US 8,940,147 B1 · Microfluidic hubs, systems, and methods for interface fluidic modules

Abstract

Embodiments of microfluidic hubs and systems are described that may be used to connect fluidic modules. A space between surfaces may be set by fixtures described herein. In some examples a fixture may set substrate-to-substrate spacing based on a distance between registration surfaces on which the respective substrates rest. Fluidic interfaces are described, including examples where fluid conduits (e.g. capillaries) extend into the fixture to the space between surfaces. Droplets of fluid may be introduced to and/or removed from microfluidic hubs described herein, and fluid actuators may be used to move droplets within the space between surfaces. Continuous flow modules may be integrated with the hubs in some examples.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A microfluidic hub comprising:

a substrate;
a frame, wherein the frame defines a registration surface configured to receive the substrate and position the substrate a predetermined distance from another surface, wherein the frame defines a plurality of access ports positioned for access to a space between the substrate and the another surface;
a fluid conduit positioned in one of the plurality of access ports, wherein the fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the space between the substrate and the another surface, wherein the fluid conduit is positioned to deliver a fluid droplet to the space between the substrate and the another surface, from the space between the substrate and the another surface, or both;
and
a droplet actuator configured to move the fluid droplet within the space between the substrate and the another surface.

2 more elements

A system comprising:

a microfluidic hub comprising:
a fixture configured to define a space between two surfaces, wherein the fixture further defines access ports for interfacing to the space between two surfaces;
a first fluid conduit positioned in one of the access ports, wherein the first fluid conduit is in communication with the space between two surfaces;
a second fluid conduit positioned in another one of the access ports, wherein the second fluid conduit is in communication with the space between two surfaces;
and
a droplet actuator configured to move a fluid droplet within the space between the two surfaces;
a first fluid module coupled to the first fluid conduit, wherein the first fluid module is in fluid communication with the microfluidic hub through the first fluid conduit;
a second fluid module coupled to the second fluid conduit, wherein the second fluid module is in fluid communication with the microfluidic hub through the second fluid conduit;
a power source configured to provide power to the droplet actuator responsive to control signals;
a controller configured to provide the control signals to the power source to activate the droplet actuator to move a fluid droplet received from the first fluid conduit through the microfluidic hub to the second fluid conduit;
and
a user interface configured to communicate with the controller for user operation of the system.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Microfluidic hubs, systems, and methods for interface fluidic modules

Life of this patent

Microfluidic hubs, systems, and methods for interface fluidic modules

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21