US 2004/0071601 A1 · Methods and apparata for precisely dispensing microvolumes of fluids

Abstract

Devices and methods for depositing fluids on substrates in patterns of spots, lines, or other features use a nozzle, which is preferably configured similarly to a micropipette, having a piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic actuator coupled to one of its sides. The nozzle may be charged via capillary action by dipping it into a well containing the fluid to be deposited, and may then be positioned over a desired area of a substrate, at which point activation of the ultrasonic actuator at ultrasonic frequencies will eject the fluid onto the substrate. The needle may subsequently be dipped into a well of rinsing fluid for cleaning. Spots or lines on the order of 5 micrometers width may be generated, making the invention particularly suitable for use in biological applications such as microarray production and in microelectronics applications such as the printing of organic circuitry.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A fluid dispensation apparatus comprising:

a. a nozzle which circumferentially surrounds an interior passage, the interior passage extending along a passage axis between a dispensing end and an opposite end;
b. an ultrasonic actuator coupled to a portion of the nozzle's circumference;
and
c. a substrate mount situated adjacent to the dispensing end,
wherein upon activation of the ultrasonic actuator, fluid resting within the interior passage of the nozzle is ejected from the nozzle's dispensing end toward the substrate mount.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparata for precisely dispensing microvolumes of fluids

Life of this patent

Methods and apparata for precisely dispensing microvolumes of fluids

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20