Integrated Microfluidic System Design Using Mixed Methodology Simulations

A computer method for designing a microfluidic device comprising:

• a) providing a set of target performance parameters for the microfluidic device,
• b) creating a layout representing a design for the microfluidic device, the layout comprising a collection of connected microfluidic components,
• c) simulating the operation of the design for the device using a mixed methodology model to obtain simulated performance parameters for the initial design,
• d) comparing the simulated performance parameters for the design with the set of target performance parameters for the microfluidic device,
• e) altering the layout or operational parameters to generate a modified layout representing a modified design for the microfluidic device,
• f) simulating the operation of the modified design for the device using a mixed methodology model to obtain simulated performance parameters for the modified design,
• g) comparing the simulated performance parameters for the modified design of the microfluidic device with the set of target performance parameters for the microfluidic device, and
• h) repeating method steps (e)-(g), if necessary, altering the layout or modified layout until the simulated performance parameters for a final modified design of the device satisfy the set of target performance parameters for the microfluidic device.