Microfluidic system
AssigneeOctrolix BV
InventorRene Gerrit Heideman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for forming a microfluidic channel with improved flow characteristics for one or more analytes is disclosed. A microfluidic channel having modified surfaces is formed in a glass layer or glass substrate. The glass surfaces of the microfluidic channel are modified by the addition of a layer of borophosphosilicate glass. The addition of the borophosphosilicate glass results in an improved flow velocity profile of the analyte. As a result, control over the position and movement of analytes within the solution is improved.
Claims20
A microfluidic system that is dimensioned and arranged to convey a first solution, the first solution comprising an analyte, wherein the microfluidic system comprises:
- a first glass substrate including a first layer that comprises a trench having a first surface comprising a first material, the first material and the first solution being characterized by a first electrokinetic potential having a first magnitude;
- a second layer comprising a second surface of a second material, wherein the second layer is disposed on and in contact with the first surface, the second material and the first solution being characterized by a second electrokinetic potential having a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude;
- and
- a second substrate, wherein the second substrate comprises a third surface, and wherein the third surface comprises the second material, the first substrate and the second substrate being physically coupled such that the third surface and the trench collectively define a channel whose cross-section has a closed perimeter comprising at least one straight portion.
A method for forming a microfluidic system for conveying a first solution comprising an analyte, wherein the method comprises:
- forming a trench in a first substrate comprising a first glass, wherein the trench has a first surface comprising the first glass, and wherein the first glass and the first solution are characterized by a first electrokinetic potential having a first magnitude;
- forming a first layer of borophosphosilicate glass on the first substrate to form a second surface that is disposed on the first surface, wherein borophosphosilicate glass and the first solution are characterized by a second electrokinetic potential having a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude;
- providing a second substrate, wherein the second substrate comprises a third surface comprising the borophosphosilicate glass;
- and
- attaching the first substrate and the second substrate such that they collectively define a microfluidic channel whose cross-section has a closed perimeter comprising at least one straight portion.
A method for forming a microfluidic system for conveying a first solution comprising an analyte, wherein the method comprises:
- forming a trench in a first layer, wherein the trench comprises a first surface comprising a first material that is a first glass, and wherein the first material and the first solution are characterized by a first electrokinetic potential having a first magnitude;
- forming a second layer on the first surface to form a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a second material, and wherein the second material and the first solution are characterized by a second electrokinetic potential that is greater than the first magnitude;
- providing a cover plate, wherein the cover plate comprises a third surface comprising the second material;
- and
- attaching the cover plate and the first layer to form a conduit having an inner surface that comprises the second surface and the third surface, wherein the conduit has a cross-section characterized by a closed shape having at least one straight portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.