Disposable world-to-chip interface for digital microfluidics
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsR. Michael Van Dam, Gaurav Shah, Pei-Yuin Keng
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Abstract
The present disclosure sets forth incorporating microfluidic chips Interfaces for use with digital microfluidic processes. Methods and devices according to the present disclosure utilize compact, integrated platforms that interface with a chip upstream and downstream of the reaction, as well as between intermediate reaction steps if needed. In some embodiments these interfaces are automated, including automation of a multiple reagent process. Various reagent delivery systems and methods are also disclosed.
Claims24
An interface for use with a digital microfluidic chip, comprising:
- at least one liquid containing reagent container positioned so that a portion of the liquid therein can be delivered to the chip through a fluid pathway between each of the at least one reagent containers to the chip, at least one product container positioned for receiving a product in a liquid carrier from the digital microfluidic chip through a fluid pathway between the chip and the at least one product container;
- and
- a regulated pressure source in communication with said at least one product container, said regulated pressure source arranged to transport said product from the chip to the product container.
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A method for isolating a product from a microfluidic chip utilizing an interface, comprising the steps of:
- extracting product from a microfluidic chip into a an interface comprising a container connected to tubing arranged to provide a fluid pathway for said product to and from said container, said container further connected to a regulated pressure source, wherein said regulated pressure source is arranged such that it can deliver said product to and from the container;
- adding an eluent to said container;
- flowing said product and said eluent through a purification cartridge such that said purified product is collected within said cartridge and waste passes through said cartridge and is deposited into a waste receptacle;
- and
- eluting the purified product from the cartridges into a product receptacle.
The interface of claim, wherein computer controls one or more switchable valves connected to the regulated pressure source.
A method for isolating a product from a microfluidic chip utilizing an interface, comprising the steps of:
- extracting liquid product from the microfluidic chip into an extract vial fluidically coupled to the microfluidic chip;
- pushing the extracted liquid product from the extract vial to a degassing vial fluidically coupled to the extract vial;
- pulling degassed liquid product from the degassing vial into an injection loop of a rotary valve;
- actuating the rotary valve and injecting content of the injection loop into a purification column.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.