Automatic microfluidic system for continuous and quantitive collection of droplets
AssigneeThe University of Hong Kong
InventorsHo Cheung Shum, Lang Nan, Yuk Heng Tang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An automatic system which combines a three-branch sorter with three independently-controlled valves and corresponding collection platforms. The subgroups of droplets are alternatively sorted into three channels followed by being pumped out into PCR tubes on the platforms. Experimentally, this system can realize an accurate collection with a large working range for both pure positive samples and mixed samples with negative ones. This technology effectively dispenses a large number of droplets into small subgroups with quantitative number, which builds the basis for digital droplet microfluidics.
Claims18
A droplet collection method, comprising:
- generating droplets from a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic device;
- alternatively driving droplets into a plurality of branch channels based on a value of a sorting signal applied to one or more sorting electrodes;
- and
- collecting droplets separately from each of the plurality of branch channels thereby providing an interval between each droplet collection, thereby increasing collection efficiency.
A droplet collection method, comprising:
- a multi-branch sorter configured to receiving droplets from a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic device and driving subgroups of the droplets into respective different branch channels based on a value of a sorting signal applied to one or more sorting electrodes;
- configured to directing a fluorescence emission on a detection area of the microfluidic channel using a diode-pumped solid state laser source;
- performing fluorescence detection and optical imaging of droplets that arrive at the detection area based on the fluorescence emission using a high-speed camera coupled with a beam splitter, wherein the fluorescence detection controls the value of the sorting signal;
- and
- driving compressed air, using independently controlled electro-pneumatic valves connected to the different branch channels, respectively, into the respective different branch channels that pump the subgroups of droplets into collection platforms associated with the respective different branch channels.
A recovery method to extract encapsulants inside droplets, comprising:
- collecting droplet emulsions a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic device into a culture plate filled with an aqueous medium;
- spreading an oil phase to a thin layer and the droplets rapidly aggregate at a center;
- and
- as an oil layer gradually evaporates, a droplet phase directly merges into the aqueous medium when the oil phase completely evaporates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.