Method and apparatus for continuous liquid flow in microscale channels using pressure injection, wicking, and electrokinetic injection
AssigneeCaliper Technologies Corp.
InventorsMarja Liisa Alajoki, H. Garrett Wada, Robert S. Dubrow
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for modulating flow rates in microfluidic devices are provided. The methods involve modulating downstream pressure in the device to change the flow rate of materials in an upstream region of the device. Such methods include electrokinetic injection or withdrawal of materials through a side channel and the use of an absorbent material to induce wicking in the channel system. The apparatus provided includes a prefabricated wick in the device to provide for flow rate control. Additional methods for determining velocity of a particle and cell incubation time are also provided.
Claims16
A method of modulating flow rate of a fluid in a microfluidic system, the method comprising:
- i. providing a body structure having at least two intersecting microfluidic channels fabricated therein;
- ii. flowing the fluid through the at least two intersecting channels;
- and
- iii. modulating flow of the fluid through the at least two intersecting channels by placing a wick in only one reservoir that is in fluid communication with said at least two intersecting channels.
A microfluidic system comprising:
- (i) a body having two or more intersecting channels fabricated therein,
- (ii) an electrokinetic control element operably coupled to at least one of the at least two channels, wherein during operation of the microfluidic system, the electrokinetic control element applies an electrical current within at least one of the at least two channels, thereby modulating flow of materials within the at least one channel;
- (iii) a non-electrokinetic fluid pressure control element operably coupled to the at least two intersecting channels, which non-electrokinetic fluid pressure control element comprises an absorbent material and modulates fluid flow in the at least two intersecting channels during operation of the microfluidic system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.