Microfluidic platform for controlling and configuring the spatial and temporal evolution of a gradient in a microfluidic environment

Abstract

A microfluidic platform is provided for controlling and configuring the evolution of a gradient. The microfluidic platform includes a plate having an outer surface and defining a chamber therein for receiving cells and/or drug/reagent particles of interest captured within a polymerized material. A plurality of wells are adapted for receiving a one or more types of desired media to form gradients in the polymerized material. The plurality of wells have first portions communicating with the outer surface of the plate and second portions communicating with the chamber. The first and second portions of the plurality of wells having corresponding widths and cross-sectional areas, and each of the plurality of wells is spaced from an adjacent well of the plurality of wells by a distance. The cross-sectional areas of the first portions of the plurality of wells are greater than the cross-sectional areas of the second portions of the plurality of wells such that the second portions of the plurality of wells form pinning valves to maintain the material to be polymer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.