Advantages
Fully Non-Invasive measurement:
- No embedded pressure sensors or measurement ports are required. Pressure distribution can be measured with high accuracy without disturbing the flow field or compromising intrinsic device performance.
Increased Design Freedom:
- Elimination of pressure ports and sensor integration simplifies device architecture, enabling greater flexibility in channel design, multilayer integration, and chip miniaturization.
Miniaturization and Cost Reduction:
- Removal of sensor mounting processes simplifies manufacturing, supports further downsizing and weight reduction, and contributes to lower production costs.
Technology & Background
Accurate pressure measurement is essential in microfluidic systems for precise flow control and for ensuring the reliability of analytical and diagnostic results. However, conventional sensor-embedded or port-based (“invasive”) pressure measurement methods increase structural complexity and may disturb microscale flow fields, potentially compromising measurement accuracy. These requirements also hinder device miniaturization, high integration density, and cost reduction.
This invention introduces a fundamental different, non-invasive pressure measurement concept. Microscopic fluorescent tracer particles are uniformly dispersed within the transparent substrate material (e.g., PDMS) that constitutes the microfluidic device. Internal channel pressure induces nanoscale deformation of the substrate. The resulting particle displacement is captured externally using an optical imaging system. By applying Digital Image Correlation (DIC) or Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) analysis to the recorded particle displacement, pressure distribution inside the channel can be quantitatively calculated without any physical intrusion into the flow path. By eliminating the pressure sensor itself, this technology establishes a new design paradigm for next-generation microfluidic devices.
Current Stage & Key Data
Development stage:
- Prototype PDMS microfluidic devices have been fabricated. Displacement behavior inside the substrate has been experimentally measured and validated under actual fluid flow conditions
Data:
-A PDMS microfluidic chip (channel inner diameter: 100 μm) was tested under flowing conditions. Using DIC analysis, displacement of embedded fluorescent particles within the substrate was quantified. At an internal channel pressure of approximately 100 kPa, a maximum particle displacement of approximately 1 μm was stably detected. These results confirm that the method provides sufficient sensitivity within practical pressure ranges relevant to microfluidic applications.
Next phase:
- Further refinement of the prototype device is planned, along with validation under various fluid types and operating conditions to evaluate reproducibility and robustness.
Partnering Model
This technology is applicable to microfluidic systems where pressure control is critical, including: Lab-on-a-Chip platforms, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) devices, Cell culture chips, Microreactors, Chemical analysis systems, Medical diagnostics, Biotechnology platforms, Environmental monitoring systems, Drug discovery and development tools, and so on. Through a sensor-less pressure measurement concept, this invention enables higher integration density, improved reliability, and enhanced functionality in next-generation microfluidic devices.
TECH MANAGE, entrusted with technology transfer activities by Kumamoto University, is seeking companies interested in this invention who wish to explore product development and practical application through licensing.
In addition to disclosing unpublished data under a confidentiality agreement with Kumamoto University, direct meetings with the researchers are also possible. Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries.
Principal Investigator
Yasuyuki MORITA, PhD (Professor, Kumamoto University, Japan)
Patents & Publications
Patent:
- Applied in Japan and not yet published.
Publication:
- Preparing to submit a paper.