1350 results about "Microfluidic channel" patented technology

The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods using the same in various types of thermal cycling reactions. Certaom devices include a rotary microfluidic channel and a plurality of temperature regions at different locations along the rotary microfluidic channel at which temperature is regulated. Solution can be repeatedly passed through the temperature regions such that the solution is exposed to different temperatures. Other microfluidic devices include an array of reaction chambers formed by intersecting vertical and horizontal flow channels, with the ability to regulate temperature at the reaction chambers. The microfluidic devices can be used to conduct a number of different analyses, including various primer extension reactions and nucleic acid amplification reactions.

A biochip and apparatus is disclosed for performing biological assays in a self-contained microfluidic platform. The disposable biochip for multi-step reactions comprises a body structure with a plurality of reagent cavities and reaction wells connected via microfluidic channels; the reagent cavities with reagent sealing means for storing a plurality of reagents; the reagent sealing means being breakable and allowing a sequence of reagents to be released into microfluidic channel and reaction well; and the reaction well allowing multi-step reactions to occur. The apparatus may further comprise a microactuator, a heating and cooling element, a detector, a moving stage, a magnetic field generator, and a processor operable to perform all necessary functions, such as reagent delivery, magnetic purification, mixing and incubation, heating and cooling, and optical detection on a microfluidic biochip.

Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.

The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods using the same in various types of thermal cycling reactions. Certaom devices include a rotary microfluidic channel and a plurality of temperature regions at different locations along the rotary microfluidic channel at which temperature is regulated. Solution can be repeatedly passed through the temperature regions such that the solution is exposed to different temperatures. Other microfluidic devices include an array of reaction chambers formed by intersecting vertical and horizontal flow channels, with the ability to regulate temperature at the reaction chambers. The microfluidic devices can be used to conduct a number of different analyses, including various primer extension reactions and nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides functional perfluoropolyether (PFPE) materials for use in fabricating and utilizing microscale devices, such as a microfluidic device. The functional PFPE materials can be used to adhere layers of PFPE materials to one another or to other substrates to form a microscale device. Further, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for functionalizing the interior surface of a microfluidic channel and / or a microtiter well. Also the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for fabricating a microscale structure through the use of a sacrificial layer of a degradable material.

An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process and analysis, including at least one elongated microfluidic channel, fluidic transport means for transport of fluids through the microfluidic channel, and at least one thick-film electrode in fluidic connection with the outlet end of the microfluidic channel. The present invention includes an integrated on-chip combination reaction, separation and thick-film electrochemical detection microsystem, for use in detection of a wide range of analytes, and methods for the use thereof.

The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).

A device, method and process for three-dimensional spatial localization and functional interconnection of the same or different types of cells. The two or three-dimensional device comprising multiple layers containing wells for cell deposition where both the wells and layers are interconnected through microfluidic channels. A process for fabricating the three-dimensional device and a method for depositing different types of cells within the device in a functional interdependent spatial orientation thereby mimicking physiological functions. The device is useful for diagnostic assays, determination of dysfunction of certain cells in the system, quantification of production of cellular proteins, metabolites, hormones or other cellular products, for organ or tissue replacement, for co-culturing different cells, for testing pharmaceutical agents and as a bioreactor for production of biologicals.

Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and / or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.

The present invention describes methods and cassettes for cell-based toxin detection and organ localization. The cassettes includes an array containing cells and a matrix of openings or depressions, wherein each region of the substrate enclosed by the opening or depression in the matrix forms a domain individually addressable by microfluidic channels in the device.

A method for forming monodisperse lipoplex assemblies includes providing a microfluidic device having a main microfluidic channel coupled to first and second reactant inlet channels. The first inlet channel is used to deliver a cationic lipid to the main channel while the second channel is used to deliver a nucleic acid. A droplet generation zone is provided in the main channel at the intersection of first and second carrier channels that contain a hydrophobic fluid. The cationic lipid, nucleic acid, and the hydrophobic fluid are then pumped through the device. In the droplet generation zone, shear force from the hydrophobic fluid pinches off droplets. The cationic lipid and nucleic acid are mixed in the generated droplets as the droplets move within a mixing region. A plurality of splitting channels may be coupled to the outlet of the device to produce smaller, monodisperse droplets having picoliter volumes.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.

This invention provides methods and devices for spatially separating at least first and second components in a sample which in one exemplary embodiment comprises introducing the first and second components into a first microfluidic channel of a microfluidic device in a carrier fluid comprising a spacer electrolyte solution and stacking the first and second components by isotachophoresis between a leading electrolyte solution and a trailing electrolyte solution, wherein the spacer electrolyte solution comprises ions which have an intermediate mobility in an electric field between the mobility of the ions present in the leading and trailing electrolyte solutions and wherein the spacer electrolyte solution comprises at least one of the following spacer ions MOPS, MES, Nonanoic acid, D-Glucuronic acid, Acetylsalicyclic acid, 4-Ethoxybenzoic acid, Glutaric acid, 3-Phenylpropionic acid, Phenoxyacetic acid, Cysteine, hippuric acid, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, isopropylmalonic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, 3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid, 2,3-dimethylbenzoic acid, p-hydroxycinnamic acid, and 5-br-2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and wherein the first component comprises a DNA-antibody conjugate and the second component comprises a complex of the DNA-antibody conjugate and an analyte.

The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for preventing / ameliorating formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices. In particular the devices and methods of the invention utilize microchannels of specific cross-sectional configuration and of specific arrangement as well as application of AC current orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow, in order to preventing / ameliorating formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices.

Described herein is microfluidic device for joining fluids and a related method for doing the same. The device according to the present invention includes a microfluidic junction, an outlet channel, and a plurality of circuit units. A microfluidic junction is an area for converging multiple fluids. An outlet channel is capable of receiving fluid from the microfluidic junction. An outlet channel includes a first end connected with the microfluidic junction, a second end connected with a waste reservoir, and an analysis region positioned between the first end and the second end of the outlet channel. The device also includes a plurality of circuit units. Each circuit unit includes a source channel with a first end capable of receiving sample fluid and a second end connected with the microfluidic junction; a branch channel connected with the source channel at an intersection; and a flow diversion system capable of differentially directing fluid flowing through a source channel either into the microfluidic junction or into a branch channel.

The present invention relates to microfluidic laminar flow detection strip devices and methods for using and making the same. The disclosed devices comprise: a first inlet; a microfluidic channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fluidly connected to the first inlet; a bellows pump fluidly connected to the second end of the microfluidic channel, wherein the bellows pump comprises an absorbent material disposed therein; a dried reagent zone within the microfluidic channel, wherein the dried reagent zone comprises a first reagent and a control reagent printed thereon, the first reagent comprising a first detection antibody conjugated to a dyed substrate bead or functionalized for colorimetric development, and the control reagent comprising a control detection antibody conjugated to a dyed substrate bead or functionalized for calorimetric development; a first bound antibody zone within the microfluidic channel, wherein the first bound antibody zone comprises a first bound antibody printed thereon; and a control zone within the microfluidic channel, wherein the control zone comprises a control bound antibody printed thereon.

The object of the present invention is to provide a sample assay structure in a microfluidic chip for quantitative analysis which comprises a sample inlet port for inputting a testing sample; an analyte detection region, coupled to the sample inlet port, consisting of at least one microfluidic channel, in which a plurality of immobilized substances capable of reacting with the analyte are placed; and a fluid driving device, capable of controlling the speed of the flow of the test sample through the analyte detection region, allowing the quantity of the analyte be indicated by the length of the portion of the microfluidic channel where the analyte reacted with the immobilized substances.

This invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a fluidics layer having microfluidic channels and one or more regulating layers that regulate the movement of fluid in the channels. The microfluidic devices can be used to mix one or more fluids. At least a portion of the fluidics layer can be isolated from the regulating layer, for example in the form of a shelf. Such isolated portions can be used as areas in which the temperature of liquids is controlled. Also provided are instruments including thermal control devices into which the microfluidic device is engaged so that the thermal control device controls temperature in the isolated portion, and a movable magnetic assembly including magnets with shields so that a focused magnetic field can be applied to or withdrawn from the isolated portion or any other portion of the microfluidic device. Also provided are methods of mixing fluids. The methods include stacking a plurality of alternating boluses of different liquids in a microfluidic channel, and moving the stacked boluses through the channel. In another method, the boluses are moved into a diaphragm valve having a volume able to accommodate several boluses, and then pumping the liquids out of the valve.

A device for detecting a presence of an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a device body configured with at least one reaction chamber configured for containing a sensor capable of producing a detectable signal when exposed to the analyte in the sample. The reaction chambers are in fluid communication with at least one sample port and at least one actuator port via a first set of microfluidic channels arranged such that application of a negative pressure to actuator port delivers fluid placed in the sample port to the reaction chambers.

A pneumatic valve for use in laminated plastic microfluidic structures. This zero or low dead volume valve allows flow through microfluidic channels for use in mixing, dilution, particulate suspension and other techniques necessary for flow control in analytical devices.

The present invention provides novel methods and devices for filling at least one microfluidic channel with a gas or with a degassed fluid. In particular the methods and devices of the invention are useful in completely filling substantially all areas of a microfluidic device with a gas or with a degassed fluid without incorporating bubbles within such microfluidic devices.

The present invention discloses a method of surface texturing at nano / micro-scale by aluminum-induced rapid crystallization of amorphous silicon for controlling the wettability of a surface, enhancing cell attachment to a surface, and promoting cell growth on a surface. The present invention can be used in a variety of applications, such as producing superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic surfaces for medical devices, microelectromechanical systems, and microfluidic channels.

Methods and apparatus are provided for analysis and correlation of phenotypic and genotypic information for a high throughput sample on a cell by cell basis. Cells are isolated and sequentially analyzed for phenotypic information and genotypic information which is then correlated. Methods for correlating the phenotype-genotype information of a sample population can be performed on a continuous flow sample within a microfluidic channel network or alternatively on a sample preloaded into a nano-well array chip. The methods for performing the phenotype-genotype analysis and correlation are scalable for samples numbering in the hundreds of cells to thousands of cells up to the tens and hundreds of thousand cells.

Disclosed is a method for fabricating 1-dimensional micro-arrays using parallel micro-fluidic channels on chemically-modified metal, carbon, silicon, and / or germanium surfaces; a muL detection volume method that uses 2-dimensional nucleic acid micro-arrays formed by employing the 1-dimensional DNA micro-arrays in conjunction with a second set of parallel micro-fluidic channels for solution delivery, and the 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional arrays used in the methods. The methodology allows the rapid creation of 1- and 2-dimensional arrays for SPR imaging and fluorescence imaging of DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA, DNA-protein, and protein-protein binding events. The invention enables very small volumes necessary for a variety of bioassay applications to be analyzed by SPR. Target solution volumes as small as 200 pL can be analyzed.

Time dependent iterative reactions are carried out in microscale fluidic channels by configuring the channels such that reagents from different sources are delivered to a central reaction zone at different times during the analysis, allowing for the performance of a variety of time dependent, and / or iterative reactions in simplified microfluidic channels. Exemplary analyses include the determination of dose responses for biological and biochemical systems.

A miniaturized, integrated, microfluidic device pulls materials bound to magnetic particles from one laminar flow path to another by applying a local magnetic field gradient. The device removes microbial and mammalian cells from flowing biological fluids without any wash steps. A microfabricated high-gradient magnetic field concentrator (HGMC) is integrated at one side of a microfluidic channel. When magnetic particles are introduced into one flow path, they remain limited to that flow path. When the HGMC is magnetized, the magnetic beads are pulled from the initial flow path into the collection stream, thereby cleansing the fluid. The microdevice allows large numbers of beads and materials to be sorted simultaneously, has no capacity limit, does not lose separation efficiency as particles are removed, and is useful for cell separations from blood and other biological fluids. This on-chip separator allows cell separations to be performed in the field outside of hospitals and laboratories.

An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.

The apparatus and methods described herein provide improved resolution, high-throughput, biomolecule identification by exciting sub-wavelength regions of biomolecules drawn through a microfluidic channel.

A method for preparing microcapsules using a droplet-based microfluidic chip. Monodisperse microcapsules, which are hollow or can be loaded with a desired material, are prepared using a droplet-based microfluidic chip through the movement of a monomer molecule from the inside of droplets to the interface of droplets, the diffusion of a photoinitiator to the interface of droplets, and the suppression of radical activity by oxygen in droplets. The method involves the use of a simple microfluidic channel and selectively photopolymerizing the shell of the droplets without needing the use of a chemically treated microfluidic channel or a complex microfluidic channel.