Microscale devices and reactions in microscale devices
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Michigan
InventorsMark A. Burns, Carlos H. Mastrangelo, Timothy S. Sammarco, Francis P. Man, James R. Webster, Brian N. Johnson, Bradley Foerster, Darren Jones
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Abstract
The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.
Claims3
A device comprising:
- i) a housing comprised of silicon,
- ii) a microdroplet transport channel etched in said silicon,
- iii) a microdroplet receiving means in liquid communication with a reaction region via said transport channels, and
- iv) a liquid barrier disposed between said transport channels and a microdroplet flow-directing means wherein said liquid barrier comprises a first silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, and a second silicon oxide layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.