Microfluidic chips with optically transparent glue coating and a method of manufacturing microfluidic chips with optically transparent glue coating for a microfluidic device
Inventors
PATEL, Tej • REVILLA, Ryan • D'OOGE, MATTHEW
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9636674-B2
Publication Date
2017-05-02
Expiration Date
2033-09-16
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A microfluidic chip for a microfluidic system includes a PDMS substrate having a first thickness, at least one microfluidic pathway in the substrate, a coating along the microfluidic pathway, and a glass layer having a second thickness on the substrate and above the microfluidic pathway, wherein the coating contains an optically transparent material, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The coating includes cyanoacrylates, an UV curable epoxy adhesive, a gel epoxy or epoxy under trade name of EPO-TEK OG175, MasterBond EP30LV-1 or Locite 0151.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing microfluidic chips for handling fluid samples on a microfluidic level, specifically to reduce fluid diffusion and loss within micro-channels by applying a coating along the microfluidic pathway. The microfluidic chips include a substrate with at least one microfluidic pathway, a coating along the microfluidic pathway composed of optically transparent material such as cyanoacrylates or UV curable epoxy adhesives, and a glass layer above the substrate, with the substrate having a greater thickness than the glass layer.
The problem being solved arises from the inherent porous and highly permeable nature of PDMS substrates used in conventional microfluidic chips, causing unwanted diffusion or loss of fluid sample especially during continuous flow microfluidic analysis. This diffusion impairs real-time biochemical reaction monitoring, such as in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) applications, necessitating methods and chips that reduce fluid diffusion to improve accuracy and control.
The invention achieves these goals by coating the micro-channels within the substrate with an optically transparent material that seals pores and reduces diffusion without filling or obstructing the channels. The coating thickness is controlled carefully, and channels can be designed wider or deeper to accommodate this coating. Additionally, integrated heaters and temperature sensors enable independent zone temperature control, and optical sensors allow real-time monitoring of fluid manipulation within the chip.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims addressing a microfluidic chip system, a microfluidic device, and a method for manufacturing such devices featuring coatings and structural layers.
Microfluidic chip system with diffusion-reducing coating and optical analysis capabilities
The microfluidic chip includes at least one microfluidic pathway coated to reduce fluid diffusion and seal its surface, and an optical sensor performs optical analysis of fluid samples while held within the chip.
Microfluidic device with layered structure and exposed coating reducing fluid diffusion
The device comprises a first layer with at least one microfluidic pathway etched therein, a second layer placed against the first to enclose the pathway, and a coating exposed along the pathway to reduce fluid diffusion and seal its surface.
Method of manufacturing a microfluidic device with diffusion-reducing coating
The method involves etching a first layer to form microfluidic pathways, coating these pathways with a diffusion-reducing material that is allowed to set exposed along the pathway, and bonding a second layer to enclose the pathways with the coating exposed to reduce fluid diffusion and seal surfaces.
The claims cover inventive features of microfluidic chips and devices incorporating coatings that reduce fluid diffusion along microfluidic pathways, layered structural configurations with glass sealing layers, and manufacturing methods applying optically transparent coatings to improve fluid control and enable real-time optical analysis.
Stated Advantages
Reduction of fluid diffusion in micro-channels to improve accuracy in continuous flow microfluidic systems.
Optically transparent coatings enable real-time optical monitoring of fluid samples within micro-channels.
Independent temperature-controlled zones via integrated heaters and temperature sensors allow precise thermal management of fluid samples.
Documented Applications
Real-time analysis of fluids, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.
Manipulating or analyzing micro-sized fluid samples on microfluidic chips with volumes down to less than picoliters.
Continuous flow microfluidic systems for biochemical reaction examination and treatment of fluid samples.
Interested in licensing this patent?