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US 7,195,036 B2Granted
Thermal micro-valves for micro-integrated devices
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Michigan
InventorsMark A. Burns, Rohit Pal
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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.
Claims11
A method, comprising:
- a) providing, a device, comprising,
- i) a meltable material;
- ii) an inlet port linked to a gas source, wherein said inlet port is associated with a first heater element;
- iii) a stem microchannel comprising a second heater element, wherein said stem microchannel is in fluidic communication with said inlet port;
- iv) a main microchannel intersecting said stem microchannel, said main microchannel comprising a third heater element, wherein said intersecting forms a junction;
- b) firing said first heater element to load said meltable material into said stem microchannel through said inlet port;
- c) firing at least two of said heater elements under conditions such that said meltable material at least partially melts to create a melted plug;
- and
- d) applying pressure with said gas source under conditions such that said melted plug is moved.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.