Microfluidic systems with inter-channel impedances
AssigneeNanostream, Inc.
InventorsStephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker, Marci Pezzuto
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Microfluidic systems and devices having integrated fluidic impedances are provided. Such impedances hinder the passage of fluid at low differential pressures, but allow fluid flow at higher differential pressures. Impedances are formed at the overlap of two or more microfluidic channels contained in different layers of a device. Such devices can be rapidly prototyped and can be assembled to contain multiple fluidic impedances to perform complex fluid handling tasks, including the metering of small aliquots from a larger fluid volume. Various means may be used to overcome the fluidic impedances.
Claims28
A fluidic system comprising:
- at least three device layers;
- a first microfluidic channel defined in a first device layer of the at least three layers;
- a second microfluidic channel defined in a second device layer of the at least three device layers;
- a first overlap region providing a first passive impedance to fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel;
- means for causing fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel through the first overlap region.
A fluidic system comprising:
- a plurality of device layers;
- a plurality of microfluidic channels defined in the plurality of device layers, including at least a first microfluidic channel, a second microfluidic channel, and a third microfluidic channel;
- a first overlap region providing a first passive impedance to fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel;
- a second overlap region providing a second passive impedance to fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the third microfluidic channel;
- first means for causing fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel;
- and
- second means for causing fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the third microfluidic channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.