Microfluidic device, system, and method for reversing a flow through a microfluidic channel
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11590500-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
There is provided a microfluidic device for reversing a flow through a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic device comprises a first microfluidic channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet, a second microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a first point of the first microfluidic channel to a second outlet via a first valve, a third microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a second point of the first microfluidic channel to a second inlet via a second valve, the second point being located between the first point and the first outlet, and at least one circuit for opening the first valve and the second valve. The first and the second valves are arranged to be initially closed, Upon opening of the first and the second valve during use, the flow direction through the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point is reversed.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a microfluidic device for reversing a flow through a microfluidic channel. The device includes a first microfluidic channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet, a second microfluidic channel fluidically connects a first point of the first microfluidic channel to a second outlet via a first valve, and a third microfluidic channel fluidically connects a second point of the first microfluidic channel to a second inlet via a second valve.
The first valve and the second valve are configured to be initially closed to prevent fluid from the first microfluidic channel reaching the second outlet and the second inlet, respectively. During use, fluid initially flows in the first microfluidic channel in a first direction from the first inlet to the first outlet, and at least one circuit is configured to open the first valve and to open the second valve.
When the at least one circuit opens the first valve and the second valve during use, a flow direction through the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point is reversed from the first direction to a second direction. Additional disclosed configurations include microfluidic circuits and electric circuits for opening valves, a particle trap with direction-dependent trapping and release behavior, and an airtight cover with a vent to allow air escape.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is directed to a microfluidic device in which two valves are initially closed and later opened by at least one circuit to reverse flow through a first microfluidic channel segment. The claim coverage includes electrical-signal triggering of a valve, an electric circuit configured to electrically trigger the first valve, a particle trap, and an airtight cover with a vent.
Flow reversal by initially closed valves and later circuit opening
A microfluidic device for reversing a flow through a microfluidic channel, comprising a first microfluidic channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet, a second microfluidic channel fluidically connects a first point of the first microfluidic channel to a second outlet via a first valve, and a third microfluidic channel fluidically connects a second point of the first microfluidic channel to a second inlet via a second valve; the first valve and the second valve are initially closed, and at least one circuit is configured to open the first valve and the second valve so that flow through the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point is reversed from a first direction to a second direction.
Electrical signal triggering of a valve
The at least one circuit is configured to trigger the first valve to be opened by using electrical signals.
Electric circuit configured to electrically trigger the first valve
The at least one circuit includes an electric circuit configured to electrically trigger the first valve to be opened.
Particle trap with direction-dependent behavior
A particle trap arranged in the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point, trapping particles when flow through the trap is in the first direction.
Airtight cover with vent to allow air escape
At least the third microfluidic channel is provided with an airtight cover, and a vent connected to the second valve allows air to escape from the second valve.
The covered inventive features center on reversing flow in a first microfluidic channel segment by initially closing first and second valves and then opening them via at least one circuit, including electrical-signal triggering. Additional features add a direction-dependent particle trap and an airtight and vented arrangement associated with the valve for air escape.
Stated Advantages
Reverses a flow direction through the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point by opening the first valve and the second valve during use.
Allows valve opening to be triggered by electrical signals.
Enables trapping particles when flow through the particle trap is in the first direction.
Allows air to escape from the second valve when the third microfluidic channel is provided with an airtight cover.
Documented Applications
A microfluidic system for reversing flow through a microfluidic channel during use, as part of a diagnostic device.
Interested in licensing this patent?