Microfluidic devices and methods for the extrusion of tubular structures

US10544036B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Governing Council of the University of Toronto · CA

Inventors

• Haotian Chen · Beijing, CN
• Mark Jeronimo · Kingston, CA
• Adrianna McAllister · Toronto, CA
• Axel Guenther · Somerville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 28, 2020
• Expiry date: Mar 30, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B81B2201/058
• WIPO field: Micro-structural and nano-technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for the controlled formation of structures, including tubular structures, using microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device includes three or more microfluidic arrays that are provided in a stacking configuration, with an inner streaming layer and an outer streaming layer for flowing a streaming fluid, and at least one intermediate matrix layer for flowing a matrix fluid. Fluid flow in each layer is directed from a peripheral region towards, and distributed around, a common central outlet. Guided by the streaming fluid, a sheath of matrix solution is formed, which may be solidified to form a tubular material. Some embodiments allow for the controlled and continuous extrusion of tubular structures with tailored heterogeneities and/or predictable mechanical and chemical properties. Devices and methods are also provided for the on- and off-chip fixation and optional perfusion of tubular structures.