present in the original injected
sample stream. This purification can be effected by the
simultaneous injection of a pure solvent stream co-axial with the
sample stream. The pure solvent stream, its composition selected by
the user depending the application requirements, can generate a
clean solution space into which particles can be deflected,
effecting the purification.
[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
microchannel 800 that can comprise a channel-focused condenser
array 100 and/or facilitate purification of a sample fluid.
Repetitive description of like elements employed in other
embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0054] The microchannel 800 can comprise a condenser array 100 in
fluid communication with one or more sample inlets 702 and/or one
or more solvent inlets 704. A sample fluid can flow through the one
or more sample inlet 702 (e.g., in a direction indicated by arrows
SA) and into the condenser array 100. Also, a solvent fluid can
flow through the one or more solvent inlet 704 (e.g., in a
direction indicated by arrow S) and into the condenser array 100.
The sample fluid and the solvent fluid can flow through the
condenser array 100 (e.g., in a direction indicated by arrow F) and
can exit via one or more contaminant outlets 706 and/or one or more
sample outlets 708. As the fluids flow through the condenser array
100, the fluids can be displaced towards in multiple lateral
displacement directions (e.g., in directions indicated by arrows
LD). Further, one or more samples within the sample fluid can be
displaced towards a collection channel 312. Also, the solvent fluid
can be displaced towards the collection channel 312. The sample
and/or the solvent fluid can collect along the collection channel
312 and/or form a concentrated stream, which can exit the condenser
array 100 via the sample outlet 708. In contrast, one or more
contaminants within the sample fluid can remain free of the
collection channel 312 and exit the condenser array 100 via one or
more of the contaminant outlets 706. A fifteenth region 802 can
depict an exemplary flow path of the solvent fluid through the
condenser array 100. A sixteenth region 804 can depict an exemplary
flow path of the one or more samples through the condenser array
100. Also, a seventeenth region 806 can depict an exemplary flow
path of the one or more contaminants through the condenser array
100.
[0055] In one or more embodiments, the various embodiments
regarding the condenser array 100 can be utilized to design
microchannels that can facilitate sample purification. For example,
while FIGS. 7 and 8 show a single solvent inlet 704, microchannels
comprising a plurality of solvent inlets 704 in fluid communication
with a condenser array 100 are also envisaged. Additionally,
microchannels 700 and 800 can be modified to comprise multi-stage
arrangements (e.g., in accordance with one or more embodiments
shown in FIGS. 4-6) to purify and/or collect multiple particle
(e.g., colloid) size ranges. For example, the condenser array 100
described herein (e.g., the condenser array 100 of FIG. 7 and/or 8)
can comprise a multi-wall-focus (e.g., a double wall-focus)
configuration and/or a multi-channel-focus (e.g., a double
channel-focus) configuration.
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method 900 that can comprise separating one or more
particles (e.g., colloids) from a fluid using a condenser array
100. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other
embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0057] At 902, the method 900 can comprise receiving a fluid at a
microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400, 500, 502, 600, 700, 800 comprising
one or more condenser arrays 100. For example, the fluid can be
received at the microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400, 500, 502, 600,
700, 800 via one or more inlets (e.g., an inlet side 306). The
fluid can be supplied to the microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400, 500,
502, 600, 700, 800 at a steady rate (e.g., via a pressure
system).
[0058] At 904, the method 900 can comprise displacing, by the
condenser array 100, one or more particles (e.g., colloids) from
the fluid in a direction lateral (e.g., a lateral displacement
direction) to a side wall of the microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400,
500, 502, 600, 700, 800. Further, at 906 the method 900 can
comprise outputting (e.g., via an outlet such as side outlet 308)
the one or more particles from the microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400,
500, 502, 600, 700, 800 at a rate greater than about 1.0 nL/hr. For
example, the one or more particles can be outputted at 906 at a
rate greater than or equal to 1.0 nL/hr and less than or equal to
60 mL/hr.
[0059] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method 1000 that can comprise purifying a sample fluid
using a condenser array 100. Repetitive description of like
elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted
for sake of brevity.
[0060] At 1002, the method 1000 can comprise receiving a sample
fluid and a solvent fluid at a microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400,
500, 502, 600, 700, 800 comprising one or more condenser arrays
100. For example, the sample fluid and/or the solvent fluid can be
received at the microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400, 500, 502, 600,
700, 800 via one or more inlets (e.g., an inlet side 306, sample
inlet 702, and/or solvent inlet 704). The sample fluid and/or the
solvent fluid can be supplied to the microchannel 103, 300, 302,
400, 500, 502, 600, 700, 800 at a steady rate (e.g., via a pressure
system).
[0061] At 1004, the method 1000 can comprise displacing, by the
condenser array 100, a sample from the sample fluid in a direction
(e.g., a lateral displacement direction) lateral to a side wall of
the microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400, 500, 502, 600, 700, 800.
Further, the sample can be displaced into the solvent fluid by the
condenser array 100. Moreover, at 906 the method 900 can comprise
outputting (e.g., via an outlet such as side outlet 308, a
contaminant outlet 706, and/or a sample outlet 708) the one or more
particles from the microchannel 103, 300, 302, 400, 500, 502, 600,
700, 800 at a rate greater than about 1.0 nL/hr. For example, the
one or more particles can be outputted at 906 at a rate greater
than or equal to 1.0 nL/hr and less than or equal to 60 mL/hr.
[0062] In addition, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive
"or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified
otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to
mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X
employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs
A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
Moreover, articles "a" and "an" as used in the subject
specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to
mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context
to be directed to a singular form. As used herein, the terms
"example" and/or "exemplary" are utilized to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the
subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In
addition, any aspect or design described herein as an "example"
and/or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred
or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to
preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0063] What has been described above include mere examples of
systems, computer program products and computer-implemented
methods. It is, of course, not possible to describe every
conceivable combination of components, products and/or
computer-implemented methods for purposes of describing this
disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that
many further combinations and permutations of this disclosure are
possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes,"
"has," "possesses," and the like are used in the detailed
description, claims, appendices and drawings such terms are
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim. The descriptions of the various
embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration, but
are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used
herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the
embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement
over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed
herein.
* * * * *