| WARF: P01314US |  |
| Autonomous Self-Regulating Microfluidic System |
| INVENTORS | • | David Beebe, Jeffrey Moore, Robin Liu, David Eddington |
OVERVIEW
This invention relates to a self-regulating microfluidic system. There are currently no simple methods for economically constructing complex microsystems. Some feedback systems have been constructed, but their complicated fabrication hinders their application.
This invention provides an inexpensive, easy-to-construct, and self-regulating system for maintaining the pH and other parameters of a fluid stream in a microfluidic channel. The inventors used stacked micro-molding methods and liquid phase polymerization techniques to construct the device, which incorporates a pH-sensitive hydrogel. Expansion and contraction of the hydrogel regulates the flow of a compensating buffer to maintain a chosen pH. The hydrogel composition can be changed so that several fluid parameters can be monitored and regulated.
KEY BENEFITS
- No external power source required
- Self-regulating
- Can be constructed within a short period of time (pH sensor is constructed within 1 day)
- pH can be regulated for input flow rates between 25 #100 uL/min by the hydrogel sensor/actuator
- Invention could facilitate the integration of microsystems with living systems
- Capable of controlling many different parameter including pH (demonstrated), temperature, light, electric fields and biological/molecular (including glucose)
- A star-shaped valve has been designed that contributes to system stability
- Feedback flow is introduced under the input, leading to symmetric volume expansion (contributes to stability) and an increase in response time
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Intellectual Property Status
Tech Fields
Micro & Nanotech - Microfluidics
CONTACT INFORMATION
For current licensing status, please contact our team at
licensing@warf.org
or phone 608.262.4924. (Clicking this link will open a contact form in a popup window. If you have problems viewing the form, try disabling your popup blocker software.)
Since its founding in 1925 as the patenting and licensing organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WARF has been working with business and industry to transform university research into products that benefit society. WARF intellectual property managers and licensing staff members are leaders in the field of university-based technology transfer. They are familiar with the intricacies of patenting, have worked with researchers in relevant disciplines, understand industries and markets, and have negotiated innovative licensing strategies to meet the individual needs of business clients.
