Microfluidic microarray systems and methods thereof
Inventors
West, Jay A. A. • Hukari, Kyle W. • Hux, Gary A.
Assignees
National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC • Sandia National Laboratories
Publication Number
US-7524672-B2
Publication Date
2009-04-28
Expiration Date
2024-09-22
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Abstract
Disclosed are systems that include a manifold in fluid communication with a microfluidic chip having a microarray, an illuminator, and a detector in optical communication with the microarray. Methods for using these systems for biological detection are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The present invention relates to microfluidic systems integrated with microarrays for biological detection. It provides systems comprising a manifold fluidically connected to a microfluidic chip that includes a microarray, an illuminator for providing light to the chip, and a detector in optical communication with the microarray. The microfluidic chip is capable of transmitting light to the microarray and is secured to the manifold. This configuration enables efficient preparation, binding, and detection of biomolecules on the microarray.
The problem addressed involves the lengthy and tedious processing times in current microarray technologies, often taking up to four days for RNA/DNA sample preparation, and the lack of designs for quick and portable sensing of biomolecules. The invention solves these issues by providing compact systems combining microfluidics, microarray discrimination, and imaging to allow high throughput, rapid, and portable gene microarray analysis.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one main independent claim that defines a system comprising a manifold, microfluidic chip with microarray, illuminator, and detector. The inventive features emphasize the structural integration and optical and fluidic communication within the system.
Manifold with fluidic and light access features
The system includes a manifold with an opening, a recessed portion to receive the microfluidic chip, first and second lateral slots providing light access to opposite edges of the chip, means to secure the chip to the manifold, and multiple via holes in fluid communication with microchannels on the microfluidic chip.
Microfluidic chip capable of transmitting light and having a microarray
The microfluidic chip comprises a microarray and is capable of both receiving and transmitting light to the microarray, allowing optical communication required for detection.
Illuminator providing light for excitation
An illuminator supplies light to the system, typically through waveguides or fiber bundles, and can include various light sources such as LEDs, lasers, or other optical sources.
Detector in optical communication with the microarray
The system includes a detector such as a microscope, scanner, photomultiplier tube, or CCD that detects signals from the microarray, with detailed features including pixel arrangements optically coupled to biomolecular spots and capability for fluorescence detection.
In summary, the claims cover an integrated system that provides fluidic control, optical illumination, and detection capabilities in a compact assembly combining a manifold and microfluidic chip with a microarray, with innovations in sealing, light transmission, and detection arrangements.
Stated Advantages
Enables detection of microarray probes in parallel and in real-time, integrating sample preparation, hybridization, and probe/target detection.
Provides a compact platform suitable for portable sensing of biomolecules such as gene sequences and proteins from various organisms.
Allows pressure flows exceeding 100 PSI for microarray hybridization and channel washing, ensuring robust fluid handling.
High-resolution imaging of microarray spots using CCD detectors positioned proximate to the microarray surface.
Facilitates real-time fluorescence detection with multi-wavelength illumination using compact, easily integrated LED-based illuminators.
Documented Applications
Detection of biomolecules including gene sequences and proteins originating from viruses, bacteria, plants, algae, and eukaryotes such as mammalian cells.
Applications in healthcare, food safety, drug testing, and bioweapons defense through gene microarray analysis.
Sample preparation, microarray hybridization, and fluorescent probe detection on a single microfluidic chip system.
Real-time biological detection and analysis using microfluidic integrated microarrays.
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