Dosimeter for programmable microscale manipulation of fluids

Abstract

The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for controlling fluid flow in meso-scale fluidic components in a programmable manner. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for placing two microfluidic components in fluid communication at an arbitrary position and time, both of which are externally defined. The inventive apparatus uses electromagnetic radiation to perforate a material layer having selected adsorptive properties. The perforation of the material layer allows the fluid communication between microfluidic components allowing volumetric quantitation of fluids. Using the perforation of the material functionality such as metering and multiplexing are achieved on a microscale. This functionality is achieved through basic operations, like dosimeters filling, dosimeters purging, dosimeters extraction, dosimeters ventilation and channels routing. Accordingly, these operations are performed in microfluidic platforms and are characterized extensively, allowing the realization of complex assays in a miniaturized format, where dilutions of proteins and assay readout can be performed in an extremely small footprint.

Description

Dosimeter for programmable micro-manipulation of fluids Cross References to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 687,032, filed June 3, 2005, entitled "Dosimeter for Programmable Microscale Manipulation of Fluids," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field The present invention relates to the field of microfluidics for chemical, biological and biochemical processes or reactions. More specifically, the present invention discloses a dosimeter for programmably adjusting fluid flow in a microstructure. Background technique In recent years, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical and related industries have increasingly adopted microchamber and channel structures for various reactions and analyses. Benefits of these structures include miniaturization, reduced space and reagent costs, and the ability to perform a large number of reactions in parallel or in series (ie, one after the o...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, valve approaches that rely on reusable valves are less attractive in most microfluidic applications

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