Multilevel microfluidic systems and methods

#Embodiments of the present invention relate to the fields of microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, Polymerase Chain Reactions (“PCR”), biochemical analysis, protein crystallization and screening for protein crystallization conditions, microfabrication, laboratory robotics, immunoassays, and automated biological screening and analysis, among others.

#Microfluidic devices can be defined as devices having one or more fluidic pathways, often called channels, microchannels, trenches, lines, or recesses, having a cross-sectional dimension below 1000 μm, and which offer benefits such as increased throughput and reduction of reaction volumes. Relatedly, there is a continuing trend toward increasing the number of reactions that can be performed with a microfluidic device. For example, it is often desirable to provide devices having a high density of reaction chambers. Despite significant recent advances in microfluidic technology, existing fabrication techniques often present obstacles which preclude the development of even more efficient devices.

#Hence, there remains a continuing need for improved manufacturing methods for producing microfluidic devices having a higher density of reaction or detection zones per unit area of the microfluidic device. At least some of these objectives will be met by embodiments of the present invention.

#FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a unit cell of a microfluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

#FIG. 1A shows an exploded perspective view of individual layers of a unit cell of a microfluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

#FIGS. 1B to 1E show microfluidic molds according to embodiments of the present invention.

#It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc., described herein, as these may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is also to be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a cell” is a reference to one or more cells and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art.

#Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals reference similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

#Accordingly, provided immediately below is a “Definition” section, where certain terms related to the invention are defined specifically for clarity, but all of the definitions are consistent with how a skilled artisan would understand these terms. Particular methods, devices, and materials are described, although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention. All references referred to herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.