Microfluidic array devices and methods of manufacture and uses thereof
OwnerSau Lan Tang Staatsinventor
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Abstract
Microfluidic nozzle array devices are provided with the body of each device having at least one nozzle extending outwardly from one surface of the body. Each nozzle includes a tip opening having a diameter of equal to or less than about 100 μm, preferably 50 μm, and more preferably 20 μm and an outer diameter of nozzle is equal to or less than about 150 μm, preferably 100 μm, and more preferably 50 μm. The microfluidic nozzle array devices are fabricated using an injection molding process and find particular utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to nanospray/electrospray applications, mass spectrometer applications, optical spectrometry applications, spotting applications (i.e., DNA or protein array), etc.
Claims71
A microfluidic device comprising:
- a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the body having at least one channel formed therein and extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the channel has a reservoir section that is open at the first surface;
- and
- at least one nozzle disposed along the second surface, the nozzle being in fluid communication with the channel such that one end of the channel terminates in a nozzle opening that is formed as part of the nozzle.
A microfluidic device comprising:
- a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the body having at least one channel formed therein, the channel extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the channel has a reservoir section that is open at the first surface for receiving a sample;
- and
- at least one nozzle integrally formed with the body and disposed along and extending beyond the second surface, the number of nozzles equal to the number of channels with each nozzle being in fluid communication with one channel such that each channel terminates in a nozzle opening of the nozzle, wherein a diameter of the nozzle opening is equal to or less than about 100 μm and an outside diameter of the nozzle is equal to or less than about 150 μm.
A microfluidic device comprising a body and at least one nozzle extending outwardly therefrom, the body having at least one channel formed therein, each channel extending through the body from a first surface to a second surface thereof, wherein each channel has a reservoir section that is open at the first surface for receiving a sample, the at least one nozzle extending outwardly from the second surface, wherein each nozzle is in fluid communication with one channel such that each channel terminates in a nozzle opening that is formed as part of the nozzle, the body and at least one nozzle being formed by a process comprising the steps of:
- providing a mold which includes a negative impression of the channel and the at least one nozzle;
- injecting a polymeric material into the mold;
- curing the polymeric material to form the body with the at least one nozzle extending outwardly from the second surface with the at least one channel formed in the body;
- and
- removing the body from the mold.
A detection system for detecting one or more properties of a sample, the detection system including:
- a microfluidic device comprising:
- a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the body having at least one channel formed therein, the channel extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the channel has a reservoir section that is open at the first surface;
- and
- at least one nozzle integrally formed with the body and disposed along and extending beyond the second surface, the number of nozzles equal to the number of channels with each nozzle being in fluid communication with one channel such that each channel terminates in a nozzle opening that is formed as part of the nozzle, wherein a diameter of the nozzle opening is equal to or less than about 100 μm and an outside diameter of the nozzle is equal to or less than about 150 μm;
- and
- a detector for receiving the sample discharged from the microfluidic device through the nozzle opening thereof, wherein the detector analyzes the discharged sample and provides information regarding one or more properties of the sample.
A process for creating a vaporized and ionized fluid stream from a liquid sample for injection into a diagnostic device, the process comprising the steps of:
- providing a microfluidic device comprising:
- a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the body having at least one channel formed therein, the channel extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the channel has a reservoir section that is open at the first surface;
- and
- at least one nozzle integrally formed with the body and disposed along and extending beyond the second surface, the number of nozzles equal to the number of channels with each nozzle being in fluid communication with one channel such that each channel terminates in a nozzle opening that is formed as part of the nozzle, wherein a diameter of the nozzle opening is equal to or less than about 50 μm and an outside diameter of the nozzle is equal to or less than about 100 μm;
- disposing a sample in the channel at least within the reservoir section;
- transporting the sample from the reservoir to the nozzle tip where the sample is discharged;
- and
- applying an electric field to the second surface of the body around each nozzle, the electric field being of sufficient strength so as to cause the discharged sample to be vaporized and ionized.
A process for array spotting on a substrate, the process comprising the steps of:
- providing a microfluidic device comprising:
- a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the body having at least one channel formed therein, the channel extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the channel has a reservoir section that is open at the first surface for receiving a sample;
- and
- a plurality of nozzles integrally formed with the body and disposed along and extending beyond the second surface, the number of nozzles equal to the number of channels with each nozzle being in fluid communication with one channel such that each channel terminates in a nozzle opening that is formed as part of the nozzle, wherein a diameter of the nozzle opening is equal to or less than about 100 μm and an outside diameter of the nozzle is equal to or less than about 150 μm;
- disposing one or more samples within the plurality of reservoir sections, with only one sample being disposed in one reservoir section;
- positioning the microfluidic device proximate to the substrate with the plurality of nozzles facing the substrate;
- and
- transporting each sample from one reservoir to a respective nozzle tip where the sample is discharged through the nozzle opening onto the substrate to form a sample spot on the substrate.
A kit for constructing a microfluidic device from a plurality of smaller microfluidic subunit structures, the kit comprising:
- a frame including at least two rails that are spaced apart from one another so that an opening is formed therebetween, each rail including a predetermined number of clamping members that are arranged so that the clamping members of adjacent rails form a number of pairs disposed across the opening from one another, each pair of clamping members receiving a section of one of the microfluidic subunit structures so as to securely hold the microfluidic subunit structure in place and position at least one microfluidic feature of the microfluidic subunit structure within the opening between the adjacent rails.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.