Fluidic device and method

Abstract

To provide a microfluidic system for fluid transport.SOLUTION: A microfluidic device includes a base supporting an inlet body. The base includes a channel in fluid communication with an inlet. The base includes one or more sensors formed on a surface of the channel, or one or more sensors formed in one or more wells formed in the surface of the channel. The channel is configured to facilitate flow of the fluid. The fluid includes a plurality of beads. The fluid includes a plurality of suspended cells. The inlet is configured to receive the fluid at an inlet port. The inlet is configured to discharge the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the channel. The inlet is configured to provide substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of a horizontal dimension of the channel. The device is configured to compensate for edge effects otherwise present therein. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 046,500, filed June 30, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for fluid transport. In particular, the present disclosure relates to ultra-high throughput microfluidic devices and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Developed microfluidic devices and methods include ports for multiple channels or ports for a single channel. In either design, the velocity profile across the flow path of the fluid passing through each device varies in the primary direction of flow, creating a non-uniform velocity profile. The non-uniform velocity profile unnecessarily reduces the accuracy and throughput of sensors connected to the device. Furthermore, in some advanced microfluidic devices, the active sensor area of the device may be separated from the inlet and outlet structures by a distance on the order of several millimeters along the channel length (approximately 12 mm in one exemplary device). Furthermore, in some advanced microfluidic devices, the substrate area available for the sensor area is significantly reduced, due in part to the relatively large footprint of the inlet and outlet structures or branching channel network.

[0004] The present inventors have developed improved microfluidic devices and methods that overcome at least the above-mentioned problems with related art devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination:

[0006] A device for transporting fluid is provided. The device includes an inlet body including an inlet. The device includes a base supporting the inlet body, the base including a flow path in fluid communication with the inlet. The device includes an outlet body including an outlet, a base supporting the outlet body, and an outlet in fluid communication with the flow path. The inlet is configured to receive fluid at the inlet port. The inlet is configured to discharge fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the flow path. The inlet is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid across a substantial portion of at least one dimension of the flow path.

[0007] At least one dimension may be in either a vertical or horizontal plane.

[0008] The inlet, the flow channel, and the outlet may be configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid across a substantial portion of the horizontal surface of the flow channel.

[0009] The inlets, channels, and outlets may be configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid through a substantial portion of the area of the cube within the channels.

[0010] The device may be a microfluidic device. The channel may be a microfluidic channel.

[0011] The inlet body, base, and outlet body may form a unitary body.

[0012] The inlet may be the single inlet of the device. The flow path may be the single flow path of the device. The outlet may be the single outlet of the device.

[0013] The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet port to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of the flow channel may be about 1 to about 7.5.

[0014] The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet port to the cross-sectional area of the opening may be about 1 to about 50.

[0015] The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the opening to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of the flow channel may be about 6.67 to about 1.

[0016] The ratio of the depth of the inlet port to the depth of the edge of the inlet may be about 1 to about 2.

[0017] The ratio of the depth of the inlet port to the depth of the edge of the inlet to the height at or near the inlet port may be about 1 to about 2 to about 3.

[0018] The ratio of channel height to inlet port depth to inlet edge depth to height at or near the inlet port may be about 1 to about 4 to about 8 to about 12.

[0019] The ratio of the width to the depth of the opening in the horizontal plane may be about 25 to about 1.

[0020] The ratio of the width to the height of the channel in the vertical plane may be about 180 to about 1.

[0021] The cross-sectional shape of at least one side of the inlet and / or outlet in a horizontal plane may be a bowtie shape or a venturi shape, and at least one side may face the opposite side of the flow path.

[0022] Both sides of the inlet and / or outlet in the horizontal plane may have a bowtie or venturi shape.

[0023] The cross-sectional shape of the inlet and / or outlet in a vertical plane may be a bow shape or a bracket shape.

[0024] The cross-sectional shape of the inlet port in the horizontal plane may be rectangular.

[0025] The base may include a parallel plate structure.

[0026] The device may be configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid at a volumetric flow rate between about 1 μL / sec and about 500 μL / sec.

[0027] Further provided is a microfluidic system for fluid transport. The microfluidic system includes a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes an inlet body including an inlet. The microfluidic device includes a base supporting the inlet body. The base includes a flow channel in fluid communication with the inlet. The microfluidic device includes one or more sensors formed on a surface of the flow channel or one or more sensors formed in one or more wells formed on a surface of the flow channel. The microfluidic device includes an outlet body including an outlet, a base supporting the outlet body, and an outlet in fluid communication with the flow channel.

[0028] The flow path may be configured to facilitate fluid flow. The fluid may, for example, include a plurality of solid beads suspended therein. The fluid may include a plurality of suspension cells. The inlet may be configured to receive the fluid at the inlet port. The inlet may be configured to discharge the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the flow path. The inlet may be configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of the horizontal dimension of the flow path. The device may be configured to compensate for edge effects that would otherwise be present therein.

[0029] Each of the plurality of beads may have a maximum dimension, for example, a width or diameter, of from about 10 μm to about 160 μm.

[0030] Each of the plurality of suspended cells may have a maximum dimension, for example, a width or diameter, of about 10 μm to about 50 μm.

[0031] Approximately 150,000 sensors may be formed on the surface of the flow channel, or approximately 150,000 sensors may be formed in approximately 150,000 wells, each well being formed on the surface of the flow channel.

[0032] The base may include a parallel plate structure.

[0033] The microfluidic device may also be configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid at a volumetric flow rate between about 1 μL / sec and about 500 μL / sec.

[0034] A method of fluid transport is provided. The method includes providing an inlet body including an inlet. The method includes providing a base supporting the inlet body, the base including a flow path in fluid communication with the inlet. The method includes providing an outlet body including an outlet, the base supporting the outlet body, the outlet in fluid communication with the flow path. The method includes receiving a liquid at an inlet port of the inlet. The method includes discharging the fluid through an opening of the inlet that is in fluid communication with the flow path. The method includes providing, together with the inlet, a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of the horizontal dimension of the flow path.

[0035] The method may include providing a substantially uniform flow of fluid across a substantial portion of a horizontal surface of the flow channel in conjunction with the inlet, the flow channel, and the outlet.

[0036] The base may include a parallel plate structure.

[0037] The method may include providing a substantially uniform flow of fluid with the inlet, the flow channel, and the outlet at a volumetric flow rate between about 1 μL / sec and about 500 μL / sec.

[0038] A device for fluid transport is provided. The device includes an inlet body including an inlet. The device includes a base supporting the inlet body, the base including a flow path in fluid communication with the inlet. The inlet is configured to receive fluid at the inlet port. The inlet is configured to discharge fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the flow path. The inlet is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid across a substantial portion of at least one dimension of the flow path.

[0039] A microfluidic system for fluid transport is provided. The microfluidic system includes a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes an inlet body including an inlet. The microfluidic device includes a base supporting the inlet body. The base includes a channel in fluid communication with the inlet. The base includes one or more sensors formed on a surface of the channel or one or more sensors formed in one or more wells formed on a surface of the channel. The channel is configured to facilitate fluid flow. The fluid includes a plurality of beads. The fluid includes a plurality of suspended cells. The inlet is configured to receive the fluid at the inlet port. The inlet is configured to discharge the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the channel. The inlet is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of the horizontal dimension of the channel. The device is configured to compensate for edge effects that would otherwise be present therein.

[0040] These and other features of the disclosed subject matter will be more fully understood after review of the following figures, detailed description, and claims.

[0041] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective wireframe view of a type alpha (type α) microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective wireframe view of a type α inlet body and inlet, or outlet body and outlet, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective wireframe diagram highlighting fluid flow regions at the inlet, inlet transition, flow channel, outlet transition, and outlet of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 0.1 microliters (μL) / sec in the XZ plane of an inlet transition, a channel, and an outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 10 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective wireframe view of an inlet transition, a flow channel, and an outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, highlighting the velocity of the fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 500 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 1,000 μL / s (or about 1 milliliter (mL) / s) in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are planar wireframe diagrams highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 5,000 μL / s (or about 10 mL / s) in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective wireframe view of a type beta (type β) microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows a detailed perspective wireframe view of an inlet body and inlet, or an outlet body and outlet, of a type β microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective wireframe diagram highlighting fluid flow regions at the inlet, inlet transition, flow channel, outlet transition, and outlet of a type β microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective wireframe view of an inlet transition, a flow channel, and an outlet transition of a type β microfluidic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, highlighting the velocity of the fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type β microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16A] 1A and 1B are planar wireframe diagrams highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type β microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16B] 1A and 1B are planar wireframe diagrams highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 10 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type β microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 10 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a Type Gamma (Type γ) microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective wireframe view of a type-delta (type-δ) microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates a process according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 20] A perspective view of a related art multi-channel microfluidic device [Figure 21] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing through a conventional channel of a prior art single-channel microfluidic device in the XZ plane at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1,000 μL / s. [Figure 22A] 1 is a cross-sectional view highlighting the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / sec in the XY plane through a first point of a flow channel of a type α device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 22B] Enlarged view of the lower central portion of Figure 22A [Figure 23] Zoomed in cross section highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / sec in the XY plane through a second point of the flow channel of a type α device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 24] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with half-scale (50%) inlet / outlet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 25] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with half-scale (50%) inlet / outlet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 26]Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with 3 / 4 scale (75%) inlet / outlet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with 9 / 10 scale (90%) inlet / outlet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with 9 / 10 scale (90%) inlet / outlet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 29] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 2 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with full scale (100%) inlet / outlet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 30] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with 3 / 2 scale (150%) inlet / outlet according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 31] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 100 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 32] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 100 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 10 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 33]Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 100 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 34] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 0.1 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 35] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 36] Planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 2 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 5 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid with a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 10 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of an alternative type α microfluidic device having an inlet similar to other embodiments, but with a relatively large volume, unrestricted outlet structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 40]FIG. 10 is a perspective wireframe view of an alternative type α microfluidic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures, systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

[0044] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a multi-channel microfluidic device 700. The multi-channel microfluidic device 700 includes an inlet body 705, a base 750, an outlet body 795, multiple inlets, i.e., 800a, 800b, 800..., 800n, multiple outlets, i.e., 800a', 800b', 800'..., 800n', and multiple flow channels 890 in the base 750, each corresponding to multiple inlets 800 and outlets 800'. Implementing multiple inlets 800 and outlets 800' (or branched flow channels) can pose challenges in applications where the flow channels are not defined by a monolith (e.g., a silicone elastomer mold bonded to glass), which is common in laboratories. Furthermore, multiple inlets 800 and multiple outlets 800 can require a significant portion of the device's total area available for assays. The division between channels can result in lost surface space and different flow velocities from the center to the edge of each channel.

[0045] 21 is a contour plot top-view of a channel 1090 of a wide, single-channel microfluidic device 900, highlighting the velocity of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1000 μL / s (approximately 1 mL / s) in the XZ plane. The single-channel microfluidic device 900 includes an inlet body 905, a base 950, an outlet body 995, a single inlet 1000 within the inlet body 905, a single outlet 1000′ within the outlet body 995, and a channel 1090 within the base 950. The single inlet 1000 connects to the channel 1090, which connects to a single outlet 1000′. The single inlet 1000, the channel 1090, and the single outlet 1000′ allow fluid to flow through the single-channel microfluidic device 900. As used throughout this specification, unless otherwise noted, the X direction corresponds to the width of the device (top to bottom of the page), the Y direction corresponds to the height of the device (into and out of the page), and the Z direction corresponds to the primary direction of flow (left to right of the page) at an approximate center 1095 of the channel 1090, as shown, for example, in Figure 21. The approximate center 1095 occurs in the XZ plane of the channel 1090.

[0046] Generally, fluid enters the single-channel microfluidic device 900 via a single inlet 1000, flows down into the channel 1090 primarily in the negative Y direction, flows generally across the channel 1090 in the Z direction, flows to a single outlet 1000', and flows up out of the single-channel microfluidic device 900 primarily in the Y direction. However, with a single inlet 1000 and a single outlet 1000', a significant portion of the fluid propagates in both the positive and negative X directions, particularly near the single inlet 1000 and the single outlet 1000'. The use of a single inlet 1000 and a single outlet 1000' results in a non-uniform velocity profile for the fluid flowing through the channel 1090.

[0047] In this example, when the volumetric flow rate is set to approximately 1 mL / sec (the approximate volume occupied by the assay flow path, i.e., approximately 0.675 mL per second), the Z-direction velocity of the fluid below or near the single inlet 1000 and single outlet 1000' is relatively high, i.e., on the order of approximately 0.4444 mm / sec (labeled "4.444444e-01") to approximately 0.5000 mm / sec (labeled "5.000000e-01"), while the Z-direction velocity of the fluid along the edges of the flow path 1090 is relatively low, i.e., on the order of approximately 0.0000 mm / sec to approximately 0.05556 mm / sec. The velocity of the fluid in the Z direction between the single inlet 1000 and the single outlet 1000' in the flow path 1090 varies from on the order of about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 0.5000 mm / sec, with various increments therebetween, i.e., about 0.05556 mm / sec, about 0.1111 mm / sec, about 0.1667 mm / sec, about 0.2222 mm / sec, about 0.2778 mm / sec, about 0.3333 mm / sec, about 0.3889 mm / sec, and about 0.4444 mm / sec, as shown. The velocity of the fluid in the Z direction near the center 1095 of the flow path 1090 is on the order of about 0.05556 mm / sec to about 0.1111 mm / sec. While such a device design can be used to perform fluid analyses, it significantly reduces the effective usable area of the channel 1090, especially when the analyses are sensitive to flow rate, shear, or medium exchange. Furthermore, locating sensors near the periphery of the channel 1090 or near the single inlet 1000 or single outlet 1000' reduces the accuracy of the sensors in the single-channel microfluidic device 900 due to non-uniform velocities in the Z direction. Furthermore, locating sensors only in regions of the channel 1090 where velocities in the Z direction are on the order of about 0.05556 mm / s to about 0.1111 mm / s can result in relatively non-uniform velocities in the Z direction across the region, reducing the accuracy of the sensors in the single-channel microfluidic device 900. The relatively high velocities (and shear stress) at the inlet can destroy living cells when used in assays.

[0048] Microfluidic devices are provided that include inlets and outlets, which may be configured to minimize unused potential active sensor area, maximize uniform flow area in the active sensor area, offset frictional effects at the periphery of the flow path in the active sensor area, and / or modify flow through the inlet and outlet structures to promote uniform flow in the flow path in the active sensor area.

[0049] Each inlet and outlet may form an opening for primarily vertical fluid flow in the Y direction. Each inlet and outlet may be connected to a respective end of the flow channel for primarily horizontal fluid flow in the Z direction. The flow channel may be configured with analytical sensors and / or wells. Devices according to the present disclosure are applicable to flow channels having one or more sensors at the bottom of one or more wells and / or on relatively flat surfaces at the bottom and / or top of the flow channel. Each inlet and outlet conduit may vary in length in the Y direction (vertical in the YZ plane) and depth in the Z direction (horizontal in the XZ plane). The shape of the inlet conduit may be configured to provide a varying resistance (viscous resistance) to the fluid before entering the flow channel along the XY plane. The shape of the outlet conduit may similarly be configured with varying resistance along its width in the X direction to accept fluid exiting the flow channel at the bottom of the outlet. Each inlet and outlet may be configured to minimize changes in the planar (Z direction) velocity profile upon entering the flow channel of the device. The inlet geometry may be configured to smooth the planar velocity profile of the fluid. The inlet geometry may be configured to induce substantially uniform shear stresses on the planar walls and surfaces of the channel under laminar flow conditions. Various exemplary embodiments of the microfluidic device, along with advanced microfluidic devices, can avoid the need for bifurcating channels to uniformly distribute fluid flow across the width of the channel.

[0050] Furthermore, the relatively short length (in the Y direction) of the inlet relative to the flow channel may be configured to minimize settling of particles (e.g., beads and cells) at the inlet under sufficiently high laminar flow velocities. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, beads may have a maximum dimension of about 25 μm to about 50 μm, and suspension cells may have a maximum dimension of about 10 μm to about 30 μm.

[0051] Additionally, the geometry of the inlets and outlets of the microfluidic devices may be configured to promote efficient manufacturability. The geometry of the inlets and outlets may be configured to create a positive draft angle in the cavity that provides varying resistance along the XY plane. The geometry of the inlet and outlet conduits may be configured to facilitate large-scale manufacturing by injection molding. The inlets and outlets may be formed by injection molding. The inlets and outlets may be formed as a top piece or pieces separate from the flow channels. Alternatively, the inlets and outlets may be formed with a base or substrate that surrounds the flow channels. The inlets, outlets, and flow channels in between may be integrally formed by injection molding.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, a single-channel microfluidic device may be configured with a relatively large sensor area within the channel, a single inlet and a single outlet (vs. multiple inlets and outlets), each with a relatively small footprint relative to the sensor area, and with relatively uniform flow across the width (X direction) of the channel. As noted above, some previously developed designs use a branched, branching channel network to achieve a uniform planar velocity profile, which occupies a relatively large portion of the entire planar area and is inherently difficult to fabricate. Furthermore, the height of the developed inlets and outlets is relatively short and largely fixed to the channel height, which can lead to undesirable settling of heavy particles (e.g., beads or cells) at the inlets and outlets of the developed devices, especially in regions with relatively slow flow velocities. On the other hand, the length (in the Y direction) of the inlets and outlets in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be approximately an order of magnitude longer than the channel height, and the length (in the Y direction) of the inlets and outlets corresponds to the direction of sediment migration in the liquid. Additionally, the geometry of the inlet and outlet conduits of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to create sufficient flow across the inlets and outlets to allow particles to remain in suspension and reach flow paths where the surface shear is sufficiently high to promote particle flow through the device.

[0053] As previously mentioned, in some advanced microfluidic devices, the distance in the Z direction between the inlet and outlet structures and the sensor area is on the order of about 12 mm, providing only about 50,000 wells in the sensor area, whereas the relatively small footprint of the inlets and outlets of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure allows for substantially more wells, e.g., about 150,000 wells and / or about 150,000 sensors, in a comparable sized sensor area.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the channel may be a parallel-plate microfluidic channel. The following flow equations can be used to quantify the flow properties through the channel: The volumetric flow rate of a parallel-plate microfluidic channel can be expressed as follows:

[0055]

number

[0056] In this formula, h = height (Y direction), w = width (X direction), L = length (Z direction), μ = viscosity, ΔP = pressure difference, R = resistance, and Q = volumetric flow rate. Note that in a parallel plate structure, the horizontal width (in the X direction) is significantly greater than the vertical width (in the Y direction), i.e., w >> h.

[0057] The flow principle of a parallel-plate microfluidic channel can be expressed as follows:

[0058]

number

[0059] The relationship between flow resistance (or viscous resistance) in a parallel microfluidic plate channel can be expressed as the following equation (3).

[0060]

number

[0061] That is, the resistance is strongly dependent on the length (in the Y direction). Specifically, the resistance is inversely proportional to the cube of the length (in the Y direction).

[0062] Any structure that satisfies the functions and objectives disclosed herein is within the scope of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments that satisfy the functions and objectives disclosed herein are described in detail below, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. While the exemplary embodiments herein are directed to microfluidic applications, the disclosed configurations can be scaled to any suitable scale. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments herein can provide uniform fluid flow through and / or over any device bed or horizontal structure. For example, the exemplary embodiments herein can provide uniform fluid flow through and / or over a region for catalytic reactions. In certain exemplary embodiments, the device can be configured to promote uniform fluid flow through and / or over a catalyst bed.

[0063] <Type α microfluidic device> FIG. 1 is a perspective wireframe diagram of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Note the convention used herein: Reference numbers beginning with odd numbers (e.g., 100, 150, etc.) indicate structures, while reference numbers beginning with even numbers (e.g., 200, 290, etc.) indicate openings or appertures in structures (this convention does not apply to process 1100). The type α microfluidic device 100 may include an inlet body 105, a base 150, and an outlet body 195. The inlet body 105 may have an inlet 200 formed therein. The inlet body 105 may be substantially similar to the outlet body 195. Alternatively, the inlet body 105 may have variations compared to the outlet body 195. The inlet body 105, the base 150, and the outlet body 195 may be integral or separate components. In an exemplary embodiment, inlet body 105 and outlet body 195 are interchangeable. In an exemplary embodiment, inlet 200 and outlet 200' are substantially identical and interchangeable, just inverted in orientation. The term "inlet" is not intended to be limiting, and in an exemplary embodiment, may refer to the direction of fluid flow, and reversing the direction of fluid flow may reverse the terms "inlet" and "outlet."

[0064] An outlet 200' may be formed in the outlet body 195. The inlet 200 may be substantially similar to the outlet 200'. Alternatively, the inlet 200 may have variations compared to the outlet 200'. A flow path 290 may be provided for a fluid connection between the inlet 200 and the outlet 200. An inlet transition 285 may be provided between a lower opening of the inlet 200 and the inlet side of the flow path 290. An outlet transition 295 may be provided between the outlet side of the flow path 290 and the lower opening of the outlet 200'.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, for microfluidic applications, the channels have a parallel plate structure, and the height of the channels 290 in the Y direction may be uniform and on the order of about 0.05 mm to about 0.50 mm. The channels 290 may have a rectangular prism shape. Specifically, the height of the channels 290 in the Y direction may be on the order of about 0.25 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the channels 290 in the Y direction is reduced to minimize volume consumption of transport fluid through the device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the channels 290 in the Y direction is optimized taking into account the shear stress on the surface of the channels 290. The shear stress on the surface of the channels 290 is a direct linear function of the height of the channels 290 at a constant pressure difference. For example, for beads having a maximum dimension of about 25 to 50 μm and suspension cells having a maximum dimension of about 10 to 20 μm, a channel height 290 of about 0.25 mm has been observed to provide sufficient and desirable shear stress when introducing a fluid such as oil into a fluid (e.g., water) to separate well arrays. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the channel 290 in the X direction may be on the order of about 45.0 mm. In other exemplary embodiments, the width of the channel 290 in the X direction may be on the order of about 200 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the height of the channel 290 in the Y direction to the width of the channel 290 in the X direction may be about 1 to about 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the channel 290 in the Z direction may be on the order of about 70 mm.

[0066] The inlet body 105, base 150, outlet body 195, inlet 200, inlet transition 285, flow channel 290, outlet transition 295, and outlet 200' may be formed by injection molding or other suitable method.

[0067] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective wireframe diagram of the inlet body 105 and inlet 200 of type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Additionally, or alternatively, outlet body 195 and outlet 200′ can be implemented substantially similarly or identically to inlet body 105 and inlet 200, respectively. Inlet 200 may be configured to convert fluid flow through inlet 200 from an inlet (e.g., port 205, examples described below) to an outlet (e.g., opening 240, examples described below) of inlet 200. Specifically, inlet 200 may be configured to convert fluid flow at the inlet (e.g., port 205) to a substantially uniform flow at the outlet (e.g., opening 240) of inlet 200. As used herein, the term “substantially uniform” flow may be used to refer to fluid flow within a range defined, for example, as about 10% of the maximum observed value in a given region of the device in a given test. Non-limiting examples of substantially uniform flow are described below. For clarity, the simulations are expressed on a 10-step velocity scale and the uniformity resolution is limited to within 10%.

[0068] Conversely, outlet 200' may be configured to convert the flow of fluid through outlet 200' from its entrance (e.g., opening 240) to its exit (e.g., port 205). Specifically, outlet 200' may be configured to convert a substantially uniform flow of fluid at its entrance (e.g., opening 240) into a suitable flow of fluid exiting outlet 200' (e.g., port 205).

[0069] In this manner, inlet 200 is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid as it enters flow path 290. The substantially uniform flow into flow path 290 improves the accuracy of sensors connected to device 100 and / or the throughput of fluid through device 100.

[0070] For example, as demonstrated in Figures 4A, 4B, and the left side of Figures 5-9 (particularly Figures 5-9), the fluid velocities, as represented by dashed arrows in Figure 2, are shown by dashed lines, and the fluid velocities at the ends of each vector at inlet 200 are substantially the same at substantially all points along inlet 200 in the X direction. The gradual increase in the depth in the Z direction of each of the inlet and outlet conduits from the top inlet port toward the edge along the X direction strongly reduces the cross-sectional resistance as the inlet and outlet open to their respective edges. The inversely proportional resistance contributed by the depth then balances the linear resistance contributed by any path length from the inlet port to the bottom of the inlet (see Equation 3). For example, if the structure is inlet 200, the cumulative resistance of the flow paths from port 205 (e.g., those shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 2) is equal to or close to the cumulative resistance of the flow paths at opening 240 below inlet 200. The velocities of these flow paths below the inlet are also equal and uniform.

[0071] 2, one side of inlet 200 may be substantially flat (approximately coplanar with the XY plane) facing flow channel 290 and corresponding to the XY plane on the side of inlet 200 facing outlet 200'. Conversely, outlet 200' may be substantially flat (approximately coplanar with the XY plane) facing flow channel 290 and corresponding to the XY plane on the side of outlet 200' facing inlet 200.

[0072] Conversely, outlet 200' is configured to receive a substantially uniform flow of fluid as it exits flow channel 290. The substantially uniform flow from flow channel 290 ensures the accuracy of sensors connected to device 100 and / or the throughput of fluid through device 100. For example, as shown on the right side of Figures 4-9 below, the velocity of fluid in the Z direction exiting flow channel 290 is substantially the same at substantially all points along outlet 200' in the X direction.

[0073] The inlet 200 and / or the outlet 200′ may include a port 205. The port 205 may have a depth 210 in the Z direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the Z depth 210 of the port 205 may range between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm, and in some embodiments, between about 0.9 mm and about 1.0 mm. The port 205 may have substantially straight edges (as shown in FIG. 1 ) or non-straight edges (not shown). The port 205 may have an open top (in the XZ plane), an open bottom (in the XZ plane), and four closed sides (two each in the XY and YZ planes).

[0074] Port 205 may have a rectangular (including square) cross-section in one or more of the XY, YZ, and XZ planes, as shown in Figure 2. Other cross-sectional shapes in the XZ plane, such as circular or oval, are within the scope of this disclosure (see, e.g., Figure 18).

[0075] The inlet 200 and / or the outlet 200′ may include a tapered region 220. The tapered region 220 may be tapered in the Z direction. That is, when viewed from above (in the XZ plane), the tapered region 220 may have a relatively short depth in the Z direction near the port 205 and a relatively large depth in the Z direction near the infloor point 225. As shown in FIG. 2 , when viewed from above (in the XZ plane), the tapered region 220 may be provided only on one side of the inlet 200, i.e., the side facing away from the flow path 290. Conversely, when viewed from above (in the XZ plane), the tapered region 220 may be provided only on one side of the outlet 200′, i.e., the side facing away from the flow path 290. That is, the side of the inlet 200 or outlet 200' facing the flow channel 290 may not be tapered, but may be relatively flat (substantially coplanar with the XY plane). (See: the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 11-15, 16A, and 16B, in which both sides of the inlet 400 and outlet 400' are tapered.)

[0076] The tapered region 220 may have a height 215 in the Y direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the height 215 in the Y direction is about 3.0 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the height 215 in the Y direction may be equal to about one-eighth of the distance from the center to the edge (235) of the inlet 200 and / or outlet 200', such that the depth 235 in the Z direction tapers gradually to double. The inlets may be essentially vertical channels (or conduits).

[0077] An inflection point 225 may be located between the tapered region 220 and the curved tapered region 230. The curved tapered region 230 may be curved in the Y direction and tapered in the Z direction. That is, when viewed from the side (XY plane), the curved tapered region 230 may begin curving in the Y direction at the inflection point 225, and the curvature in the Y direction may end at the end of the curved tapered region 230. When viewed from above (XZ plane), the curved tapered region 230 may have a relatively short depth in the Z direction at the inflection point 225 and a relatively large depth 235 in the Z direction at the end of the curved tapered region 230. In one exemplary embodiment, the depth 235 in the Z direction at the end of the curved tapered region 230 may range from about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm, and in some embodiments, may range from about 1.8 mm to about 2.0 mm.

[0078] The total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be approximately 1,168 μL, the volume of the channel 290 may be approximately 742.5 μL, the volume of the inlet 200 or the outlet 200′ may be approximately 212.75 μL, and the volume of the inlet 200 and the outlet 200′ may be approximately 425.5 μL. Thus, the ratio of the volume of the inlet 200 and the outlet 200′ to the total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be approximately 36.43%.

[0079] The curved tapered region 230 may be a dead volume region (or vortex formation region) with a relatively slow flow rate, which may be minimized for complete medium exchanges. In an exemplary embodiment, the relatively sharp 90° intersection of adjacent surfaces may be avoided with chamfers and / or curved intersections (not shown).

[0080] 2, the depth in the Z direction may vary linearly, for example, from about 0.75 mm near the port 205 to about 1.5 mm at the end, from about 0.9 mm near the port 205 to about 1.8 mm at the end, from about 1.0 mm near the port 205 to about 2.0 mm at the end, or from about 1.5 mm near the port 205 to about 3.0 mm at the end. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, for example, the depth may vary at a 1:2 ratio, thereby reducing the inversely proportional resistance contributed by the depth by 8 (i.e., 2 3 ), thereby balancing the linear resistance contributed by the change in length (~8) from the center of the inlet port to the bottom of the inlet edge, e.g., from about 3.0 mm to about 24.0 mm (see, e.g., Equation 3). The inlet 200 and outlet 200' may have one or more substantially straight edges, as shown, e.g., in FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the depth in the Z direction may increase from the port 205 to the end (depth 235). The inlet 200 and outlet 200' may have one or more curved edges (not shown). Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the depth in the Z direction may be substantially constant (e.g., not tapered) from the port to the end, and have substantially straight edges (see, e.g., FIG. 17).

[0081] In one exemplary embodiment, the taper from about 1.0 mm at depth 210 to about 2.0 mm at depth 235 (or about 0.75 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 0.9 mm to about 1.8 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 3.0 mm) may be linear. The linear taper is sufficient to balance the flow resistance between the center of port 205 and any point along opening 240. The length of the fluid flow path (dashed line in FIG. 2 ) varies approximately from about 3.0 mm at port 205 to about 24.0 mm between port 205 and the end (depth 235) (e.g., an eight-fold increase in length from center to end), each resulting in an eight-fold increase in the resistance contributed by the length. To balance the resistance, a two-fold taper in depth from the center of port 205 to depth 235 reduces the resistance contributed by the depth by a factor of eight (2 3 ) effectively reduces the flow rate by 0.015 s. In other exemplary embodiments, the taper may be non-linear or curved, since a linear taper provides slightly less resistance in the middle than at the ends (reaching maximum velocity in the Z direction relatively quickly). A linear taper can generate a sufficiently uniform velocity at the entrance to the assay channel 290. In certain exemplary embodiments, the opening 240 has a depth in the Z direction ranging between about 1.5 mm and about 3.0 mm, about 2.0 mm, greater than about 2.0 mm, or less than about 2.0 mm.

[0082] Opening 240 may be formed in the bottom surface of inlet body 105 or the bottom surface of outlet body 195. That is, opening 240 may be formed to provide fluid communication between the interior of inlet 200 and inlet transition 285, or, on the opposite side of the device, to provide fluid communication between outlet transition 295 and the interior of outlet 200'. Inlet transition 285 and / or outlet transition 295 may have a substantially linear shape or any other suitable shape. Inlet transition 285 and / or outlet transition 295 may have substantially linear edges (as shown in FIG. 1 ) or non-linear edges (not shown).

[0083] The inlet transition 285 may function to change the primary direction of fluid flow from a substantially vertical direction in the Y direction and a substantially horizontal direction in the X direction after exiting the inlet 200 to a substantially horizontal direction in the Z direction before entering the flow path 290. Conversely, the outlet transition 295 may function to change the primary direction of fluid flow from a substantially horizontal direction in the Z direction in the flow path 290 to a substantially vertical direction in the Y direction and a substantially horizontal direction in the X direction before entering the outlet 200′.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a perspective wireframe diagram highlighting fluid flow regions at the inlet 200, inlet transition 285, flow channel 290, and outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. 3 represents a fluid flow region that begins on the left side of FIG. 3 , enters port 205 of inlet 200, flows downward (in the Y direction) through port 205, flows downward (in the Y direction) and outward or sideways (in both the X direction) within inlet 200, exits opening 240 at the bottom of inlet 200, enters inlet transition 285, changes direction to the right (in the Z direction) before entering inlet transition 285, enters channel 290, flows left to right (in the Z direction) through channel 290, exits at outlet transition 295, changes direction at the bottom of outlet 200′ to flow upward toward opening 240, flows upward (in the Y direction) and inward (in both the X direction) toward port 205, flows upward through port 205, and exits through the top of port 205. It should be understood that while the primary direction of fluid flow described herein is from left to right, the inlets and outlets may be reversed such that the fluid flows from right to left.

[0085] Table 1 summarizes the speed study results for various exemplary embodiments of the microfluidic device of the present disclosure.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] FIG. 4A is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing through the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 in the XZ plane at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 0.1 μL / sec, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the velocity of the fluid can be measured approximately midway between the upper and lower inner surfaces of the channel 290. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5-10, 14, 15, 16A, 16B, 17, and 24-30, the height of the channel 290 in the Y direction is approximately 0.25 mm, and the velocity of the fluid was measured approximately 0.125 mm below the upper inner surface of the channel 290 or approximately 0.125 mm above the lower inner surface. At relatively low flow rates, such as those shown in FIG. 4A, the viscous effects of water can become more pronounced, and minor edge effects are observed. The upper limit of this exemplary design may be constrained by laminar flow constraints. 4A , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and flow channel 290 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 0.009893 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 285 and flow channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in flow channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 0.009893 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in the region of flow channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is within a relatively narrow range, namely, from about 0.008793 mm / sec to about 0.009893 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290. However, in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4A, in the four corners of the flow channel 290, in regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is from about 0.007694 mm / sec to about 0.008793 mm / sec.That is, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the above configuration of the outlet 200'.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, a first ratio of the cross-sectional area of port 205 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of flow channel 290 (i.e., X dimension x Y dimension) is about 2.0 (e.g., 1.0 mm x 2.0 mm) to about 15.0 (e.g., 0.25 mm x 60.0 mm) or about 1.0 to about 7.5. In an exemplary embodiment, a second ratio of the cross-sectional area of port 205 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) to the cross-sectional area of opening 240 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) is about 2.0 (e.g., 1.0 mm x 2.0 mm) to about 100.0 (2.0 mm x 50.0 mm) or about 1.0 to about 50.0. In an exemplary embodiment, a third ratio of the cross-sectional area of opening 240 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of flow channel 290 (i.e., X dimension x Y dimension) is about 100.0 (2.0 mm x 50.0 mm) to about 15.0 (e.g., 0.25 mm x 60.0 mm) or about 6.67 to about 1.00. In an exemplary embodiment, a fourth ratio of the depth 210 of port 205 to the depth 235 of the end of inlet 200 or outlet 200' is about 1.0 to about 2.0. In an exemplary embodiment, a fifth ratio of the depth 210 of port 205 to the depth 235 of the end of inlet 200 or outlet 200' to the height 215 at or near port 205 is about 1.0 to about 2.0 to about 3.0. In an exemplary embodiment, a sixth ratio of the height of the flow channel 290 to the depth 210 of the port 205 to the depth 235 of the end of the inlet 200 or outlet 200' to the height 215 at or near the port 205 is about 0.25 to about 1.0 to about 2.0 to about 3.0, or about 1.0 to about 4.0 to about 8.0 to about 12.0. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of one or both sides of the inlet 200 or outlet 200' in the XZ plane is bowtie-shaped, i.e., resembling a piece of clothing worn around the neck known as a bowtie, or Venturi-shaped. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the inlet 200 or outlet 200' in the XY plane is arc-shaped, i.e., resembling the bow of a bow and arrow, or bracket-shaped, i.e., resembling an open parenthesis ("{") or a closed parenthesis ("}").

[0089] 4B is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 1 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, the flow channel, and the outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device according to an exemplary embodiment, i.e., the volumetric flow rate of the trial illustrated in FIG. 4B is about 10 times greater than the volumetric flow rate used in the trial illustrated in FIG. 4A.

[0090] 4B , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and flow channel 290 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 0.09886 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 285 and flow channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in flow channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 0.09886 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in the region of flow channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in sensor region 293 of device 100 located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all or all fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 290 is between about 0.08788 mm / sec and about 0.09886 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the bottom and top surfaces of flow channel 290. Unlike the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4A, in Figure 4B, in sensor region 293 of device 100 at a height in the Z direction about 0.125 mm above the bottom surface of flow channel 290, the velocity of all fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 290 is substantially uniform, i.e., between about 0.08788 mm / sec and about 0.09886 mm / sec, including in regions along the side edges of flow channel 290. That is, in type α microfluidic device 100, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of channel 290 in sensor region 293 of device 100 is approximately uniform at 0.1 μL / sec (see the variation along the side edge in region 291 in FIG. 4A ), while the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of channel 290 in sensor region 293 of device 100 is approximately uniform at 1 μL / sec (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ), resulting in a significant change in volumetric flow rate from approximately 0.1 μL / sec ( FIG. 4A ) to approximately 1 μL / sec ( FIG. 4B ). The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of inlet 200 and the above configuration of outlet 200′.

[0091] 5 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 10 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of the type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. That is, the volumetric flow rate of the trial illustrated in FIG. 5 is approximately 10 times greater than the volumetric flow rate used in the trial illustrated in FIG. 4B.

[0092] 5 , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and flow channel 290 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 1.000 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 285 and flow channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in flow channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 1.000 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in the region of flow channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is from about 0.9025 mm / sec to about 1.000 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the above configuration of the outlet 200'.

[0093] 6 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane through the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. That is, the volumetric flow rate of the trial illustrated in FIG. 6 is approximately 10 times greater than the volumetric flow rate used in the trial illustrated in FIG. 5. As in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, in FIG. 6, at a height in the Z direction of approximately 0.125 mm above the bottom surface of the channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of all fluid flowing in the Z direction through the channel 290, including in regions along the side edges of the channel 290, is substantially uniform, i.e., between approximately 9,000 mm / sec and approximately 10,000 mm / sec.

[0094] 7 is a perspective wireframe view highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of the type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The only difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is the perspective.

[0095] Figure 8 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 500 μL / sec in the XZ plane through the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. That is, the volumetric flow rate of the trial illustrated in Figure 8 is approximately five times greater than the volumetric flow rate used in the trials illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. Similar to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 4B and 5-7, in Figure 8, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, at a height in the Z direction of approximately 0.125 mm above the bottom surface of the channel 290, the velocity of all fluid flowing in the Z direction through the channel 290 is substantially uniform, i.e., between approximately 47.00 mm / sec and approximately 52.00 mm / sec, including in regions along the side edges of the channel 290.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing in the XZ plane at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1,000 μL / s (or approximately 1 mL / s) through the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. That is, the volumetric flow rate of the trial illustrated in FIG. 9 is approximately two times greater than the volumetric flow rate used in the trial illustrated in FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, at a height in the Z direction approximately 0.125 mm above the bottom surface of the channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through the channel 290 is not substantially uniform (even less uniform than in the trial illustrated in FIG. 4A). On the left side of FIG. 9, below the inlet body 105, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through the channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 varies relatively significantly. That is, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through device 100 is between about 0.0000 mm / sec and about 110.0 mm / sec below inlet body 105, between about 86.00 mm / sec and about 110.0 mm / sec in flow channel 290, and between about 110.0 mm / sec and about 24.00 mm / sec below outlet body 195. The highest velocities are observed in an irregular, roughly elliptical region (as seen in FIG. 9 ) extending from a point to the right of port 205 of inlet 200 to a point to the left of port 205 of outlet 200′, and the lowest velocities are observed on the left side of FIG. 9 in two zones on either side of port 205 of inlet 200. Within flow channel 290, the highest velocities are observed at the center of flow channel 290, as shown in FIG. 9 . In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, at the four corners of the flow channel 290, along the side edges of region 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is from about 86.00 mm / sec to about 98.00 mm / sec, which is less than that indicated by the irregular, generally elliptical region.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 5,000 μL / sec (or approximately 5 mL / sec) in the XZ plane through the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. That is, the volumetric flow rate of the trial illustrated in FIG. 10 is approximately five times greater than the volumetric flow rate used in the trial illustrated in FIG. 9. Unlike the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4B and 5-8, in FIG. 10, at a height in the Z direction approximately 0.125 mm above the bottom surface of the channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through the channel 290 is not substantially uniform (even less uniform than in the trial illustrated in FIG. 4A). On the left side of FIG. 10, below the inlet body 105, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through the channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 varies relatively significantly. That is, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through device 100 is between about 0.0000 mm / sec and about 733.0 mm / sec below inlet body 105, between about 326.0 mm / sec and about 652.0 mm / sec in flow channel 290, and between about 163.0 mm / sec and about 652.0 mm / sec below outlet body 195. The highest velocities are observed near port 205 of inlet 200, and the lowest velocities are observed on the left side of Figure 10 in two zones on either side of port 205 of inlet 200. Within flow channel 290, as shown in Figure 10, the highest velocities are observed on either side of port 205 of inlet 200, with a localized slower spot occurring within flow channel 290 just to the right (in the Z direction) of port 205 of inlet 200.

[0098] FIG. 22A is a cross-section in the XY plane through the channel 290, approximately 3.0 mm into the channel 290 in the Z direction relative to the port 205 of the inlet 200 of the device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Note that the structure of the port 205 and the inlet 200 is shown for reference purposes and does not form part of the XY plane of the cross-section. The lower part of FIG. 22A shows the velocity of a fluid flowing in the XZ plane at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec and flowing in the Z direction of the channel 290. FIG. 22B includes an enlarged view of the central portion of the lower part of FIG. 22A. FIG. 22B shows a parabolic velocity profile with a maximum velocity at the center of the plane where all measurements of planar velocity in the Z direction are taken, i.e., approximately 0.125 mm from the bottom of the channel 290. FIGS. 22A and 22B show that the velocity in the Z direction at approximately 3.0 mm into the channel 290 in the Z direction is more uniform than at approximately 1.0 mm into the channel 290, as shown in FIG. 23. In Figures 22A and 22B, the velocity in the Z direction at approximately 3.0 mm into the channel 290 varies from a minimum velocity of approximately 6 mm / sec to approximately 7 mm / sec adjacent the top and bottom edges of the channel 290 to a maximum velocity of approximately 11 mm / sec to approximately 13 mm / sec at the midpoint of the channel in the Y direction, i.e., approximately 0.125 mm from the bottom of the channel.

[0099] FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view in the XY plane through the distal end, left side, of the channel 290, approximately 1.0 mm in the Z direction relative to the port 205 of the inlet 200 of the device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment; i.e., a cross-section closer to the inlet 200 than the cross-sections in FIGS. 22A and 22B. Only one side (the negative X direction side) of the channel 290 of the device 100 is shown. The velocity of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the channel 290, flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane, is shown at the bottom of FIG. 23. FIG. 23 demonstrates that the velocity in the Z direction is not uniform 1.0 mm into the channel 290 compared to 3.0 mm in the Z direction, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. Note also that FIG. 23 demonstrates that the maximum velocity in the channel 290 does not necessarily extend all the way to the edge of the channel 290. The resolution of the analytical system used to generate FIG. 23 in the XY plane does not provide data and indications related to the relatively slow velocities near the edge of the channel in all of the XZ plane velocity profiles presented herein. To the extent that FIG. 23 may suggest that relatively high velocities (on the order of 13 mm / sec) extend all the way, or nearly all the way, to the edge of channel 290, this may be an artifact of the resolution of the analytical system used to generate FIG. 23. It is generally known in this structure that relatively slow velocities occur relatively close to the edge of channel 290, on the order of about half the height of channel 290, i.e., within about 0.000 mm to about 0.125 mm in the X direction from the edge of the channel. As suggested by the extension of the velocity of about 11.00 mm / sec to about 13.00 mm / sec on the left side of FIG. 23, in reality, the maximum velocity would not physically reach the edge of channel 290. That is, the left and right side edges of the channel 290 are reasonably expected to have a similar stepped velocity profile as the top and bottom ends of the channel 290 .

[0100] Furthermore, FIG. 23 shows that the most uniform velocity in the channel 290 continues to occur approximately midway along the Y-direction. For example, if the channel 290 has a length of approximately 0.250 mm in the Y-direction, the most uniform velocity occurs approximately 0.125 mm from the bottom of the channel 290 in the Y-direction. On the right side of FIG. 23B, the main velocity in the Z-direction is between approximately 6.000 mm / sec and approximately 13.00 mm / sec. Meanwhile, on the far left side of FIG. 23B, corresponding to the side edge of the channel 290, the velocity in the Z-direction is between approximately 6.000 mm / sec and approximately 11.00 mm / sec. Near the apex of the channel 290, the velocity in the Z-direction is between approximately 6.000 mm / sec and approximately 7.000 mm / sec. Near the bottom of the channel 290, the velocity in the Z-direction is between approximately 4.000 mm / sec and approximately 6.000 mm / sec. That is, the fluctuation in velocity in the Z direction near the edge of the flow channel 290 is greater than that at the center of the flow channel 290 .

[0101] 24-28 and 30 show velocity profiles in the XZ plane of a type α microfluidic device having a scaled-down (FIGS. 24-28) inlet 200 and outlet 200′ structure and a scaled-up (FIG. 30) inlet 200 and outlet 200′ structure. FIG. 29 shows another velocity profile in the XZ plane of a type α microfluidic device having a full-scale (100%) inlet 200 and outlet 200′ structure with fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of 2,000 μL / s (or about 2 mL / s). That is, to analyze the full-scale (100%) inlet 200 and outlet 200′, FIG. 29 can be viewed sequentially after FIG. 9 (about 1 mL / s) and before FIG. 10 (about 5 mL / s).

[0102] As used in this section, terms such as "scaled-down," "scaled-up," and "full-scale (100%)" are intended to refer to differences in the configuration of the inlet 200 and outlet 200' relative to the approximately 1.0 mm depth 210 of the port 205 and the approximately 2.0 mm depth 235 in the Z direction of the end of the curved tapered region 230 in the type α microfluidic device. Terms such as scaled-down, scaled-up, and full-scale (100%) should not be construed as qualitative. That is, for example, the term "full-scale (100%)" is used for convenience to indicate a reference design against which other designs are compared. Also, as used herein, the term "scale" and variations thereof (i.e., half scale, 3 / 4 scale (75%), etc.) may, in certain embodiments, refer to the change in two dimensions of inlet 200 and outlet 200', i.e., for example, depth 210 of port 205 in the Z direction and depth 235 in the Z direction of the end of curved tapered region 230. In Figures 24-28 and 30, except for depth 210 and depth 235, other features of device 100 may be the same as those of the full-scale (100%) version described above, e.g., the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-3.

[0103] 24 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device 100 having a half-scale (50%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The depth 210 of the port 205 in the Z direction may be approximately 0.5 mm, and the depth 235 of the end of the curved tapered region 230 in the Z direction may be approximately 1.0 mm. The total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be approximately 967 μL, the volume of the channel 290 may be approximately 742.5 μL, the volume of the inlet 200 or outlet 200′ may be approximately 112.25 μL, and the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200′ may be approximately 224.5 μL. Thus, the ratio of the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200' to the total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be about 23.21%.

[0104] 24 , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from about 4.000 mm / sec to about 11.00 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 that is located directly below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 11.00 mm / sec to about 4.000 mm / sec in the region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 that is located directly below outlet body 195. In sensor region 293 of device 100, which is located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 varies from about 8.000 mm / sec to about 11.00 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of channel 290. The peak velocity is from about 10.00 mm / sec to about 11.00 mm / sec and occurs in two regions: one relatively close to port 205 of inlet 200 and the other relatively close to port 205 of outlet 200'. From the perspective of substantially uniform velocity in the Z direction, at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / sec, the half-scale (50%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' is less ideal than other scales at the same or similar volumetric flow rates.

[0105] 25 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device 100 having a half-scale (50%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. That is, the volumetric flow rate is approximately 10 times greater than in the trial case shown in FIG. 24. The inlet 200 / outlet 200′ design in FIG. 25 is the same as that in FIG. 24.

[0106] 25 , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from about 43.00 mm / sec to about 128.0 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 128.0 mm / sec to about 43.00 mm / sec in the region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195. In sensor region 293 of device 100, located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 varies from about 71.00 mm / sec to about 114.0 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of channel 290. The peak velocity is from about 114.0 mm / sec to about 128.0 mm / sec and occurs in two regions: one relatively close to port 205 of inlet 200 and the other relatively close to port 205 of outlet 200'. From the perspective of substantially uniform velocity in the Z direction, at a volumetric flow rate of about 1 mL / sec, the half-scale (50%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' is less ideal than other scales at the same or similar volumetric flow rates.

[0107] 26 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device having an inlet 200 / outlet 200′ at 3 / 4 scale (75%) according to an exemplary embodiment. The depth 210 of the port 205 in the Z direction may be approximately 0.75 mm, and the depth 235 of the end of the curved tapered region 230 in the Z direction may be approximately 1.5 mm. The total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be approximately 1,067 μL, the volume of the channel 290 may be approximately 742.5 μL, the volume of the inlet 200 or outlet 200′ may be approximately 162.25 μL, and the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200′ may be approximately 324.5 μL. Thus, the ratio of the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200' to the total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be about 30.41%.

[0108] 26 , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in the inlet transition 285 and the channel 290 varies from about 4.000 mm / sec to about 10.00 mm / sec in the region of the inlet transition 285 and the channel 290 that is located directly below the inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in the channel 290 and the outlet transition 295 varies from about 10.00 mm / sec to about 4.000 mm / sec in the region of the channel 290 and the outlet transition 295 that is located directly below the outlet body 195. In the sensor region 293 of the device 100, which is located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in the channel 290 varies from about 8.000 mm / sec to about 10.00 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the channel 290. At the four corners of the flow channel 290, in regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is about 8,000 mm / sec to about 9,000 mm / sec. Peak velocities are about 9,000 mm / sec to about 10,000 mm / sec, occurring in portions of the device 100 below the inlet body 105 and below the outlet body 195 adjacent to the flow channel 290, over a significant portion of the flow channel 290. In terms of substantially uniform velocity in the Z direction, at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / sec, the 3 / 4 scale (75%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ is closer to ideal than the smaller scale devices, but is less ideal than the other scales at the same or similar volumetric flow rates.

[0109] 27 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device having an inlet 200 / outlet 200′ at 9 / 10 scale (90%) according to an exemplary embodiment. The depth 210 of the port 205 in the Z direction may be approximately 0.9 mm, and the depth 235 of the end of the curved tapered region 230 in the Z direction may be approximately 1.8 mm. The total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be approximately 1,128 μL, the volume of the channel 290 may be approximately 742.5 μL, the volume of the inlet 200 or outlet 200′ may be approximately 192.75 μL, and the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200′ may be approximately 385.5 μL. Thus, the ratio of the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200' to the total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be about 34.18%.

[0110] 27 , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 13.00 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 13.00 mm / sec to about 6.000 mm / sec in the region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195. That is, there is a large change in velocity at transitions 285 and 295. Meanwhile, in sensor region 293 of device 100, located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 varies from about 11.00 mm / sec to about 13.00 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the bottom and top surfaces of channel 290. The peak velocity is from about 11.00 mm / sec to about 13.00 mm / sec and occurs over a significant portion or the entire length of flow channel 290. In terms of substantially uniform velocity in the Z direction, at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / sec, the 9 / 10 scale (90%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ is closer to ideal than the smaller scale device, and comparable to a device designed with full scale (100%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ at the same or similar volumetric flow rate.

[0111] 28 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device 100 having an inlet 200 / outlet 200′ at 9 / 10 scale (90%) according to an exemplary embodiment, i.e., the volumetric flow rate is approximately 10 times greater than in the trial case shown in FIG.

[0112] 28 , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in the inlet transition 285 and the channel 290 varies from about 16.00 mm / sec to about 146.0 mm / sec in the region of the inlet transition 285 and the channel 290 that is located directly below the inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in the channel 290 and the outlet transition 295 varies from about 130.0 mm / sec to about 49.00 mm / sec in the region of the channel 290 and the outlet transition 295 that is located directly below the outlet body 195. In the sensor region 293 of the device 100, which is located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in the channel 290 varies from about 98.00 mm / sec to about 146.0 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the channel 290. Over a significant portion of the flow channel 290, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 varies from about 114.0 mm / sec to about 130.0 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the bottom and top surfaces of the flow channel 290. The peak velocity is from about 130.0 mm / sec to about 146.0 mm / sec and occurs in one region relatively close to the port 205 of the inlet 200. In terms of substantially uniform velocity in the Z direction, at a volumetric flow rate of about 1 mL / sec, the 9 / 10 scale (90%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' is less ideal than other scales at the same or similar volumetric flow rates, but is substantially closer to ideal than many of the smaller scale devices.

[0113] 29 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 2 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device 100 with full scale (100%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As detailed above, in a type α microfluidic device 100 with full scale (100%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′, the depth 210 in the Z direction of the port 205 may be approximately 1.0 mm, and the depth 235 in the Z direction of the end of the curved tapered region 230 may be approximately 2.0 mm.

[0114] 29, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through device 100 is between about 0.0000 mm / sec and about 424.0 mm / sec below inlet body 105, between about 188.0 mm / sec and about 282.0 mm / sec in flow channel 290, and between about 47.00 mm / sec and about 282.0 mm / sec below outlet body 195. The highest velocities, between about 377.0 mm / sec and about 424.0 mm / sec, are observed near port 205 of inlet 200, and the lowest velocities, between about 0.0000 mm / sec and about 47.00 mm / sec, are observed on the left side of FIG. 29 in two zones on either side of port 205 of inlet 200. Within the flow channel 290, the highest velocities are observed in the irregularly shaped regions over a significant portion of the flow channel 290, having velocities between about 235.0 mm / sec and about 282.0 mm / sec.

[0115] When Figure 29 is viewed sequentially after Figure 9 (approximately 1 mL / sec) and before Figure 10 (approximately 10 mL / sec), i.e., including when viewed sequentially from Figure 4 to Figure 10, a Type α microfluidic device 100 having a full-scale (100%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' exhibits a substantially uniform velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195 at multiple volumetric flow rates including 1 μL / sec (Figure 4B), 10 μL / sec (Figure 5), 100 μL / sec (Figures 6 and 7), and 500 μL / sec (Figure 8), as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290. Between volumetric flow rates of 0.1 μL / sec ( FIG. 4A ) and 1 μL / sec ( FIG. 4B ), at a sensor region 293 of device 100 located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through channel 290 transitions from partially uniform to substantially uniform, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of channel 290. Conversely, between volumetric flow rates of 500 μL / sec ( FIG. 8 ) and 1 mL / sec ( FIG. 9 ), at a sensor region 293 of device 100 located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through channel 290 transitions from substantially uniform to partially uniform, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of channel 290. Between volumetric flow rates of 1 mL / sec (FIG. 9), 2 mL / sec (FIG. 29), and 5 mL / sec (FIG. 10), in a sensor region 293 of device 100 located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 290 transitions from partially uniform to substantially non-uniform, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of flow channel 290.That is, a Type α microfluidic device 100 having a full-scale (100%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' exhibits a substantially uniform velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, with a volumetric flow rate of between about 0.5 μL / sec and about 750 μL / sec, more specifically, between about 1 μL / sec and about 500 μL / sec, when measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290.

[0116] In the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, a maximum substantially uniform velocity range in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 between about 47.00 mm / sec and about 52.00 mm / sec was achieved for a type α microfluidic device 100 having an inlet 200 / outlet 200′ at full scale (100%) when the fluid volumetric flow rate was about 500 μL / sec ( FIG. 8 ). Also, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, a minimum substantially uniform velocity range in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 between about 0.08788 mm / sec and about 0.09886 mm / sec was achieved for a type α microfluidic device 100 having an inlet 200 / outlet 200′ at full scale (100%) when the fluid volumetric flow rate was about 1 μL / sec ( FIG. 4B ).

[0117] 30 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition, flow channel, and outlet transition of a type α microfluidic device with a 3 / 2 scale (150%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ in the type α microfluidic device 100. In the type α microfluidic device with a 3 / 2 scale (150%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′, the depth 210 in the Z direction of the port 205 may be approximately 1.5 mm, and the depth 235 in the Z direction of the end of the curved tapered region 230 may be approximately 3.0 mm. The total volume of a type α microfluidic device 100 having a 3 / 2 scale (150%) inlet 200 / outlet 200′ may be approximately 1,370 μL, the volume of the flow channel 290 may be approximately 742.5 μL, the volume of the inlet 200 or outlet 200′ may be approximately 313.75 μL, and the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200′ may be approximately 627.5 μL. Thus, the ratio of the volume of the inlet 200 and outlet 200′ to the total volume of the type α microfluidic device 100 may be approximately 45.80%. Figure 30 shows the velocity profile in the XZ plane for a type α microfluidic device having a 3 / 2 scale (150%) inlet 200 and outlet 200′ structure for a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec.

[0118] Looking at Figure 30 in order from Figure 26 to Figure 27, Figure 6, and Figure 30, each of the type α microfluidic devices 100 having a 9 / 10 scale (90%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 27), a full scale (100%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 6), and a 3 / 2 scale (150%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 30) exhibits a substantially uniform velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the channel 290 at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec, measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the channel 290, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195. Between the 3 / 4 scale (75%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 26) and the 9 / 10 scale (90%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 27), in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 transitions from partially non-uniform to substantially or completely uniform when measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290. A type α microfluidic device 100 having a 9 / 10 scale (90%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 27) exhibits a substantially uniform velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the channel 290 in the range of about 11.00 mm / sec to about 13.00 mm / sec, measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the channel 290, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / sec. A Type α microfluidic device 100 having a full-scale (100%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 6) exhibits a substantially uniform velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the channel 290 in the range of about 9.000 mm / s to about 10.00 mm / s, measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the channel 290, at a sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / s.A type α microfluidic device 100 having a 3 / 2 scale (150%) inlet 200 / outlet 200' (Figure 30) exhibits a substantially uniform velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the channel 290 in the range of about 8.000 mm / s to about 10.00 mm / s, measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the channel 290, at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 μL / s, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195.

[0119] In the trials associated with Figures 31-38, the viscosity of the fluid is substantially greater than in the trials associated with Figures 4A, 4B, 5-10, 14, 15, 16A, 16B, 17, 22A, 22B, 23-30, 39, and 40. Figures 31-33 are planar wireframe diagrams highlighting the velocity of a fluid having a viscosity 100 times greater than water flowing at volumetric flow rates of about 1 μL / sec, about 10 μL / sec, and about 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 285, the flow channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. 34-38 are planar wireframe diagrams highlighting the velocity of a fluid having a viscosity 1000 times greater than that of water flowing at volumetric flow rates of about 0.1 μL / sec, about 100 μL / sec, about 2 mL / sec, about 5 mL / sec, and about 10 mL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of a type α microfluidic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 31-36 illustrate the ability of the type α microfluidic device 100 to generate a substantially uniform flow in the channel 290 for a fluid with a substantially relatively high viscosity, up to about 1000 times greater than that of water, and at a volumetric flow rate of up to about 2 mL / sec. For comparison purposes, the trial associated with FIG. 31 can be compared to the trial of FIG. 4B (about 1 μL / sec). The trial associated with FIG. 32 can be compared to the trial of FIG. 5 (about 10 μL / sec). Each trial associated with Figures 33 and 35 may be compared to each trial of Figures 6, 7, 22A, 22B, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 39, and 40 (approximately 100 μL / sec). The trial of Figure 34 may be compared to the trial of Figure 4A (approximately 0.1 μL / sec). The trial of Figure 36 may be compared to the trial of Figure 29 (approximately 2,000 μL / sec). And the trial of Figure 37 may be compared to the trial of Figure 10 (approximately 5,000 μL / sec).

[0120] 31 , the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1 μL / sec and having a viscosity 100 times greater than that of water flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from approximately 0.0000 mm / sec to approximately 0.1226 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of a fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from approximately 0.1226 mm / sec to approximately 0.0000 mm / sec in a region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290, is within a relatively narrow range, i.e., from about 0.1089 mm / sec to about 0.1226 mm / sec. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 31 , in the regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located at the two corners of the flow channel 290, between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is from about 0.09533 mm / sec to about 0.1089 mm / sec. That is, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the above configuration of the outlet 200′.

[0121] 32 , the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 10 μL / sec and having a viscosity 100 times greater than that of water flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from approximately 0.0000 mm / sec to approximately 1.000 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of a fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from approximately 1.000 mm / sec to approximately 0.0000 mm / sec in a region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290, is within a relatively narrow range, i.e., between about 0.9812 mm / sec and about 1.000 mm / sec. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 32 , in the two corners of the flow channel 290, in regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is between about 0.8586 mm / sec and about 0.9812 mm / sec. That is, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the configuration of the outlet 200′.

[0122] 33 , a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec and having a viscosity 100 times greater than water flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies in velocity from approximately 0.0000 mm / sec to approximately 12.00 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, a fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies in velocity from approximately 12.00 mm / sec to approximately 0.0000 mm / sec in a region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290, is within a relatively narrow range, i.e., from about 11.00 mm / sec to about 12.00 mm / sec. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 33 , in the two corners of the flow channel 290, in regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is from about 10.00 mm / sec to about 11.00 mm / sec. That is, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the above configuration of the outlet 200′.

[0123] 34 , the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 0.1 μL / sec and having a viscosity 1000 times greater than that of water flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from approximately 0.0000 mm / sec to approximately 0.01224 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of a fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from approximately 0.01224 mm / sec to approximately 0.0000 mm / sec in a region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290, is within a relatively narrow range, i.e., from about 0.01088 mm / sec to about 0.01224 mm / sec. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 34 , in the regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located at the two corners of the flow channel 290, between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is from about 0.009520 mm / sec to about 0.01088 mm / sec. That is, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the configuration of the outlet 200′.

[0124] 35 , the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec and having a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from approximately 0.0000 mm / sec to approximately 12.00 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of a fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from approximately 12.00 mm / sec to approximately 0.0000 mm / sec in a region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290, is within a relatively narrow range, i.e., from about 11.00 mm / sec to about 12.00 mm / sec. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 35 , in the two corners of the flow channel 290, in regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is from about 10.00 mm / sec to about 11.00 mm / sec. That is, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the above configuration of the outlet 200′.

[0125] 36 , the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 2000 μL / sec (about 2 mL / sec) and having a viscosity 1000 times greater than that of water flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 248.0 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 248.0 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in a region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of the flow channel 290, is within a relatively narrow range, i.e., from about 221.0 mm / sec to about 248.0 mm / sec. That is, in the sensor region 293 of the device 100, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of the inlet 200 and the above configuration of the outlet 200'.

[0126] 37 , the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 5000 μL / sec (about 5 mL / sec) and having a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 656.0 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 located directly below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from about 656.0 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in the region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 located directly below outlet body 195. In a sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction of the flow channel 290 varies from about 510.0 mm / sec to about 656.0 mm / sec, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the bottom and top surfaces of the flow channel 290. At the corners of the flow channel 290 and along the side edges of the flow channel 290, in regions 291 of the sensor region 293 of the device 100 located between the inlet body 105 and the outlet body 195, the velocity in the Z direction is about 510.0 mm / sec to about 583.0 mm / sec. The peak velocities of about 583.0 mm / sec to about 656.0 mm / sec occur over a significant portion of the flow channel 290 and in portions of the device 100 below the inlet body 105 and below the outlet body 195 adjacent to the flow channel 290. A minimum velocity of approximately 0.000 mm / sec occurs at each of the four corners of the device 100 below each of the inlet 200 and outlet 200'.

[0127] In Figure 38, the velocity of a fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of about 10,000 μL / sec (about 10 mL / sec) and having a viscosity 1000 times greater than water flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 290 at a height about 0.125 mm above the bottom of flow channel 290 in sensor region 293 of device 100 is not substantially uniform (even less uniform than the trial shown in Figure 37). On the left side of Figure 38, below inlet body 105, the velocity of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 290 in sensor region 293 of device 100 varies relatively significantly. That is, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through device 100 is between about 0.0000 mm / sec and about 2,165 mm / sec below inlet body 105, between about 481.0 mm / sec and about 1,684 mm / sec in flow channel 290, and between about 241.0 mm / sec and about 1,684 mm / sec below outlet body 195. The highest velocities are observed near port 205 of inlet 200, and the lowest velocities are observed on the left side of FIG. 10 in two zones on either side of port 205 of inlet 200. Within flow channel 290, the highest velocities are observed on either side of port 205 of inlet 200, with a localized slower spot occurring within flow channel 290 just to the right (in the Z direction) of port 205 of inlet 200, as seen in FIG.

[0128] 39 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295 of an alternative type-α microfluidic device 100A having an inlet 200, as in the other embodiments, but instead of the outlet 200′, the alternative type-α microfluidic device 100A has a relatively large, unrestricted volume outlet 200A according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the outlet 200A may have a substantially linear shape with an open bottom adjacent to the outlet transition, an open top accessible from above the device 100A, and four internal sidewalls defined by the outlet body 195. The opening in the outlet 200A may have a width in the X direction substantially equal to the channel 290 and a dimension in the Z direction of approximately 2.0 mm.

[0129] 39 , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 285 and channel 290, flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec, varies from approximately 0.0000 mm / sec to approximately 13.00 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 285 and channel 290 that is located directly below inlet body 105, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 105. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 290 and outlet transition 295 varies from approximately 13.00 mm / sec to approximately 0.0000 mm / sec in a region of channel 290 and outlet transition 295 that is located directly below outlet body 195, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 195. Conversely, at sensor region 293 of device 100A, located between inlet body 105 and outlet body 195, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 290, as measured at a height in the Y direction approximately midway between the lower and upper surfaces of flow channel 290, is within a relatively narrow range, i.e., from about 11.00 mm / sec to about 13.00 mm / sec. That is, at sensor region 293 of device 100A, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 290 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of inlet 200 and is independent of the configuration of outlet 200A.

[0130] Figure 40 is a perspective wireframe view of an alternative type α microfluidic device 100A in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 285, the channel 290, and the outlet transition 295, highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec, according to an exemplary embodiment. The only difference between Figures 39 and 40 is the perspective.

[0131] Figures 39 and 40 collectively demonstrate that, as described and demonstrated above, the inlet 200 of type a microfluidic devices 100 and 100A may be sufficient to achieve substantially uniform flow in the Z direction of the flow path 290 (without requiring any particular restraining structure for the outlet 200' or outlet 200A).

[0132] <Type β microfluidic device> 11-15, 16A, and 16B are diagrams illustrating a type β microfluidic device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. The type β microfluidic device 300 in FIGS. 11-15, 16A, and 16B is substantially similar to the type α microfluidic device 100 in FIGS. 1-3, 4A, 4B, and 5-10, except that in FIGS. 1-3, 4A, 4B, and 5-10, only one side of the inlet 200 and the outlet 200′ is flat (substantially coplanar with the XY plane), i.e., the side facing the flow channel 290 is flat (substantially coplanar with the XY plane), and the side facing away from the flow channel 290 is tapered. 11-15, 16A, and 16B, both sides of the inlet 400 and outlet 400' are tapered, i.e., both the side facing the flow channel 490 and the side facing away from the flow channel 490 are tapered. Otherwise, one or more features of the type β microfluidic device 300 in FIGS. 11-15, 16A, and 16B may be substantially similar to the corresponding feature of the type α microfluidic device 100 in FIGS. 1-3, 4A, 4B, and 5-10.

[0133] Figure 14 is a perspective wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 485, the channel 490, and the outlet transition 495 of the type β microfluidic device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 100 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 485, the channel 490, and the outlet transition 495 of the type β microfluidic device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0134] The velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 485 and channel 490 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 10.00 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 485 and channel 490 located directly below inlet body 305, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 305. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in channel 490 and outlet transition 495 varies from about 10.00 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in the region of channel 490 and outlet transition 495 located directly below outlet body 395, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 395. Conversely, in the sensor region 493 of device 300 (i.e., the rectilinear region of flow channel 490), the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 490 is about 9,000 mm / sec to about 10,000 mm / sec when sensor region 493 is located between inlet body 305 and outlet body 395. That is, in the sensor region 493 of device 300, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction of flow channel 490 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of inlet 400 and the above configuration of outlet 400′.

[0135] 16A is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing in the XZ plane at a relatively low volumetric flow rate of about 1 μL / sec (about 100 times lower than in FIGS. 14-15 ) of about 1 μL / sec in the inlet transition 485, the channel 490, and the outlet transition 495 of a type α microfluidic device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16A , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in the inlet transition 485 and the channel 490 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 0.09634 mm / sec in a region of the inlet transition 485 and the channel 490 located directly below the inlet body 305, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within a region of the inlet body 305 below. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in flow channel 490 and outlet transition 495 varies from about 0.09634 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in the region of flow channel 490 and outlet transition 495 located directly below outlet body 395, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below outlet body 395. Conversely, in sensor region 493 of device 300 located between inlet body 305 and outlet body 395, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z direction in flow channel 490 is from about 0.08563 mm / sec to about 0.09634 mm / sec. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above exemplary configuration of inlet 400 and the above configuration of outlet 400'.

[0136] 16B is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing in the XZ plane at a relatively low volumetric flow rate of about 10 μL / sec (about 10 times lower than in FIG. 15 ) of about 10 μL / sec in the inlet transition 485, the channel 490, and the outlet transition 495 of type a microfluidic device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16B , the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction in inlet transition 485 and the channel 490 varies from about 0.0000 mm / sec to about 0.9858 mm / sec in a region of inlet transition 485 and the channel 490 located directly below inlet body 305, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below inlet body 305. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z-direction in the flow channel 490 and outlet transition 495 varies from about 0.9858 mm / sec to about 0.0000 mm / sec in the region of the flow channel 490 and outlet transition 495 located directly below the outlet body 395, although this region of velocity variation is substantially contained within the region below the outlet body 395. Conversely, in the sensor region 493 of the device 300 located between the inlet body 305 and the outlet body 395, the velocity of substantially all of the fluid flowing in the Z-direction in the flow channel 490 is between about 0.8763 mm / sec and about 0.9858 mm / sec. That is, in the sensor region 493 of the device 300, the velocity of substantially all or all of the fluid flowing in the Z-direction in the flow channel 490 is substantially uniform. The substantially uniform flow of fluid is an advantageous effect of the above-described exemplary configuration of the inlet 400 and the above-described configuration of the outlet 400'.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, a first ratio of the cross-sectional area of port 405 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of flow channel 490 (i.e., X dimension x Y dimension) is about 2.0 (e.g., 1.0 mm x 2.0 mm) to about 11.25 (e.g., 0.25 mm x 45.0 mm), or about 1.0 to about 5.625. In an exemplary embodiment, a second ratio of the cross-sectional area of port 405 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) to the cross-sectional area of opening 440 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) is about 2.0 (e.g., 1.0 mm x 2.0 mm) to about 45.0 ((2.0 mm x 45.0 mm) / 2), or about 1.0 to about 22.5. In an exemplary embodiment, a third ratio of the cross-sectional area of the opening 440 (i.e., X dimension x Z dimension) to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of the flow channel 490 (i.e., X dimension x Y dimension) is about 100.0 (2.0 mm x 50.0 mm) to about 15.0 (e.g., 0.25 mm x 60.0 mm), or about 6.67 to about 1.00. In an exemplary embodiment, a fourth ratio of the depth 410 of the port 405 to the depth 435 of the end of the inlet 400 or outlet 400' is about 1.0 to about 2.0. In an exemplary embodiment, a fifth ratio of the depth 410 of the port 405 to the depth 435 at the end of the inlet 400 or outlet 400' to the height 415 at or near the port 405 is about 1.0 to about 2.0 to about 3.0. In an exemplary embodiment, a sixth ratio of the height of the flow channel 490 to the depth 410 of the port 405 to the depth 435 at the end of the inlet 400 or outlet 400' to the height 415 at or near the port 405 is about 0.25 to about 1.0 to about 2.0 to about 3.0, or about 1.0 to about 4.0 to about 8.0 to about 12.0. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the inlet 400 or outlet 400' in the XZ plane is bowtie-shaped, i.e., resembling a piece of clothing worn around the neck known as a bowtie, or venturi-shaped. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the inlet 400 or outlet 400' in the XY plane is arc-shaped, i.e., resembling the bow of a bow and arrow, or bracket-shaped, i.e., resembling an open parenthesis ("{") or a closed parenthesis ("}").

[0138] <Type γ microfluidic device> 17 is a planar wireframe diagram highlighting the velocity of fluid flowing at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 1,000 μL / sec in the XZ plane of the inlet transition 485A, the channel 490A, which may be an assay channel, and the outlet transition 495A of a type-γ microfluidic device 300A according to an exemplary embodiment. The type-γ microfluidic device 300A may be substantially similar to the type-α microfluidic device 300; therefore, like structures are similarly numbered and some like structures have been omitted for brevity. One difference between the type-γ microfluidic device 300A and the type-α microfluidic device 300 may be that the inlet 400A and the outlet 400′A are not tapered in the XZ plane (compared to the inlet 400 and the outlet 400′ of the type-α microfluidic device 300). That is, instead of tapering from the port to the end, each of the inlet 400A and the outlet 400′A may have a uniform depth in the Z direction. The depth of each of the inlet 400A and outlet 400'A (including their respective ports) may be approximately 1.0 mm. This exemplary design demonstrates that a taper of the inlet conduit in the Z direction may be provided to achieve uniform velocity in the flow channel 490A.

[0139] 17, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through inlet transition 485A and channel 490A varies from about 0.046 mm / sec to about 0.103 mm / sec in the region of inlet transition 485A and channel 490A located directly below inlet body 305A. Similarly, the velocity of fluid flowing in the Z direction through channel 490A and outlet transition 495A varies from about 0.103 mm / sec to about 0.046 mm / sec in the region of channel 490A and outlet transition 495A located directly below outlet body 395A. Over the majority of sensor area 493A of device 300A, the velocity in the Z direction is about 0.080 mm / sec to about 0.091 mm / sec. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17, the velocity in the Z direction in a generally semicircular region 491A (shown by dashed lines) of the sensor region of device 300A located near the inlet 400A and outlet 400'A ports is about 0.091 mm / sec to about 0.103 mm / sec. That is, the velocity of the majority of fluid flowing in the Z direction in flow channel 490A in sensor region 493A of device 300A is substantially uniform. Comparing FIGS. 14, 15, 16A, and 16B (particularly FIGS. 14 and 15) with FIG. 17 demonstrates the improvement in providing substantially uniform velocity in flow channel 490 associated with the taper of tapered region 420 and curved tapered region 430 (FIGS. 14, 15, 16A, 16B, particularly FIGS. 14 and 15) over designs lacking such a taper (FIG. 17). Furthermore, the type γ microfluidic device 300A has a relatively small difference between the maximum observed velocity (about 0.103 mm / sec) and the minimum observed velocity (about 0.046 mm / sec) compared to the difference observed in the type α microfluidic device 300.

[0140] <Type δ microfluidic device> 18 is a perspective wireframe diagram of a type δ microfluidic device 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. The type δ microfluidic device 500 may be substantially similar to the type α microfluidic device 100, the type β microfluidic device 300, or the type γ microfluidic device 300A, and therefore, like structures are numbered similarly and some like structures are omitted for brevity. One difference between the type δ microfluidic device 500 and the type α microfluidic device 100, the type β microfluidic device 300, or the type γ microfluidic device 300A may be the shape of the ports. Instead of the generally linear shape of the type α microfluidic device 100 and the type β microfluidic device 300 or the type γ microfluidic device 300A, the type δ microfluidic device 500 may have inlet 600 and outlet 600′ ports with a cylindrical shape. Similar to the type β microfluidic device 300 or the type γ microfluidic device 300A, the type δ microfluidic device 500 may have no taper in the XZ plane at the inlet 600 and outlet 600′ (compared to the inlet 200 and outlet 200′ of the type α microfluidic device 100).

[0141] Any one or more features of the type α microfluidic device 100, the type β microfluidic device 300, the type γ microfluidic device 300A, and the type δ microfluidic device 500 may be combined in any combination, without limitation. Any one or more features of the type α microfluidic device 100, the type β microfluidic device 300, the type γ microfluidic device 300A, and the type δ microfluidic device 500 may be omitted or duplicated, without limitation.

[0142] 19 illustrates a process (or method) 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment. While the following process 1100 is described with reference to exemplary features of the type α device 100, the process 1100 may be applied to any of the devices described above, including the alternative type α device 100A, the type β device 300, the type γ device 300A, or the type δ device 500. The process 1100 may include a start 1105 and an end 1195. The process 1100 may include providing an inlet body (e.g., 105) including an inlet (e.g., 200) (step 1110). The process 1100 may include providing a base (e.g., 150) that supports the inlet body (e.g., 105) (step 1115). The process 1100 may include providing a flow path (e.g., 290) in the base (e.g., 150) that is in fluid communication with the inlet (e.g., 200) (step 1120). The process 1100 may include providing an outlet body (e.g., 195) including an outlet (e.g., 200′) (step 1125). The process 1100 may include providing a base (e.g., 150) to support the outlet body (e.g., 195) (step 1130). The process 1100 may include providing the outlet (e.g., 200′) in fluid communication with a flow path (e.g., 290) (step 1135). The process 1100 may include receiving a fluid at an inlet port (e.g., 205) of the inlet (e.g., 200) (step 1140). The process 1100 may include discharging the fluid through an opening (e.g., 240) of the inlet (e.g., 200) that is in fluid communication with the flow path (e.g., 290) (step 1145). The process 1100 may include providing a substantially uniform flow of fluid at the inlet (e.g., 200) across a substantial portion of the width (in the X direction) of the flow channel (e.g., 290) (step 1150).Process 1100 may include providing a substantially uniform flow of fluid across a substantial portion of a horizontal plane (XZ plane) of the flow path (e.g., 290) at the inlet (e.g., 200), the flow path (e.g., 290), and the outlet (e.g., 200′) (step 1155), as demonstrated, for example, in at least Figures 4B, 5-8, 14, 15, 16A, 16B, 27, and 36. One or more steps of process 1100 may be rearranged, omitted, or duplicated, without limitation.

[0143] In certain exemplary embodiments, the flow channel 290 may have a non-parallel plate structure. For example, between the inlet 200 and the outlet 200', the flow channel 290 may have two or more non-parallel walls. The flow channel 290 may be shaped like a truncated pyramid, i.e., a truncated pyramid, or may have a rectangular cross-section along its entire length in the Z direction. The inlet of the flow channel 290 may have a straight shape, the outlet of the flow channel 290 may have a straight shape, and an angled wall may be provided between the inlet and outlet of the flow channel 290. The inlet 200 may be smaller or larger than the outlet 200'. In exemplary embodiments having a straight flow channel 290 with a small inlet 200 and a large outlet 200', at least two of the four walls defining the flow channel 290 may increase in size linearly from the inlet 200 to the outlet 200'. In exemplary embodiments having a linear flow channel 290 with a large inlet 200 and a smaller outlet 200', at least two of the four walls defining the flow channel 290 may decrease linearly in size from the inlet 200 to the outlet 200'. In certain exemplary embodiments, all four walls of the linear flow channel 290 may increase or decrease in size between the inlet 200 and the outlet 200'. The flow channel 290 may have a non-linear cross-sectional shape in the XY plane, such as an ellipse, a circle, a regular circle, or an irregular shape.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet 200 may have a structure similar to any of the inlets described above, i.e., Type α, Type β, Type γ, Type δ, etc. The outlet of the channel may be a scaled-up or scaled-down version of the outlet 200′. In a truncated pyramidal channel 290 having a linear XY cross-section, at least two of the four walls of the channel 290 may gradually increase or decrease in size. With this configuration, if the inlet 200 is smaller than the outlet 200′, the channel 290 may gradually and consistently increase in size across the Z direction, and the inlet 200 may be configured to provide a substantially uniform flow to the inlet of the channel 290. The velocity profile of the fluid flowing through the channel 290 decreases substantially uniformly as the fluid moves through the gradually and consistently larger channel 290 to the relatively larger outlet 200′. Conversely, if the inlet 200 is larger than the outlet 200', the flow channel 290 may gradually and consistently decrease in size across the Z-direction, and the inlet 200 may be configured to provide a substantially uniform flow to the entrance of the flow channel 290. The velocity profile of the fluid flowing through the flow channel 290 increases substantially uniformly as the fluid moves through the gradually and consistently smaller flow channel 290 to the relatively smaller outlet 200'. The walls of the flow channel 290 may be straight, curved, or irregularly shaped, which would result in a linear, curved, or irregular change in the velocity profile across the Z-direction of the flow channel 290. In an exemplary embodiment in which the width of the flow channel 290 is less than 10 times the height of the flow channel 290, the non-parallel plate structure would result in the velocity across the width (Z-direction) of the flow channel being substantially uniform, except for a decrease due to the relative change in cross-sectional area, assuming a constant volumetric flow rate.

[0145] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" will be understood to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0146] Although at least one exemplary embodiment is described as using multiple units to perform an exemplary process, it will be appreciated that the exemplary process may also be performed by one or more modules.

[0147] In this specification, the use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. is provided to distinguish various structures, dimensions, or operations without describing any order, and the structures, dimensions, or operations may be performed in an order different from that stated unless the context clearly dictates a particular order.

[0148] Approximating language used throughout this specification and claims can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that can vary within permissible limits without resulting in a change in the basic function involved. Thus, values modified by terms such as "about" and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Throughout this specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges identify and include all subranges contained therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0149] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the term "about" as used herein is understood to mean within a normal range of tolerance in the art, for example, within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" can be understood to mean within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term "about."

[0150] In the above description and in the claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" may appear following a conjunction list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear with a list of two or more elements or features. Such phrases are intended to refer to any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with other listed elements or features, unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which they are used. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A alone, B alone, or A and B together," respectively. A similar interpretation is also intended for lists containing more than two items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and / or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean "A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together," respectively. Furthermore, use of the term "based on" above and in the claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," which allows for additional features or elements to be included.

[0151] The subject matter described herein may be implemented as systems, devices, methods, and / or articles, depending on the desired configuration. The embodiments set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. While several variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, additional features and / or variations may be provided in addition to those described herein. For example, the above-described embodiments may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and subcombinations of several additional features disclosed above. Additionally, the logic flow illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein does not necessarily require the particular order shown or sequential order to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A device for fluid transport, comprising: an inlet body having an inlet; a base supporting the inlet body, the base including a flow passage in fluid communication with the inlet; an outlet body having an outlet, the base supporting the outlet body, the outlet in fluid communication with the flow path; Equipped with the inlet is configured to receive a fluid at an inlet port; the inlet is configured to discharge the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the flow path; the inlet is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of at least one dimension of the flow path; device.

2. the at least one dimension is in a vertical plane and / or a horizontal plane; The device of claim 1 .

3. the inlet, the flow channel, and the outlet are configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of a horizontal surface of the flow channel; The device of claim 1 .

4. the inlet, the flow channel, and the outlet are configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid through a substantial portion of a cubic area within the flow channel. The device of claim 1 .

5. the device is a microfluidic device; The channel is a microfluidic channel. The device of claim 1 .

6. the inlet body, the base, and the outlet body form a unitary body; The device of claim 1 .

7. the inlet is a single inlet on the device; the flow path is a single flow path of the device; the outlet is a single outlet of the device; The device of claim 1 .

8. the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet port to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of the flow channel is about 1 to about 7.5; The device of claim 1 .

9. the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet port to the cross-sectional area of the opening is about 1 to about 50; The device of claim 1 .

10. the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the opening to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of the flow channel is about 6.67 to about 1; The device of claim 1 .

11. the ratio of the depth of the inlet port to the depth of the end of the inlet is about 1 to about 2; The device of claim 1 .

12. the ratio of the depth of the inlet port to the depth of the end of the inlet to the height at or near the inlet port is about 1 to about 2 to about 3; The device of claim 1 .

13. the ratio of the height of the flow channel to the depth of the inlet port to the depth of the end of the inlet to the height at or near the inlet port is about 1 to about 4 to about 8 to about 12; The device of claim 1 .

14. the ratio of the width to the depth of the opening in the horizontal plane is about 25 to about 1; The device of claim 1 .

15. the ratio of the width to the height of the channel in the vertical plane is about 180 to about 1; The device of claim 1 .

16. a cross-sectional shape of at least one side of the inlet and / or the outlet in a horizontal plane has a bowtie shape or a venturi shape, and the at least one side faces the opposite side of the flow path; The device of claim 1 .

17. Both sides of the inlet and / or the outlet in a horizontal plane have a bowtie shape or a venturi shape.

17. The device of claim 16.

18. The cross-sectional shape of the inlet and / or the outlet in a vertical plane is an arcuate shape or a bracket shape; The device of claim 1 .

19. The cross-sectional shape of the inlet port in a horizontal plane is rectangular. The device of claim 1 .

20. the base comprises a parallel plate structure; The device of claim 1 .

21. the device is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of fluid at a volumetric flow rate between about 1 μL / sec and about 500 μL / sec. The device of claim 1 .

22. 1. A microfluidic system for fluid transport, comprising: an inlet body having an inlet; a base supporting the inlet body, a flow channel in fluid communication with the inlet; one or more sensors formed on the surface of the flow channel or one or more sensors formed in one or more wells formed on the surface of the flow channel; a base comprising: an outlet body having an outlet, the base supporting the outlet body, the outlet in fluid communication with a flow path; a microfluidic device comprising: Equipped with the flow path is configured to facilitate flow of the fluid; the fluid comprises a plurality of beads and / or a plurality of suspended cells; the inlet is configured to receive a fluid at an inlet port; the inlet is configured to discharge the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the flow path; the inlet is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of a horizontal dimension of the flow channel; the device is configured to compensate for edge effects that result in non-uniform velocity of the fluid with respect to the horizontal dimension; Microfluidic systems.

23. each of the plurality of beads having a maximum dimension of from about 10 μm to about 160 μm; each of the plurality of suspension cells having a maximum dimension of from about 10 μm to about 50 μm; Approximately 150,000 sensors are formed on the surface of the flow channel, or approximately 150,000 sensors are formed in each of approximately 150,000 wells formed on the surface of the flow channel.

23. The microfluidic system of claim 22.

24. the base comprises a parallel plate structure; 23. The microfluidic system of claim 22.

25. the microfluidic device is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid at a volumetric flow rate between about 1 μL / sec and about 500 μL / sec.

23. The microfluidic system of claim 22.

26. 1. A method for fluid transport comprising: providing an inlet body comprising an inlet; providing a base supporting the inlet body, the base including a flow path in fluid communication with the inlet; providing an outlet body having an outlet, the base supporting the outlet body, the outlet in fluid communication with the flow path; receiving the fluid at an inlet port of the inlet; discharging the fluid through an opening in the inlet that is in fluid communication with the flow path; providing a substantially uniform flow of the fluid at the inlet across a substantial portion of a horizontal dimension of the flow channel; Including, method.

27. providing a substantially uniform flow of the fluid at the inlet, the flow path, and the outlet across a substantial portion of a horizontal surface of the flow path; Including, 27. The method of claim 26.

28. the base comprises a parallel plate structure; 27. The method of claim 26.

29. providing a substantially uniform flow of the fluid through the inlet, the flow path, and the outlet at a volumetric flow rate between about 1 μL / sec and about 500 μL / sec; Including, 27. The method of claim 26.

30. 1. A device for fluid transport, comprising: an inlet body having an inlet; a base supporting the inlet body, the base including a flow path in fluid communication with the inlet; Equipped with the inlet is configured to receive the fluid at an inlet port; the inlet is configured to discharge the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the flow path; the inlet is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of at least one dimension of the flow path; device.

31. 1. A microfluidic system for fluid transport, comprising: an inlet body having an inlet; a base supporting the inlet body, a flow channel in fluid communication with the inlet; one or more sensors formed on the surface of the flow channel or one or more sensors formed in one or more wells formed on the surface of the flow channel; a base comprising: a microfluidic device comprising: Equipped with the flow path is configured to facilitate flow of the fluid; the fluid comprises a plurality of beads and / or a plurality of suspended cells; the inlet is configured to receive the fluid at an inlet port; the inlet is configured to discharge the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the flow path; the inlet is configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of a horizontal dimension of the flow channel; the device is configured to compensate for edge effects that result in non-uniform velocity of the fluid with respect to the horizontal dimension; Microfluidic systems.

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