Microfluidic systems including three-dimensionally arrayed channel networks

a microfluidic system and channel network technology, applied in microstructural devices, microstructured technology, liquid/fluent solid measurement, etc., can solve the problems of complex channels with more complex connectivity than can be generated, difficult to perform, and high cos
US20080124663A1Inactive Publication Date: 2008-05-29PRESIDENT & FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
PRESIDENT & FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
Publication Date
2008-05-29
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, improved microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The inventive methods can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems provided according to the invention can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks of the invention can be fabricated via replica molding processes, also provided by the invention, utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography. The microfluidic networks of the invention are, in some cases, comprised of a single replica molded layer, and, in other cases, are comprised of two, three, or more replica molded layers that have been assembled to form the overall microfluidic network structure. The present invention also describes various novel applications for using the microfluidic network structures provided by the invention.
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Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 303,642, filed Nov. 25, 2002 which is a continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT / US01 / 16973 filed May 25, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 578,589, filed May 25, 2000. Each application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention involves microfluidic network structures, methods for fabricating microfluidic network structures, and methods for using such structures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The need for complexity in microfluidic systems is increasing rapidly as sophisticated functions—chemical reactions and analyses, bioassays, high-throughput screens, and sensors—are being integrated into single microfluidic devices. Complex systems of channels require more complex connectivity than can be generated in conventional two-dimensional microfluidic systems having a single level of channels...

Claims

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