Microfluidic devices with bubble diversion
Inventors
MADADI, Hojjat • Willshare, Thomas Michael • O'Halloran, Jonathan • SCULLY, Philip Thomas • Marshall, Paul • Boada, Eduardo
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11596944-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A microfluidics device has one or more bubble diversion regions. Problems associated with the generation of air bubbles are avoided in a microfluidics device such as a cartridge, for use with a point of care (POC) diagnostics device, the cartridge being able to carry out downstream processing such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or nucleic acid capture. The bubble diversion region has a lower flow resistance than the flow resistance of an area of interest.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a microfluidics device with a micro-channel configured to provide a fluid flow path. The micro-channel includes at least one area of interest for binding, capturing, imaging, or viewing within the micro-channel, and an adjacent bubble diversion region configured to influence bubble movement relative to the area of interest.
The bubble diversion region has a greater height than the height of the at least one area of interest and a lower flow resistance than the flow resistance of the at least one area of interest. This configuration preferentially routes bubbles around the area of interest without requiring permanent bubble trapping.
The micro-channel is implemented using structural features in a first substrate and a second substrate. The micro-channel comprises a groove in the first substrate and extends through a first aperture and a second aperture, and the second surface of the first substrate comprises a plug receiving section, with at least a part of a geometry of the bubble diversion area provided on the second surface of the first substrate.
In some configurations, the bubble diversion region geometry is implemented using grooves on an upper portion of the microfluidic channel, including embodiments where the bubble diversion region includes one or more grooves. Other implementations include bubble diversion regions that are partially formed in or by a plug insertable into the substrate, where the plug receiving section supports a push fit or friction fit.
Claims Coverage
The provided material identifies one independent claim covering four inventive features: an area of interest for binding, capturing, imaging, or viewing; an adjacent bubble diversion region with defined relative height and lower flow resistance; a substrate-based micro-channel structure including apertures and a groove; and a plug receiving section with geometry provided on a substrate surface.
Bubble diversion region adjacent to a functional area of interest
A micro-channel comprising at least one area of interest for binding, capturing, imaging, or viewing, and a bubble diversion region adjacent to the at least one area of interest.
Lower flow resistance and greater height for bubble diversion
The bubble diversion region having a greater height than the height of the at least one area of interest and a lower flow resistance than the flow resistance of the at least one area of interest.
Substrate groove and through-aperture micro-channel path
A first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a micro-channel comprising a groove in the first substrate, the micro-channel extending from the groove in the first surface of the first substrate to the second surface through a first aperture, and from the second surface to the first surface through a second aperture.
Overlaying substrates with plug receiving section and provided bubble diversion geometry
A second substrate overlaid on the first substrate, wherein the second surface of the first substrate comprises a plug receiving section, and wherein at least a part of a geometry of the bubble diversion area is provided on the second surface of the first substrate.
The independent claim coverage centers on a continuous fluid micro-channel that integrates an area of interest with an adjacent bubble diversion region characterized by greater height and lower flow resistance, implemented through a first and second substrate micro-channel path having a groove and through-apertures, and supported by a plug receiving section that provides part of the bubble diversion geometry on the substrate surface.
Stated Advantages
Bubbles divert around the area of interest without needing permanent bubble trapping.
Documented Applications
Point of care (POC) diagnostic cartridges with continuous-flow micro-channels, including use with PCR and/or nucleic acid capture/imaging in an area of interest.
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