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US 6,814,859 B2Granted
Frit material and bonding method for microfluidic separation devices
AssigneeNanostream, Inc.
InventorsJeffrey A. Koehler, Paren P. Patel
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Abstract
A frit for use in multi-layer microfluidic separation devices is provided. The frit comprises a polymeric membrane that may be securely bonded within the device and minimizes lateral wicking. A secure bond is ensured by treating the polymer to match its surface energy to that of the materials to which it is bound. Treatments include plasma treatment, irradiation and the application of acids.
Claims23
A multi-layer microfluidic separation device comprising:
- a first stencil layer defining the lateral boundaries of a plurality of separation columns;
- a second stencil layer defining the lateral boundaries of a plurality of exit channels wherein the plurality of exit channels is in fluid communication with the plurality of separation channels to form a plurality of fluid flow paths;
- and
- a single frit having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is bonded to the first stencil layer and the lower surface is bonded to the second stencil layer such that the frit layer is disposed within at least two fluid flow paths of the plurality of fluid flow paths;
- wherein the frit permits flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and the lower surface;
- wherein the upper surface is sufficiently bonded to the first stencil layer and the lower surface is sufficiently bonded to the second stencil layer to prevent substantially any lateral flow of fluid at an operating pressure either between the first stencil layer and the frit or between the second stencil layer and the frit.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.