Microfluidic chip with coating to reduce fluid diffusion and method of manufacturing same
Inventors
Patel, Tej Rushikesh • Revilla, Ryan Alan • D'OOGE, MATTHEW
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10137448-B2
Publication Date
2018-11-27
Expiration Date
2033-09-16
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Abstract
A microfluidic chip is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the microfluidic chip includes a body including at least one microfluidic pathway configured to receive a fluid sample, the at least one microfluidic pathway including a coating configured to reduce fluid diffusion and seal a surface of the at least one microfluidic pathway, and a heating device located on the body and forming a heating zone within a portion of the at least one microfluidic pathway.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a microfluidic chip comprising a body with at least one microfluidic pathway designed to receive a fluid sample. This pathway includes a coating strategically applied to reduce fluid diffusion and seal the surface of the pathway. Additionally, the chip incorporates a heating device located on the body forming a heating zone within a portion of the microfluidic pathway, enabling temperature control during sample manipulation.
The background identifies the problem of fluid diffusion through microfluidic chips, specifically in chips formed with PDMS, which inherently is porous and highly permeable. This diffusion can significantly affect real-time analysis, especially in continuous flow microfluidic systems where fluid samples flow continuously and must be accurately monitored and manipulated. Thus, there was a need to reduce diffusion or loss of fluid sample within the micro-channels of microfluidic chips.
To solve this problem, the patent introduces a method of manufacturing microfluidic chips with a coating, such as cyanoacrylates or optically transparent materials like UV curable epoxy adhesive, to seal the microfluidic pathways and reduce fluid diffusion. The coating is applied after forming the micro-channels but before sealing the chip with a glass or sealing layer. The design also includes heating elements, such as thin-film resistive heaters, positioned on or in the chip to provide independently controlled temperatures across different zones, enabling accurate thermal manipulation during fluid sample analysis.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims, each covering different aspects of the microfluidic chip and system. These claims focus on inventive features related to the structure of the microfluidic chip with diffusion-reducing coating and integrated heating devices, as well as the operation of the microfluidic system involving controlled heating and optical analysis.
Coating to reduce fluid diffusion and sealing microfluidic pathways
A microfluidic chip body includes at least one microfluidic pathway with a coating specifically configured to reduce fluid diffusion and seal the surface of the microfluidic pathway.
Integrated heating device forming heating zones within microfluidic pathways
The microfluidic chip includes a heating device located on the body that forms heating zones within portions of the microfluidic pathway to control fluid sample temperature.
Layered chip construction with microfluidic pathways and heating device placement
The chip body comprises multiple layers where microfluidic pathways are formed between or on the first side of layers, and heating devices, including thin layers of conductive material, are applied to opposite sides, enabling heating from a distinct surface.
Multiple independent heating zones and temperature control via microprocessor
The chip contains a plurality of heating devices forming multiple independent heating zones, with functionality to connect to a microprocessor that controls the temperature of the fluid sample by managing the heating devices.
Microfluidic system with controlled heating and optical analysis
A microfluidic system includes the chip with coated microfluidic pathways and a microprocessor configured to heat the fluid sample from one side and perform optical analysis from the opposite side, with the heating device integrated onto the chip.
Microfluidic chip with layered thickness configuration and etched pathways
A microfluidic chip is formed from at least two layers of differing thicknesses, with at least one microfluidic pathway etched into the body and a coating exposed along the pathway to reduce fluid diffusion as fluid flows through.
The independent claims collectively cover a microfluidic chip having coated microfluidic pathways to reduce diffusion, integrated heating devices forming controlled heating zones, layered construction with controlled thicknesses, and a microfluidic system utilizing heating and optical analysis managed by a microprocessor, thereby addressing precise fluid sample manipulation and analysis.
Stated Advantages
Reduction of fluid diffusion and loss within microfluidic pathways, enhancing accuracy in real-time analysis.
Independent temperature control of multiple heating zones on the microfluidic chip for precise thermal management of fluid samples.
Integration of heating devices and optical sensors controlled by a microprocessor, enabling real-time monitoring and manipulation of fluid samples.
Use of optically transparent coatings and thin heating layers to maintain chip transparency for optical analysis.
Documented Applications
Real-time analysis of fluid samples, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.
Continuous flow microfluidic systems requiring manipulation, treatment, and monitoring of fluid samples within micro-channels.
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