TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Hub and Chip Modular Multi Nozzle Design for Increased Production Microencapsulation

Opportunity:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its Hub and Chip Modular Multi Nozzle Design for Increased Production Microencapsulation.

Background:

Currently available device designs for creating multiple streams of droplets destined for microencapsulation use design parameters which incorporate parallelizable microfluidic dropmakers with multilayer geometry all in one singular enclosed microfluidic central housing. These traditional multi-channel devices rely on parts where the assembly of the microfluidic channel is completely integrated and thus hard to clean and troubleshoot when streams are not uniform.  This also makes it so that when one stream is non optimized that the entire production unit must be shut down.

Description:

This invention focuses on the design of a fully interchangeable hub-droplet device apparatus for multiple droplet generation in parallel. The novel central hub combined with interchangeable chip configuration allows the use of different planar droplet generation devices that can be replaced and exchanged as needed. By separating the central housing hub which distributes incoming liquids into the droplet generation chips from the surrounding the hub the design allows for chip replacement, cleaning, and design to be separated from the central hub operation. The droplet generation devices can be created through different ways such as 3D printing, hot embossing, photolithography. 

The overall apparatus contains a central hub unit that takes liquid coming from a connected fluid dispensing unit and distributes the liquid into radially arranged droplet generation chips located around the central hub. The droplet generation chips have microfluidic pathways that can create consistent liquid streams in each chip outlet. Droplets created from the system can then be treated (e.g., with UV or heat) to turn into hard/soft capsules and particles, or used as-is. By changing fluid flow rates, rheological properties, and liquid pinching parameters, system can also be used to produce fibers with multiple sheath layers.

Advantages/Benefits: 

MECS will only be commercially viable if cost effective methods are developed to scale their production. The In-air Droplet Encapsulation Apparatus (IDEA) innovations are a first step in that direction. The nozzle technology

• Increases production scale by orders of magnitude
• Works seamlessly with existing lab MECS and IDEA technology
• Allows the use of different planar droplet generation devices that can be replaced and exchanged when needed
• The droplet generation devices/chips can be created using a variety of different ways (e.g., 3D printing, hot embossing, photolithography)
• Separates chip design and manufacturing method from the central hub design

Potential Applications: 

Materials created from the IDEA apparatus utilizing this interchangeable multi nozzle apparatus can be used for but not limited to CO2 capture, pharmaceutical, food industry, and cosmetics.

Development Status: 

Current stage of technology development: TRL ☐ 0-2     ☒ 3-5     ☐ 5-9

LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention.

LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. 

Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note:  THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.  Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Hub and Chip Modular Multi Nozzle Design for Increased Production Microencapsulation should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1. Company Name and address.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.
3. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology.

Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Hub and Chip Modular Multi Nozzle Design for Increased Production Microencapsulation.

The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below.

Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Innovation and Partnerships Office

P.O. Box 808, L-779

Livermore, CA  94551-0808

Attention: IL-13973