Smart valve module to enhance laboratory automation

3D cell culture systems, such as organ-on-chip,  aim to revolutionize the drug development process. The 3D structure replicates the natural environment of cells. For example in human body, cells are supplied with nutrients and oxygen through the heart and blood vessels. Thus, in 3D cell culture models, this function can be performed by a microfluidics system.  In vitro experiments with 3D cell culture models can better simulate the body environment than conventional 2D cell culture experiments, thus help to accelerate drug development process and reduce cost and animal experiments as well.  Miniature valve from MEMETIS offers a variety of advantages in this cell culture application and other diagnostics applications, such as point-of-care and mobile health care. 

• Low internal volume and therefore reduce waste of reagent consumption 
• Compact design and make integration in portable fluidic system possible 
• Low power consumption
• Low heat generation in the valve body 
• Multiple fluidic interfaces available 

For example, Prof. Gottwald’s group at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology developed a bioreactor system that consists of media reservoir, pumping system, smart valve manifold module, electronic control module and the micro bioreactor ( see Figure 1).  The compact manifold module integrated with four miniature valves enables delivery of desired media by controlling the sequencing of valve triggering on the touch screen electronic module. The mini valves are the core part of the entire fluidic platform.   Many bulky laboratory components and devices are replaced by the fluidic manifold module.  Functional components, valves, pumps, pressure sensors and heaters can be plugged on the single manifold module.  Thus, this fluidics module can reduce many manually controlled steps and user interference, and simplify cell culture workflow ( see in Figure 2).  More information and datasheet can be found here. 

Figure 1 Micro bioreactor and fluidics system (Image Credit: MEMETIS)

Figure 2 Workflow of bioreactor  (Image Credit: MEMETIS)