Microcolumn-based, high-throughput microfluidic device
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorsLin He, Jinlin Peng, Youchun Shi, Brian L. Webb, Po Ki Yuen
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Abstract
A biological assay device for use in molecular biology, pharmaceutical research, genomic analysis, combinatorial chemistry, and in the general field of the analysis of molecules that may be deposited on supports of various kinds is provided. Specifically, the present invention includes a fluidic or microfluidic device, which integrates fluidic capability into existing multi-well plates of standard configuration, for performing either single or continuous fluidic manipulations in a high-throughout format. Methods for the use and manufacture of these devices are also provided.
Claims20
A fluidic device for performing high-throughput biological or chemical assays, the device comprising:
- a support structure with a first surface and a second surface;
- a number of microcolumns extending from said first surface;
- each of said microcolumns having a first and a second fluidic channel formed therein and a planar, major surface remotely located relative to said first surface;
- said first fluidic channel having an inlet port and extending through said microcolumn from said second surface of said support structure through said remote planar, major surface;
- said second fluidic channel extending at least partially through said microcolumn from said remote planar, major surface to an outlet portal;
- and
- a microplate having a plurality of wells wherein each microcolumn is sized so as to be introduced into the corresponding well of said microplate;
- wherein each of said microcolumns has a sealing mechanism that engages with a bottom wall of said well to form a fluid-tight space.
A fluidic device for performing high-throughput biological or chemical assays, the device comprising:
- a support structure with a first surface and a second surface;
- a number of microcolumns extending from said first surface;
- each of said microcolumns having a first and a second fluidic channel formed therein and a major surface remotely located relative to said first surface;
- said first fluidic channel having an inlet port and extending through said microcolumn from said second surface of said support structure through said remote major surface;
- said second fluidic channel extending at least partially through said microcolumn from said remote major surface to an outlet portal, wherein said outlet portal exits into waste passages located in said support structure;
- and
- a microplate having a plurality of wells wherein each microcolumn is sized so as to be introduced into the corresponding well of said microplate;
- wherein each of said microcolumns has a sealing mechanism that engages with a bottom wall of said well to form a fluid-tight space.
A fluidic device for performing high-throughput biological or chemical assays, the device comprising:
- a support structure with a first surface and a second surface;
- a number of microcolumns extending from said first surface;
- each of said microcolumns having a first and a second fluidic channel formed therein and a major surface remotely located relative to said first surface;
- said first fluidic channel having an inlet port and extending through said microcolumn from said second surface of said support structure through said remote major surface;
- said second fluidic channel extending at least partially through said microcolumn from said remote major surface to an outlet portal, wherein said outlet portal exits onto said second surface of said support structure;
- and
- a microplate having a plurality of wells wherein each microcolumn is sized so as to be introduced into the corresponding well of said microplate;
- wherein each of said microcolumns has a sealing mechanism that engages with a bottom wall of said well to form a fluid-tight space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.